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Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: SKITCH on June 22, 2012, 08:21:00 PM

Title: Neat old Longbow
Post by: SKITCH on June 22, 2012, 08:21:00 PM

I was out running around today and found an interesting old Longbow.  Looks like it was pretty well built.  I don't know the grain of the woods yet but looks like probably Osage or maybe Lemonwood??  It's got some age on it, so it's definitely darkened. It is a really tight grain wood from what I can tell.

Anyone recognize these marks????  

Looking forward to getting a string and trying to get my wife to shoot it.  68" 35# @ 28.......Couldn't get any decent light.  If anyone is interested in seeing it I will get better pics tomorrow.  Thanks.

  (http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/50730/2975146620101380262S425x425Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2975146620101380262YEafvB)

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: wadde on June 22, 2012, 10:13:00 PM

Just ease into it pulling a couple inches at a time and listening for creaks. Those old longbows can blow if you just string them and go to full draw. Some turn out to be shooters and some don't. It depends on how it has been stored all these years. Good Luck.

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: Larry m on June 22, 2012, 10:51:00 PM

Looks like Lemon Wood. How about some more pics? Full length etc!!! Nice ole bow. Ditto to what Mr. wadde says...........

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: SKITCH on June 23, 2012, 03:48:00 PM

Here are a few more pics.  Needs to be cleaned up.  Definitely been sitting around for a while.  No shelf and has a little string follow in it.

  (http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/51602/2952654090101380262S425x425Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2952654090101380262ZXWqEf)      (http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/13593/2516302510101380262S425x425Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2516302510101380262foouXJ)      (http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/49478/2876493760101380262S425x425Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2876493760101380262MCesur)

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: Sal on June 25, 2012, 03:20:00 PM

Look closely at the glue line of the riser,those tend to come loose over time because the glue line dries out.

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: Larry m on June 25, 2012, 04:52:00 PM

I would leave it as is and hang it on the wall. Seems every old bow like that I see turned into a shooter ends up coming apart.  :)

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: SKITCH on June 25, 2012, 07:44:00 PM

You would be correct sir.  I tried to do what Wadde said and started bending it a little at a time....slowly.  Taking it a little bit more each time.  Well, I finally put a string on it and gave it a couple of light tugs.  I shattered it!  It blew up with gusto and drama!  Guess I'll chalk it up to a learning experience.  Should have known when I saw the exact same bow hanging on the wall at Bass Pro!!!  

Thanks for the advice guys!  I will continue to watch for interesting old bows...and know better in the future!

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: wadde on June 26, 2012, 07:16:00 PM

At least you did not get injured. Those old longbows can be dangerous if not handled carefully.

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: Rick Enos on June 26, 2012, 07:30:00 PM

I believe its an American Archery long bow from the 60s.

Title: Re: Neat old Longbow
Post by: SKITCH on June 26, 2012, 09:48:00 PM

Thanks Rick!  

My daughter had just walked past a few seconds before....don't think it would have hurt her but you never know....splinters definitely flew! Surprised the heck out of me!