Trad Gang

Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: Havana Jamma on July 09, 2015, 05:50:00 PM

Title: Head Scratcher Recurve Make/Model (Root, Shakes, ?)
Post by: Havana Jamma on July 09, 2015, 05:50:00 PM

Hi everyone would appreciate some help if you have first hand knowledge of this particular type of bow. Been chatting with Rick Rappe and Alan Harford on this and they suggested posting for better input. Our best guess is that its likely a Root, Shakespeare, or a Cravotta Blackhawk ('58-61 era )  - possibly something else like a York or Stemmeler - yet laminate pattern is so different hence the mystery...  

Background: I am working on the bow (trashed -> gem) that was painted black all over and now after lots of elbow grease bringing it back to life. Problem is no decals or stamps on it. What also throws me off is the butcher block and patterns/angles that I can't fined on anything posted/available. Thus throwing out to you as i see the forum has been so helpful to many. Bow specifics: RH,   (http://)  Semi recurve, black and wood laminate/white (rear) backing on limbs, multi colored laminated riser, 64"...  Would very much appreciate your help/suggestions.  
    (http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr192/havanajamma/bowimage_zpskwmdsxzo.jpg)

Title: Re: Head Scratcher Recurve Make/Model (Root, Shakes, ?)
Post by: jhk1 on July 10, 2015, 06:32:00 PM

I've seen a couple like this before.  Can't recall for certain the maker-- maybe Gordon's?

Title: Re: Head Scratcher Recurve Make/Model (Root, Shakes, ?)
Post by: jhk1 on July 10, 2015, 06:37:00 PM

I think it is a Gordon's (Gordon Plastics) bow.

Title: Re: Head Scratcher Recurve Make/Model (Root, Shakes, ?)
Post by: mahantango on July 11, 2015, 07:12:00 AM

I agree, Gordon's. They used water-transfer decals that were easily lost. Any stampings on the riser?

Title: Re: Head Scratcher Recurve Make/Model (Root, Shakes, ?)
Post by: Havana Jamma on July 11, 2015, 10:50:00 AM

Wow, Gordon, hmn... I have a Gordon King put away and will compare the workmanship. I did think the consistency/quality of the limbs seemed Gordon-esque, though the riser threw me off... With these hints,  perhaps a Gordon Page circa?

No stamps, decals, writing, nada...

Thanks!

Title: Re: Head Scratcher Recurve Make/Model (Root, Shakes, ?)
Post by: Bjorn on July 11, 2015, 11:34:00 AM

Generally Gordon Plastics Bows had a deep stamp on the side of the riser (although it may have been sanded off by a previous owner) and the tips were very pointed. None the less I generally agree with the Gordon's call based on the riser shape and glue up. However in the 1958-1963 time frame the San Diego area birthed a large number of bowyers many of whom made laminated riser glue ups shaped like that; generally with laminates parallel and some angled like that one. Gordon themselves offered a variety of glue ups some with very different woods and thicknesses.
Pretty bow and you never know what lies under coats of paint. Good job on the clean up and welcome to Tradgang!    :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Head Scratcher Recurve Make/Model (Root, Shakes, ?)
Post by: Havana Jamma on July 12, 2015, 11:36:00 AM

I compared my King with the Bow in question and confirmed the suggestions. The ends are exactly the same although of course the higher Royals had additional laminated layers on the tips. Also saw a post this morning of some on Archery Talk posting a '57 Gordon (likely a Knight) with similar laminates. That one stamps but even after some microscope CSI like checking for stamp, still "nada". Just the same its a beauty and getting lots of Tru-oil layers... I'll check with Alan on whether he plans to make some Gordon decals as it seems to be a missing problem with the old ones... Thanks to all!