I purchased this '63 Tamerlane about a week ago and need some expert finishing help and advice. Some owner in the past must have tried to cut the riser a little closer to center and probably had a HUGE surprise when they cut through the original finish. The rosewood underneath is really dark per the image.
This ole Bear deserves a good restoration. The riser is the only problem area. The rest of the bow is very nice for its age. As you can see in the image, Bear must have used a multi step finish with several coats of a light yellow ochre glaze to hide the very dark riser wood, yet allowing the grain to show through.
I've refinished several bows, but this one may be beyond my skill level to do it well. Who out there in the archery world is capable of restoring this riser to match the original finish? Thanks for any help and ideas.
(http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r509/drewsumrell/TamerlaneRiserSection_zps9f15d184.jpg) (http://s1169.photobucket.com/user/drewsumrell/media/TamerlaneRiserSection_zps9f15d184.jpg.html)
(http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r509/drewsumrell/TamerlaneRiser_zps49219ae9.jpg) (http://s1169.photobucket.com/user/drewsumrell/media/TamerlaneRiser_zps49219ae9.jpg.html)
Take some more pictures of that bow and start another thread in the history/collecting section...that is where that gorgeous bow will really get appreciated
DDave
That old rosewood lightens dramatically with age. The finish didn't make it light. You, or the person you have do the work, will need to sand down the rest of the riser to bring out the old beauty and luster of that gorgeous wood.
It will be a beauty!