I was able to pick up this bow on **** at a great price. I bought it for two reasons, first I was born in 1953 and I though it would be great to have a bow made the year I was born. Second it seemed to be in fairly good condition.
I just got the bow and after looking it over, there are some vertical fractures in the surface material. I dont think the fractures are very deep so I wondering if they can be fixed. It wont be a huge deal if it cant be fixed because I think its worth what I paid for it just to keep as part of my bow collection. Here are two pics, also any suggestions of someone who has the knowledge to fix the bow.
(http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj39/southshorerat/Bear3_zpsd0de243d.jpg) (http://s268.photobucket.com/user/southshorerat/media/Bear3_zpsd0de243d.jpg.html)
(http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj39/southshorerat/Bear4_zpsc7d4d325.jpg) (http://s268.photobucket.com/user/southshorerat/media/Bear4_zpsc7d4d325.jpg.html)
I have one of those. Killed my first bow deer with it. Mine has some fine cracks in the black glass on the back of the bow but none on the orange belly glass and I still shoot it occasionally. I'm no expert but those cracks look troublesome to me being on the belly side I would think that unusual. Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me will chime in.
For what it's worth, I don't think Bear made the "Alaskan" until 1959. The "1953" on the lower limb silkscreen refers to the patent date of the working recurve limb.
As to the cracks. Vertical cracks like that are common in the older Bears, both on the back and belly side. If you had a crack like that that went horizontal, it would be a different story. I've shot mine with vertical cracks like that for years and never had a problem. If you are really concerned about it, fill it with Loctite 420 (or similar super glue)and you shouldn't have a problem.
Actually, the Alaskan was introduced in 1958 but yours appears to be a 1959-60 model. I agree with everthing else Tooner has to say though.
I did the date research and found the bow was made between 1959 and 1960. The age really doesnt matter, the thing that concerns me is the fractures. I went back to the **** add and have gone over it to see if I missed pictures of the damage. The seller carefully avoided closeups of the top and bottom limb damage. Also he stated the bow had minor scratches which was a false representation of the bows condition. I will just put it in ****s hands and if they settle in my favor I will be more careful next time. If they dont I have done the research and found company that will repair the damage for me. Either way will work. Thanks for the input!
I have 4 of these and love them.
That model/years in particular seem prone to the vertical lines. I agree with Tooner. I shoot mine all the time.
You can seal them with superglue or loctite if desired but I just keep shooting mine.
Great bows
Go to the Trad History/Collecting forum. There are a bunch of people that can help you out with refinishing your bow. If you are thinking of doing it yourself, there was a thread that walked you through it.