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Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: cacciatore on December 24, 2008, 06:36:00 PM

Title: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 24, 2008, 06:36:00 PM
HI guys, I kow a couple of guys down here that own a Bear Special Limited Numbered editionTD 1980 signed Fred Bear with Brazilian rosewood riser selected yew limbs under clearglass. Do they have areally high value or they don't have interest for collectors. I guess are almost new maybe never used or at least in mint condition. Felix
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on December 24, 2008, 09:14:00 PM
Hi Filex those are about the top of the line collecters.Very nice looking bow and shoot rather well.Price is kind of hard to say right now.In the last year or so I've seen then sell for 3,500.00 for a mint never shot down to 1,800.00 for a used one.bowdoc
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 25, 2008, 04:24:00 AM
I'try to see if they want to sell them and for how much, those are RH and I am looking for bows that I can shoot and maybe hunt with. I let you know, Felix
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on December 25, 2008, 06:05:00 AM
Sounds good keep me posted bowdoc
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: PAPALAPIN on December 25, 2008, 08:42:00 AM
God did let some idiots into the world, including those super-idioats that would buy that bow and shoot it.  

I can see one of them draging it along like John Voight in Deliverance.  Just as soon go buy a Gold Bullion brick and use it as a rock to chunk at rabbits.

I know bows are meant to be shot, but that particular bow is an investment to just be looked at and fondled.  Actually it should be left sealed in the box.

Doc, I thoght one sold for $5000.00 at a P&Y raffle, or ws that the $2500.00 one that you were speaking of.

Wasn't original price something like $1000.00?
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on December 25, 2008, 09:41:00 AM
Yes they have sold at auction for 5,000 and I even heard of one for 7,800 at do gooder auction like P&Y but as is is another ?? they actually shoot pretty good really.I think the idea of the new Supreme T/D was based on the Fred Bear Signuture Bow.Production was supposed to be 999 bows and sold for 999.99.Some guy's say there were only 300 made.There was more like 750 plus made.But at the price of them Jack's right most guy's do not shoot them...bowdoc
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on December 25, 2008, 10:02:00 AM
I bought mine for 2,000.00 in 2000 sold it for 3,500.00 the same day..never strung never shot never even seen the damn thing.I had it shipped directly to the new owner.I'am not sure now that;that was such a smart move in hind sight.I would like to have that one back and pass it down to my grandson.Now we got 3 grandsons and one more on the way in about 3 months.So I will be needing 4 signutire bows !!!! Yeah I can see that happening.....bowdoc
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: PAPALAPIN on December 25, 2008, 11:37:00 AM
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: raghorn on December 25, 2008, 01:26:00 PM
Felix! How are you doing! Haven't talked to you in years since you hunted elk here in Colorado.These bows should be in a walnut box with a pamphlet in a plastic envelope. The white flemish bowstring is wound around two walnut pegs inside the box. If it is not complete like this then I would be suspect about the bow. If an original owner were to transfer the bow to somebody else they were to notify Bear who would keep records of these bows.

There were less than 300 risers made( something like 275) and about 600 sets of limbs.The original goal was to be 1000 bows. That was the info I got from Shirley Boname when I ordered mine in 1984. They were not getting them produced as fast as some customers would have like and some even canceled their order. That was how I was able to get mine.
My original set of limbs had the wood cracked along side of the locator hole. I sent them back to Bear for replacement. This would not have affected shooting so I asked them if I could keep/buy the original limbs. Bear said NO! They had to be destroyed to preserve the rarity.
Now that I am shooting LH I have entertained the idea of trading my RH Signature for a LH. However, I'm not sure if there were any LH ones made. I would have to say the serial #1 was LH as that one was for Fred Bear. #2-#11 were gifts from Fred to friends.
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on December 25, 2008, 02:38:00 PM
should look something like this.Page 5 1981 Bear Archery catalog.I believe Glenn StCharles signuture bow was lefthanded along with at least 4 others.I think Glenn's bow is now owned I by J&M traditions.bowdoc (http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii175/bowdocsarchery/sig001.jpg)
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 25, 2008, 03:45:00 PM
Hi Ron, nice to see you, I am still hunting Colorado and when I am there and not hunting I live by my goo friend King Cavalier owner of King of the Mountain, Loveland. Tose bows are autentic pieces because I remember back in early 80's the Italian Bear bows importer bought few of them and at least 2 of the guys that where shooting with me had their bows, maybe I sow one by the dealer me too,but at those days I was interested in (sigh!) compounds. I let you know the rest of the story in the next few days
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 26, 2008, 05:01:00 AM
Well, one of the guys still have his Custom Signature and want to sell it, so tomorrow 5am eastern time I' ll go to see the conditions and ask for the price
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on December 26, 2008, 08:23:00 AM
Keep us podted..bowdoc
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 26, 2008, 08:33:00 AM
You bet,Doc.
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: artifaker1 on December 26, 2008, 11:12:00 AM
Papalapin; you just buy one that someone else already shot, that way you don't take the devaluation. I saw one go for 2900.00 on the action site and it was 60# with the rosewood overlays on the yew. It had been shot. That was the only one that I wanted, got to be able to shoot it!
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: aromakr on December 26, 2008, 12:10:00 PM
Several years ago my good friend Bill Krenze was shooting one at Denton Hill, my first question was "why" are you shooting that bow. He said "I want too" will you make me some arrows to match it. Which I did, I had some beautiful Rosewood to match the riser and I footed some shafts and made some real fancy arrows for him. Everyone has there own needs I guess.
Bob
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: raghorn on December 26, 2008, 01:01:00 PM
In the mid 80s I heard of someone that bought two of them......one to hang on the wall and another to hunt with.
These bows were originally made up to 65#, but when I sent my damaged 65# limbs back to Bear they replaced with 60# and said they would no longer do 65# on this bow.
I am not aware of a Signature with rosewood overlays on the yew. The tip overlays are two color glass I believe. My bow is shrink wrapped so i can't tell  for sure.
Just a note.....the yew wood in these bows was from Earl Ulrich- Doc I hope I spelled that right!
There are some well made copies of the Signature bows out there.
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Stickbow98 on December 26, 2008, 03:42:00 PM
Here's an even better pic for those interested....

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/stickbow98/bearspecial.jpg)

>>--Ron--<>
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: TRAP on December 26, 2008, 04:05:00 PM
A work of Art.  I'd have to shoot it.  Good thing I don't own one.

Trap
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 27, 2008, 07:34:00 AM
Well,I am back from my friend house. The bow is the # 066, it is been shoot on a couple of occasions so is in mint condition and only the leather rest has sign of light use, no scrathes,dents or other poundage is 50 and the riser sims to have 2 different exotic woods,one is Brazilean rosewood the other could be light coloured ebony! It carries the date 1982, and was personally given from Fred Bear to his italian friend and Bear archery importer.The problem cuold be the price,he thinks that the bow can worth more than 10000 and he is thinking to post it on auction,so I think it is too hight on price althrough I don't know where to find another one. Another limit for me it could be is is Right hand. BUT this guy owns also a Custom TD of the 80's with a set of longbow lims and a set of ricurve. I did'nt not that that kind of lims where been build for a TD Custom. They are 69" and 40#.So I told him to let me know the final price for the 2 bows. Felix
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Falk on December 27, 2008, 12:36:00 PM
Felix,
I've sent you an e-mail

Falk
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on December 27, 2008, 01:26:00 PM
For 10,000.00 at auction.I'am pretty certin he will not be selling it at that price.bowdoc
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 27, 2008, 02:13:00 PM
what about those long bow limbs forthe custom Kodiak?
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on December 27, 2008, 02:20:00 PM
They did not shoot to good and Bear had problems with them.bd
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 27, 2008, 03:13:00 PM
That is exactly what the owner told me. Ver very slow and weak. So also if rare they are with out value? And since I don't findany LH custom TD woul you buy the new TD supreme?
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: raghorn on December 27, 2008, 05:04:00 PM
A year ago or so, someone had a Signature on the fleabay with a starting price of $6500. I don't believe it ever sold. The bow was a left over at the Bear plant and I don't think it had a serial number. seems a couple have sold ove rhte last few year on bbay for around $4500.
The longbow limbs were only made one year, maybe worth about $400.
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 27, 2008, 05:31:00 PM
Ron, what about that Bear bow you where talking me about?  Felix
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Falk on December 27, 2008, 07:44:00 PM
The last Signature TD I saw up for auction in Europe did not even reach the $2000 mark. I dont remember if it had been shot once or twice but I think it was in as new condition, also being 50#. If it had had 60# or 65# to it, I guess it would be sitting in my rack now. And yes - of course - I would shoot it as often as I could    :smileystooges:  

Felix, I think your friend is nuts! If he is asking that kind of money dont even bother with sending pics. I am also sorry to say, there is no LH riser available in my vicinity.

Does anyone know where the journal is today in which Frank Scott kept track of the Signature TD's?

edit: question in bold font
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on December 28, 2008, 04:04:00 AM
Yes I guess I let my friend put that bow on auction because he really thinks it worths too much!!!
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Moooseran on January 02, 2009, 04:43:00 PM
I have the list of Signature Bow owners that was given to me by Frank.............
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: cacciatore on January 02, 2009, 05:02:00 PM
The bow was bought from Roberto Chizzoli I told me directly from Fred,when they hunted together, and Roberto was a dealer for Italy at that time. Could it be true?
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Horney Toad on January 02, 2009, 07:14:00 PM
I wanted to hunt with mine so I drilled some holes for quiver bushings and then drilled some holes for a sight. I messed these holes up so I had to drill some more sight holes.
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on January 02, 2009, 09:18:00 PM
Toad what the heck are you talking about.I know better then that.No man in his right mind would ever take a drill to one of them.That would make a cool video though...bowdoc
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: TRAP on January 02, 2009, 10:41:00 PM
I'd sooner drill a hole in the Fing Mona Lisa

Trap
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Stickbow98 on January 02, 2009, 11:23:00 PM
bowdoc..."No man in his right mind would ever take a drill to one of them"

Uh, Doc...I've heard the same thing said about taking a jacknife to a '59 Kodiak!!  :eek:   :scared:  

Trap..."I'd sooner drill a hole in the Fing Mona Lisa"

Hmmmm, I think maybe yer a little late, Trap... where do think that mysterious SMILE came from??     :smileystooges:
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Moooseran on January 03, 2009, 12:08:00 AM
Hey Bowdoc..How's your weather ?  Happy New Year
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Horney Toad on January 03, 2009, 12:24:00 AM
I didn't really drill the holes bowdoc, only couldn't resist trolling for a few nibbles! LOL
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on January 03, 2009, 05:08:00 AM
Hey easy on the old timer tip removel tool.I should have pat.that idea.
Moose we're doing good now the snow melted.It was raining for 3 days like it only can in Seattle.Hope everythings well on your end.
Toad I was rolling on the floor when I read your post.That was great.My minds eye could see it all going down too...ah crap not there no wait right here,no right here...wow that lightened her up a bit with all the new holes.....bowdoc
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Falk on January 03, 2009, 07:31:00 AM
Hi Moose,

I thought you may have it. However, I saw 'it' up for auction in 2007 or something. The description said it was the real thing and I had no doubts about it, knowing that sellers background. It was a hand written journal.

Did Mr. Scott kept double notes?
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Moooseran on January 03, 2009, 03:46:00 PM
Falk I'm Not sure what was on **** for sale. Mine is a ledger log to keep track of these bows as they were sold and some returned..

I'll have to dig the list out and see who has or had #66 and if it changed hands at all.
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Moooseran on January 03, 2009, 03:47:00 PM
Bowdoc: Whens a good time to catch up with you ?

Email me.............
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Falk on January 04, 2009, 02:12:00 PM
Moose, sent you a PM with details about the auction from 2007
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: mullet on January 04, 2009, 04:48:00 PM
I know L. Buzbee, in Lakeland bought the rest of them left over at the Bear Factory.I held one and looked at the rest. He made me put on white gloves.I know some Dealers in Fl. were pissed he got them because supposedly they were to be offered to the Dealers first.
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: Moooseran on January 04, 2009, 05:10:00 PM
Falk, sent you an email..........
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: d. ward on January 04, 2009, 05:53:00 PM
I looked at the last 6 that were in cartivity at Bear Archery as well as pics of the 6 with no sockets that were later stolden from Bear Archery by a former emp.Those 6 now have stolden black sockets in them right ?  Everyone of those complete gold latch bows that were still there had been returned do to milkey looking moisture problems in the finish on the bottom side of the grips which was resting in the presentation box.I know who ever bought the last 6 of those bows was located in Fla.somewhere.That person tried later on selling a couple of them off gbay for like 8,500.00 BIN.Those were the 6 complete bows that had been returmed with that milkey looking damage because Frank Scott contacted me via the StCharles family about buffing them out.Once I seen one of the bows first hand.There is no way that would buff out.I myself would try and buy an early one that had been sold when they were still being manufactured rather then one that had been locked in a valt in saltly Fla.all those years along with the SCI print of Fred.That all got sold of by the then new owners...bd
Title: Re: Bear TD special ed.
Post by: TimberlineX on July 30, 2009, 12:21:00 PM
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