A lot of speculation surrounds the year of sale of Gordon Plastics Inc to Browning Arms, even though Gordon's own website indicates it was 1963.

I discovered a local newspaper article detailing the Gordon, Browning relationship and the sale thereof. According to the article the sale took place in August of 1963.

I think it also settles where Browning bows were made; at least for the first few years.

From Jan. 9, 1968

So there is a one year difference in the two reports. I believe this one just rounded up the years.

Still in San Diego 1970 (Jan. 6, 1970)

Great info, thanks for sharing!

Right ties down connections with Eicholtz, Gordon Plastics and dates nicely.

So,where does the connection with Harry Drake come in to play?

Drake was doing his own thing during these years.

That ad is from 77

Yep....it is. I think if anything Harry was a phone call away and maybe paid to be in advisory status. It's no coincidence that they named their early 80's takedown the Drake.

The evidence, from comments in successive articles, seems to indicate that Jack Bice was the bowyer, as Gerry Amster stated, and then became the Plant Manager.

From my research Harry Drake's involvement in a formal manner was in the mid-70's, though with all of the archery production in San Diego the major players were clearly always talking.

Interesting that their total output a month was 2500 bows. That compares favourably with our estimates for Root/Shakespeare who had a bigger operation and turned out close to 5000.

The final interesting thing is that Browning bows were being made there in 1962, well before the formal handoff from Gordon in August 1963.

I have a 1963 catalog, Browning's first one.

I have a couple early Browning catalogs and they include gun and archery items together. Does anyone recall whether early catalogs were offered "archery only"

That is what I have, a 1963 Browning Archery catalog.

I have a bow offered only in the 1963 Browning catalog, never again, serial number 2F509. Guesses?

Might be a Monarch?

I guess the first catalogue was 1963 but they needed to build bows in 1962 so they would have inventory to sell the next year. The 1961 Gordon Royal Huntsman looked a lot like the early Brownings. The 1962 Explorers that Dave Ross and mangonboat have are ringers for a Nomad or Safari and were designed by Jack Bice and Jerry Amster to sell Browning on letting them make their bows.

Mark...with the F it should be an Olympian but that bow was common. Got me...Kerry is likely right.

I was being facetious...the clue should have given it away. One look and its obvious what it is, but I was surprised because I have seen at least one other Diana with a 3H serial number.

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