I would appreciate any information I can get about the following 2 bows. I think the first is maybe a 1971 and the mag riser is probably from about the same time. I only have a couple of pictures for now but should get the bows tomorrow. The first- # 2255 "B"

the Mag bow-

I dunno for sure but I can tell you that first one is worth some money!!!

I only know what I read, which says the serial number is above 2000, so it's probably a Type 2. It also appears to have either a hole/bushing or something is missing? Both look like they have been in those poor cases for many years. I wonder if the cases can be repaired...? thanks.

Cases can be cleaned up. Take out the foam and replace with carpet.

The first one is worth some money. Type I or II. The Mags clean up really well, and can either be sprayed or dipped. Not worth anywhere near what the first one is but, I would be hanging on to both of them.

The wood riser is missing the flat head screw,the bushing is for single mount leather top quiver.

oh good... that was worrying me. I don't like arrow holders either, but saw a picture of a 1971 riser and it also had one on it. Was it a factory accessory?

That was a factory bushing. You should be able to find a flat head screw for it. Nice finds.

What’s the story on these great finds?

T4

They are mine now happily in Arkansas just waiting to be cleaned up after many years of neglect. I was told that they were an estate find many years ago and had been stored ever since. I'm not a collector so I will clean them up get them in the hands of someone that appreciates them. Most of the mess is just what's left of the foam in the old Bear cases...which I like and want to try to fix for my own personal use. I posted pics on the Traditional Bear Archery FB page and it seems that everyone agrees about the 1971 wood riser bow. I haven't looked close at the Mag riser yet, but the limbs are all good weights...although a little rough. Thanks again...this is all new to me and I enjoy learning about old bows.

I wiped the old case foam off of the riser... :)

the mag riser is a mystery to me as well... I would figure it was from around the same time period but it has a coin that was green, and looks to be copper, not brass?

The coin is the Bear button medallion coin which is plastic. They were first used on the Grayling Magnesium takedown risers from late 1972 to 1978. It most likely got the green color from the flocking. Bear flocked the risers in 1971, and 1972. I'm not sure if flocking was used part way or completely through 1973. Moss green was used all three years.

cool...thanks for the information. I had no idea they made plastic medallions. Someone on another site thought that it might be a 1973.

The Bear plastic Button medallions ( late 1972 to 1978 ) on the Grayling Bear bows. But they were used from 1979 to 1996 also on the Gainesville Bear bows. They were either silver or gold colored.

I should of said on some of the Gainesville bows because I have a 1996 Bear Kodiak Takedown that has a brass coin.

thanks! I see what looks like copper but it must be brass as the old copper Bear doesn't show the trees I see behind the bear and by his front leg... all interesting stuff. thanks again.

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