Trad Gang
Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: Lone Ranger on January 11, 2011, 09:54:00 AM
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this is a total re-post from the pow wow section of the forums, looking for some help in here!
I have an old "Drake" recurve that was my wifes dads. he gave it to me in pretty rough shape (VERY DIRTY) looks to be really nice now that it is cleaned up. I used some 000 steel wool and sanded down the finish on the handle and used some lighter fluid and took of a lot of gunk from the limbs. It is a left hand bow and the only marking on it is the "drake" decal on the bottom limb, and the number "3100" on the left side of the riser. It measures 60&3/4 inches unstrung. I have no idea what the bow weight is (guessing 50-60#'s?)I'd like to post some pics on here for feedback~
pics may take a minute or 2!
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here are some pics!
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs754.ash1/164526_482776161451_743521451_6051163_1878314_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1373.snc4/164526_482776166451_743521451_6051164_1456834_n.jpg)
(http://l25.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-ash1/hs754.ash1/164526_482776171451_743521451_6051165_4492641_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs754.ash1/164526_482776176451_743521451_6051166_3574122_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1393.snc4/164526_482776181451_743521451_6051167_6408274_n.jpg)
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Thats a beauty right there
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LR great bow looks like a purple heart riser with birch or maple ibean.Can't tell much from Harry's serial numbers as he changed them several times.I believe yours would be a 1961 or 1962.On the 60 3/4" length did you measure it just from tip to tip ? bd
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Ranger, forgot to say over on PW, that is a beauty for sure! You did a great job cleaning it up!
If bowdoc is right on date, this is pre-AMO, and is the reason I wouldn't "Guess" on string length!
You'll get the help you need here! :thumbsup:
Hope ya get a shooter out of her!
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I believe that bow is eather a 64" or 66" if measured along the belly side.If you sand that riser with some 100 grit sand paper and then add some new finish it will turn a very deep purple color bd
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Hmm, i will remeasure when i get home. Sure dont want to order the wrong string!
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67.5" along the curve of the limbs (would be the inside when its strung) that is tip to tip measurement. Subtract 1.5-2" if its supposed to be from the string groove to string groove.
the 60& 3/4" measurement is in a straight line tip to tip, not following the curve of the limbs like above.
Thanks for any and all help!
L.R.
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:bigsmyl:
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hummmmmmm sounden kind of maybe 66" huh ? I would also like to add Harry's bows are about one of the smoothest drawing bows ever built....not to mention a nail driven machine in the hands of someone that can drive nails with bow & arrow great bows.I restored the 66" I had and then traded it off for another bow DUMB man oh man I sure miss my old Drake great shooters bd
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That is a cool old bow! I just finished one up last month that was very similar. You've got a real treasure there!
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So I am looking for a 63" or 62" string? lol
help?
L.R.
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Found this one many years ago. Has no stickers on it but it scales 41# - @28". Measured straight across the tips I have 66" and measured around the curve I have 71". I have a 66" string twisted up to about 65 1/2" giving me a brace height of 7 3/4" to the grip.
It is stamped #602 in the riser. It has these great built up tips with micarta(thats what I have been told)that resemble snake skin.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/shepu812/mini-bowpics025.jpg)
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/shepu812/mini-bowpics017.jpg)
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/shepu812/mini-bowpics015.jpg)
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I thought the longer Drake recurves were called Firedrakes(maybe there were other models?). I have 8 or 10 of them and all longer lengths and lighter draw weights. The stamped serial number seems to mean nothing about draw weight or year of mfg(could be wrong about that.) Most have only the sticker label for identification. (unlike the 54" Hunterflites, which all have data lettered on the riser.) The Firedrakes are all smooth, sweet shooters with a light arrow. I've only found one as short as 62" and most are 66-68". Have had several people offer one that they were certain was at least 50#, but none were. Harry seemed to favor 46-48# and 66". I did find one 68", 54# one that is a real beauty and a joy to shoot. Bowdoc, you probably know where that one came from! That's the only 50#+ Drake longer than 54" that I've seen in 20+ years of collecting them.
What I want to find is a Firedrake shorter than 66" and heavier than 52@28". Anybody out there have one of those available??
oldbohntr
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Hey LR, if you havent' got a string yet, pm me your address and I can send ya one of each to try.
I think 12 stands would work!
Steve
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All Nice looking bows here but Mr. Sheppard that one is a real eyecatcher. With narrow limbs and tips that looks like a real shooter. Very Nice!
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Frank, PM sent!
thanks a bunch!
L.R.
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Hey oldbohntr Harry's bows show up once in a while and we only see a few pictures of Drakes on here. Could we get you to post a few pics of your collection. Please !
:pray:
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I still can't get my pics working or I would be happy to show a couple pics of my former Harry bow.Kept the pics and traded off the bow dumb dumb dumb bd
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(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc483/oldbohntr/firedrake1.jpg) (http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc483/oldbohntr/firedrake2.jpg) (http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc483/oldbohntr/hunterflitebows1.jpg) (http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc483/oldbohntr/hunterflitebows2.jpg)
(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc483/oldbohntr/hunterflitelabel.jpg) (http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc483/oldbohntr/Drakerecurves1.jpg)
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Well, that's all but the flight bows. He didn't label his flight bows, to my knowledge, but I picked up five of them from his buddy and one champion flight archer he knew. Some of the Firedrakes need refinishing, but I've planned to let those wait until I retire the next time(can't afford to pay bowdoc more than he's getting from me now!! Well, I might-if he'd PROMISE to ship me one bow a month! How about it, BD?)
Harry was an incredible bowyer. I especially like shooting the small grip Firedrakes like the ones shown earlier in the thread.
60# and 66". Doggone, THAT'S a bow I'd like to talk you out of!
If I can get this picture to post, I'll add a picture of Harry Drake's last shot. He died the next night. This was at the 1997 Flight Nationals, and he was trying out Sterling Jensen's new bow. They'd been flight shooting bowyers and friends for years, and old Sterling gave me the photo, saying "yeah, the old SOB outshot me with my own bow on that shot, too!"
(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc483/oldbohntr/HarryDrakeslastshot1.jpg)
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That right there is more Drakes than I have ever seen. Thank You !
He sure like to mix it up with different glass, love the baby blue one.
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THANK YOU
From me too!! those are some beauties!
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My friend was there the day Harry died. They were big flight shooters together. He still has the flight bow that Harry set the record with. I really need to get him to pull that one out.
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Lone Ranger, I didn't mean to hijack your thread. Your Drake is a real nice bow. I've never seen a LH Drake before. Hope you are a lefty yourself and can enjoy shooting it. I love the feel of those smaller grips on his bows. I'd be real surprised if its anywhere close to the weight you mention, but-if you ever scale it-I'd surely appreciate if you would let me know if it's over 50. Whether you can actually shoot it or not, it's a darn nice bow for your wall.
Mr. Sheppard, yours has an especially beautiful riser. Those tip overlays are really nice.
There are so few Drakes around. It's always a pleasure to see one.
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Lone Ranger, I didn't mean to hijack your thread. Your Drake is a real nice bow. I've never seen a LH Drake before. Hope you are a lefty yourself and can enjoy shooting it. I love the feel of those smaller grips on his bows. I'd be real surprised if its anywhere close to the weight you mention, but-if you ever scale it-I'd surely appreciate if you would let me know if it's over 50. Whether you can actually shoot it or not, it's a darn nice bow for your wall.
Mr. Sheppard, yours has an especially beautiful riser. Those tip overlays are really nice.
There are so few Drakes around. It's always a pleasure to see one.
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Great thread! oldbohntr that is a great collection, thank you for sharing. Does anyone knwo what was the last year Harry made bows under is own label, before he moved to Browning?
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The riser does have a couple nice pieces of wood in it, a little bit of everything.
I had always wondered about the leather grip, if it was original or not. I see a few of yours have leather installed.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/shepu812/P1140054.jpg)
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/shepu812/P1140053.jpg)
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Originally posted by oldbohntr:
Lone Ranger, I didn't mean to hijack your thread. Your Drake is a real nice bow. I've never seen a LH Drake before. Hope you are a lefty yourself and can enjoy shooting it. I love the feel of those smaller grips on his bows. I'd be real surprised if its anywhere close to the weight you mention, but-if you ever scale it-I'd surely appreciate if you would let me know if it's over 50. Whether you can actually shoot it or not, it's a darn nice bow for your wall.
Mr. Sheppard, yours has an especially beautiful riser. Those tip overlays are really nice.
There are so few Drakes around. It's always a pleasure to see one.
Bo problem, the more conversation the better! I am having a custom string made up for it~ will measure it when it is done @ the shop for you!
L.R.
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Just noticed this DRAKE post, some cool bows you guys have.Couple Questions: There is a couple bows in pics that show the DRAKES lettered where these done when refinished ? I have never seen a Drake with any writing on it just DECAL. I have 3 LEFT hand Drakes 1 Hunterflite-Heavy weight 64-1/2# @ 26.
Also 2 LEFTY Firedrakes mid 40's in weight.
The Drake bows in alot of cases were ONE of a KIND which makes them cool.harry must have used whatever materials he had on hand and did not like waste.
The Firedrake was called "Firedrake Champion" if memory serves me right.Also DRAKE made a model I have NEVER seen "SHARK" which was shorter in length been looking for years for one !!!!
I am interested in LEFTY Drakes if anyone happens across any for sale.
Thanks
Tom
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geezsus Tom now I know where all of Harry's bows went.I'll call you later today bd
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Tom, I didn't see your post until just now. I just found some new information in an old Feline Archery catalog and dug up this thread. You are correct about the Champion model. I've never seen the word Champion on a Drake bow. This am I was looking at a Feline catalog from 1961-62, and the Drakes are shown. The Firedrake Champion was offered in 62, 64, 66, 69, and 70" lengths, regular or pistol grips, and weights to 60#. The Hunter-Flights were all 54", and built with a "half & half" handle. This catalog is not dated, but it also shows the Pearson Bushmaster, and Wilson Bros TF, HF, and HB. The Widow catalog info I have show those 3 bows available in '61 and '62 only, and at the same prices as this Feline Catalog. The heaviest Firedrake I've ever seen is my 54# one, and it's labelled 68"(not a length shown in the Feline catalog.)
I think you are right about Harry. He was careful with a buck, and didn't much care for convention. Other than Hunterflights, which tended to fit a pattern, it seems that the others were just vaguely similar. That, and they all shot well. As far as the label, mine have not been refinished. I did refinish the riser on a couple of Firedrakes, but they had nothing other than his sticker and the stamped number on them. Those round stickers(decals, whatever)were pretty hardy though. It's surprising how well they have held up on some bows that looked pretty beat up otherwise.
I've never heard of or seen a Shark. That'd be a nice one to find! I know who you are...we had some dealings back in the nineties. If I find a lefty, I'll let you know. If you find a RH Firedrake above 50#, I'd appreciate the same.
You hang out with bowdoc, huh? Wow. Aren't you about ready for a straightjacket after a few days of that? I always am!
Tom Baldwin
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Hi Tom B,
How you been ?? I believe there was also a DRAKE made called the "Shark" hunting length bow and I have NEVER seen one nor know of anyone who owns one.
I want a LEFTY 55# :-)
Note: I believe The Firedrake was made in 68" too !!
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Been good. Away from collecting for several years, but recently revived the interest. Feels good again.
There are so few Drake ads anywhere that it's hard to know about a "Shark" model. If anyone else comes across an ad or bow, I hope they'll share pictures of it.
Yeah, I have a 68" Firedrake. Sure would like to find a 62-64" one....especially, if it was 50# or more. Well, I do have a 62", one of the bows pictured earlier in the post, but it's kinda rough and only 36#. It's very different from any other one I've seen in that it's very similar to a late 50s Kodiak. I may have to have ol' bowdoc give that one a face lift, as it could be a real looker again.
Sure wish I could find a way to fill that spot on your bear hunt - but it can't happen this year for me.
Tom
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Been good. Away from collecting for several years, but recently revived the interest. Feels good again.
There are so few Drake ads anywhere that it's hard to know about a "Shark" model. If anyone else comes across an ad or bow, I hope they'll share pictures of it.
Yeah, I have a 68" Firedrake. Sure would like to find a 62-64" one....especially, if it was 50# or more. Well, I do have a 62", one of the bows pictured earlier in the post, but it's kinda rough and only 36#. It's very different from any other one I've seen in that it's very similar to a late 50s Kodiak. I may have to have ol' bowdoc give that one a face lift, as it could be a real looker again.
Sure wish I could find a way to fill that spot on your bear hunt - but it can't happen this year for me.
Tom
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oldbohntr
Those certainly are some BEAUTIFUL looking bows you have there! Makes me want one.... Good thread, this is some interesting stuff.
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Yeah, Larry, I kinda have a weak spot for Harry's bows. Not so much the Hunter-flight, although they are typically the more eye-catching ones....they're just too short to shoot very consistently for me. Along that line, it's funny that Hunter-Flights are typically heavy weights, and a heavy Firedrake is unheard of!
The Firedrakes are often not too fancy, with the early ones looking similar to some other California bows of that era, like Whites and Smithwicks. But, they almost uniformly shoot very well. Those long limbs are really smooth. I've found most throw a 1918 or 2016 really well. That's why I'm intrigued by the search for one that's a bit heavier and a bit shorter than most. I just know there has to be one out there someplace!
You're from California. Heck, he made them right in your back yard for years! I'll bet there are some around there. Good luck hunting them!
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oldbohntr
I'll tell ya, I do a lot of hunting for the old bows. Not always sure what I'm looking at but do have FUN in the process. I'm with you in that I like a longer limbed bow. (prefer 66") With the info you guy's have put up here I'll have more knowledge in the future with the search. Thanks!
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I acquired a bunch of bows two weeks ago from the family of a local gentleman that recently passed away. Mostly bows he had picked up over the last thirty plus years in garage sales I believe. Got digging through them and found this one in the lot. It measures 70" and scaled 47# @ 28 on my scale.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_1925.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_1912.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_1913.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_1914.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_1917.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_1916.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/bowjack/IMG_1918.jpg)
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Wow, that's a pretty one! Harry surely loved making long recurves. I've only found two Firedrakes under 66" long. One was 64" and one 62". Still looking though.
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Love the color of that glass!!!!
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Here's one I just picked up with a dozen old arrows. 69" Drake, estimated weight 45-50#
The riser has some dense woods in it giving it some heft. It has an I beam riser.
Not sure of the model or age as there is such limited info out there on these. Might be a Firedrake Champion?
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/SOLOHUNTER/P1090538.jpg)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/SOLOHUNTER/P1090535.jpg)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/SOLOHUNTER/P1090534.jpg)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/SOLOHUNTER/P1090532.jpg)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/SOLOHUNTER/P1090527.jpg)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/SOLOHUNTER/P1090526.jpg)
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Made up a string for the old drake and installed one of Traps feather rests. Went out to sling a few arrows and was quite suprised how smooth and fast these Drakes are. Very nice bows!
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Told ya' so. If you didn't already try some 1916s or 1818s from it. Put a 145 grain point on a 1916 and you're over 10gpp. That's not a light arrow. I was shooting those out of a 46# Drake this week and it was just impressive.
Really pretty bow, by the way.
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Hey Tom,
How do you like the Drake's we sent ya?
They were special!
Enjoy,
.......Philip
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Beautiful bows and a very good thread! Even though they were made local for me, they are quite hard to find. This will be one of those that will pop up when least expecting. I remember years ago a friend had two of them from his father but they are no longer around. 46#'s with 1916's and a heavy field point. Yep, I bet very impressive.
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Philip,
I love them! Thanks to both of you. They really enhance my flight bow display. Sorry I didn't contact you on this earlier. Took on a volunteer job a few months ago and it turned out to be a real can of worms. However, when I get time to relax, I've been shooting Drakes nearly all winter. Is it ok with you if I change my handle to "Vintage-Drakes"?
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:)