Trad Gang
Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: Kevin Dill on April 22, 2009, 07:55:00 AM
-
A good friend of a friend recently asked me if I was interested in helping him determine the value of, and then sell several bows. These are all bows he personally owns, and there is significant provenance to a couple of them.
I'm not certain I've come to the right venue here, so please accept my apology if I've made a mistake.
At this point I won't go into a lot of detail (in case I'm in the wrong place) but will follow up with all possible info as necessary. The bows are these:
Bear A Handle Magnesium riser in rough condition
Bear C Handle Magnesium green w/white limbs
Hoyt Pro Medalist TD Target, signed by Ann & Earl
Bear A Handle Wood w/black limbs in good condition
Bear TD limbs (3 sets...1 set is target)
Bear Signature B Handle TD in walnut case. Has never been assembled. Personal gift from Fred Bear. (SN 41)
Bear TD soft case, black ext...red lining.
I have a rudimentary knowledge of Bear bows and their values, but I am not a collector or historian. The owner of these bows has a very long history of bowhunting, and he was president of a company that most bowhunters and archers recognize. As said, my interest is in determining a reasonable value for these items, and then will all be going for sale.
Kevin Dill
-
Some of those bows will bring big bucks, some are mideocre.
The rule of thumb is that they are worth what someone will pay...no more, no less. the only way to really know is to put hem up for auction on e8ay. The bidders will set the value.
Of course that does not say that he is ready to sell them right now, so that may not be a good way to find out.
Some others here may step in and give their opinion as to what some of these are worth to them.
Now in my ignorance, I was not aware that there was aa Signature "A" handle. I thought they were all "B" risers in the series. That bow should bring big bucks. I know some of the "B" risers Signatures have gone for as much as $5000.00, possibly more. In my opinion, an "A" riser would be less common and possibly be worth more. In any case, the value will be effected by the economy, the condition, if it is signed by Papa Bear, and other factors.
You can go to e8ay and search for these individual items under arcehry in the compleated items catagory and see what like items have sold for over the past 60 days, although I am sure you will not find some of those rare items.
Now if he wants to sell me the Signature A handle in the case, I will give him $100.00 for it...hey, I took a shot. :goldtooth:
-
A-C mags with limbs can run from 200.00 to 400.00 pending on condition and draw weight...Hoyt bow maybe 200.00 to 400.00 ish..Bear A handle with black limbs ? what year is it ??? 3 sets of limbs 150.00-250.00 again pending draw weight and condition..Bear signature A handle in walnut case ??? got any pics of that one ???????? bd
-
Great questions guys. First the signature bow: It is currently on its way to me. I referred to it as an "A" riser...but it could be a "B". I don't have it here to look at, and I can't get that answered for a bit. The rest of the info on that signature bow is accurate. SN-41, gold hardware, case, personal gift, etc.
I will begin loading pics as soon as I have time to take them...none yet.
The limbs on the wood A are #3s with white tip overlays. Riser sn is 1880. The limbs are vgc with no linear or horiz stress marks.
Other limbs are: #3s black/white tip / #3s white/black tip / #1s black/red tip
Thanks to all,
Kevin
-
Keep us posted as I may have a few people interested in some of your items when your ready.bowdoc
-
You bet. I have confirmed the signature bow is a B, and edited the original posting...thanks again for your knowledge.
Kevin
-
Kevin
Although I said that I did not know there was such a thing as an "A" riser Signature bow does not mean that it does not exist. BowDoc and Wade would be the ones to really know about that.
Doc, I assume that when you value the 3 sets of limbs at $150 - $250 you mean per set. I will give $250 for all three right now. Again, a lot depends on timing, the economy, and market conditions. I gave $300 for a set of black lims/white tips 50# with mismatched serial numbers. In my opinion, given the same condition,the white tips will go for higher that the red tips. Also the weight rating of each set of limbs will have a bearing. The heavier the weight, the higher the value. Most collectors want the hunting weights rather than the target weights. Keep in mind I said "in my opinion".
-
Here are pics of the A handle takedown: Limbs are #3s listed at 55# on A riser.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows/IMG_2740.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows/IMG_2741.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows/IMG_2742.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows/IMG_2743.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows/IMG_2745.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows/IMG_2746.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows/IMG_2747.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows/IMG_2748.jpg)
-
Ok I will take a stab at her the A is a type 1 1970-ish.One draw back is the hole for cushin plunger and sight holes(none factory).I do not think thats a factory plunger button hole and may have been added after the fact(wrong bushing on the right side of the hole).That type plunger hole should have had a factory metal adjustable strike plate as well.Again just working off the pics and hard to say without seing the bow in hand.Some guy's like them and some don't.Two sight holes in the sightrail none factory and a little draw back also.As for value I would venture to say with the limbs somewhere between 900.00 to 1,200.00 -ish somewhere in there.
Little trivia Bear archery did not make any signature A risers until around the year 2000-2002 well after Freds passing.The sig A's came with 22 crt gold plated hardware same as the original B sig bow did but looks more like the new Supreme rather then the early signatures did.more pics ???????? bowdoc
-
That riser has brown bears on the clamps. That says first year to me. 1970. Not an expert on it but I thought it curiousthat it had a pluner hole in it, especially since it encroaches on the Bear coin. I was going to ask if it was like that from the factory until I saw Don's post.
-
Yes Jack all the black and tan A's and B's & C's had the brown bears on the yokes.As for the plunger my thought was the same as it should not have been drilled that high in the riser...bd
-
If that set of #1 limbs are in the 40-45lb range, I'd be interested in them....
Tom I.
-
The #1 limb set is 58# at 60" on a B riser.
There is one set of black #3 limbs that are in the 40's.
My personal take on the A handle bow is that it is a great shooter for the guy that really wants to hunt with one...or just have one to shoot. It has had a fair amount of alteration that affects its value as a collection bow somewhat. In the hand, it is still a very nice, pretty and worthy weapon.
Planning to take (and post) additional pics this evening. Thanks guys.
Kevin
-
Ouch, drilling holes in an original A riser should be a crime!
That said, I have A-riser #1879, so thinking with my heart and not my head, I guess I should really be interested in that A-riser #1880.
You guys are killing me with the sickness.
And Doc, I was planning to hunt with an A-riser until you just told me what it's worth!
Is any of that stuff really worth more than $125? ;)
-
I spoke to the owner of these bows today. Regarding the plunger hole in the A riser bow: This hole was drilled at the Bear factory in Grayling, MI while he waited on it. Fred Bear had it done according to the request of the owner, and it is perhaps the only one ever done at the Bear factory.
Next pics are of the Hoyt Pro Medalist.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2752.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2753.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2754.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2755.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2756.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2758.jpg)
-
Next is the magnesium C handle target bow. The paint is green, and in generally good shape except for a significant loss on the back side of the sight window area...secondary to some (probably adhesive) accessory. The limbs are almost pristine.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2759.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2760.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2761.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2762.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2764.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2765.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2766.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2768.jpg)
-
The #3 series target limbs:
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2769.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2770.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2771.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2773.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2774.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2775.jpg)
-
The #1 series limbs. These are in good structural condition, but the finish is moderately rough. Several chips and nicks in the finish...many light scuffs and scratches. Normal stress lines in the glass. Certainly good for use; need refinished for best appearance.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2776.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2777.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2778.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2779.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2780.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2781.jpg)
-
And the #3 series black limbs. These are very, very nice visually...great in fact.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2782.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2783.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2784.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2785.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2786.jpg)
-
And here is the magnesium A riser. It was a green flocked finish, and some of the texture still remains intact. It is visually rough, but structurally sound. 1R grip.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2787.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2788.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2789.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2790.jpg)
-
Finally, the original Bear TD bow case. It has sewn-in limb sleeves x 4. All dividers are intact. Handles are good (1 nick) and zipper is fine. Saw one go on e--buy for over $150.
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2792.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2791.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2793.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2794.jpg)
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Bear%20Bows%202/IMG_2796.jpg)
-
Actually there are about 10-12% of early Bear take downs have the plunger button hole A's and B's both that was an oppsion then and was installed in many of them.I'am not saying the hole is not factory I'am saying the bushing is not a Bear factory bushing.Many A's and B's have the plunger hole however from the factory they had a nylon threaded set screw installed and a super small brass bushing.bd
-
Interesting. Part of the reason I decided to help my friend was the opportunity to learn more about these bows. I have another friend who has hunted multiple seasons with a 1970s wood A-Handle...and killed some fine animals with it too. He owns several A's, and also a B Signature in the case.
I'm beginning to get an approximate idea of value on these bows and items. I'm interested in opinions on how to best market them: Ebuy? Tradgang? Other?
Kevin
-
tough call on the marketing right now 6 of one half dozen of the other.Myself I would maybe list them here for a few days and if you don't get much action then do gbay maybe.As for some of the values like the C mag and limbs 250-300-ish the target limbs maybe 150.00-200.00 the heavier limbs maybe 200.00 - 250-275-ish.The A mag has 3 extra none factory holes and is missing the original strike plate and bear logo button but I still think those are in the 100-150-175-ish price range.And then the red T/D case yes someone did pay like 161.00 for a mint one I saw on the bay one time.I've purchased several myself and seen several sell for less then 50.00 also.Go figure thats gbay for ya...Again the prices are just a guestement...if I was fat right now I would like to buy the red tipers but I'am lieveing for bear hunting next month and pretty low on dough.Thats a great set of hunting weight limbs...thank you for showing the items...bowdoc
-
Kevin...
Thanks for the specs on the #1 limbs....they're too strong for these old shouders though....I'll just keep looking...
Tom I.
-
Tom...I have an extra set of red tips
Stats
A=58"-45#
B-62"-43#
C=68"-39#
2-10942
;)
-
Kevin
A sneaky way of determining value is to put each item on e8ay. List a low starting price but have a very high reserve, and don't list what the reserve is. Let's say you put the reserve at $6000 on the B riser signature bow. let the bidders bid it up to see how high it goes. If it does not reach reserve then there is no sale, and no e8ay fes. Now you knoww what the bidders say the value is. Now you can offer it for sale at a small bit more than the bidders offered and be ready to negotiate a small discount. Lots of trouble to go through but you would find out what is a fair value in today's market.
-
I always just kind of check simule items myself rather then to hassle with gbay.I though tthere was a fee with reserve even if you do not make a sale.You can relist for free but I thought they charged for the first listing ??? bd
-
I understand the ebuy system...have bought and sold on there for several years. It's definitely on my list of potential methods to sell these items. Still, if an individual offers enough of a fair price, I'd rather sell straight out. A Tradganger would be a plus.
Kevin
-
OOPS!!! - Learned something again.