Found this bow in my Grandpa's spare room. I've never seen it shot at all and would like to find out more of what it could be. There are no markings on the bow other than what are seen in the pics. Looks like a static tip longbow and might be a 50's Bear Grizzly. Anyway here are the pics.

Whatever it is, it's a classic...

Ya lucky dog

Here are a few more pics. Static tip longbow maybe 1950's Bear. No decals on it anywhere.

You know what this is!?

My BIG question is? Can it be shot? Or is it a wall hanger? Batman

I have a feeling Bodyman knows something.

I wonder if it's a Howatt. I briefly had a 50s Howatt and it had the stamped numerals like that and the fiberglass cloth visible on the limbs.

Why do we no longer see static tip or semi-recurve produced? Ready to stand corrected if they still are.

My only guess is its a VERY early Bear/Grumley effort prior to Nel's splitting the scene. Prior to the fiberglass changing. Just a guess.

It appears to be an osage bow, but I have no idea who might have made it?

I don't think it's a Bear (and it's definitely not a Grumley), but it does have the early woven orange fiberglass backing on it that Bear originally used and also sold to other bowmakers.

It's probably from late 40's to about 1950 because that's when that woven glass backing was available.

I have a beautifully made yew billet bow from that period and also has the same fiberglass backing on it (and it's not a Bear or Grumley either).

You sure its not linen instead of glass. I'm guessing bear.

It's not linen.

It's woven fiberglass cloth that was produced by Corning and distributed (and used) by Bear in the '40's.

Well made.Not a Bear or a Grumley imo.

That yew bow may be one of the prettiest bows Ive seen. Those lines are gorgeous. Everything is done so cleanly.

I was thinking exactly the same thing Pearly.

Agreed. That is a looker!

I'm making me a selfie just like it! That's one of the things I so love about building bows. There are few you cant mimic or replicate.

I don't know squat what bow it is, but it sure is cool. Great find. JF

That Yew billet bow looks so much like it. If it had the same static tips I'd say it was a perfect match. I'd guess mid 40's to 50 as well. I'm thinking my Grandpa bought it upon returning from WWII. Sadly neither of my Grandparents are still here to ask about it. I'm hoping that it is still shootable. It would be fantastic to take this with me and have a part of him with me again.

Its osage, so your good there. The only downfall when it comes to shooting it COULD be the crappy fiberglass backing. They switched directions for many a good reasons.

If it broke, would you be devastated?

I would be disappointed for sure but a bow that just sits on the shelf might as well be broken. I think I'd rather shoot it as long as I don't get a static tip in the head.

The good thing about osage is it doesn't need help in compression or tension. So even if that fiberglass cracked and went to heck on you as you drew it out, its not going to be a violent break. Just a few ticks and pops letting you know she has had enough. Wear safety glasses the first 50 shots.

I agree, a hanging bow is no good to me either.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here