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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Dave Coalter on September 19, 2007, 09:14:00 PM

Title: Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery
Post by: Dave Coalter on September 19, 2007, 09:14:00 PM
I was shooting tonight with some friends and one of the guys pulled out this old longbow, It was a Black Hawk Scorpion made by Craotta Bros from E. McKeesport PA. Just wondering if they are still around or if anyone knows anything about them.
Title: Re: Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery
Post by: Killdeer on September 19, 2007, 09:21:00 PM
Cravotta.
I don't know much about them, just keep running into bows seemingly backed with kitchen-counter-type formica. Late fifties/early sixties?

Killdeer
Title: Re: Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery
Post by: vermonster13 on September 19, 2007, 09:21:00 PM
It is Cravotta Brothers. They made several models and were popular in the 50s. No longer making bows and haven't for quite some time.
Title: Re: Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery
Post by: ejes on September 19, 2007, 09:24:00 PM
I think it is Cravotta Brothers.  Pretty sure they went out of business quite some time ago.  Their Blackhawk bows can be found on the big auction sight pretty inexpensivley.  A lot of people like them still.  I shot one once; think it was a Yellowjacket and it shot pretty darned good.
Title: Re: Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery
Post by: Dave Coalter on September 19, 2007, 09:27:00 PM
Thanks for the information I knew someone out here would know something about them.
Title: Re: Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery
Post by: John D on September 19, 2007, 09:36:00 PM
Dave,

Cravotta Bros (Blackhawk) has not been in business for a long time now. Their bows are very good bows. In the 70s they had a target bow called the Apollo, a lot of the target archers on the east coast used them

I believe the Scorpion was a recurve, the limbs were not very magnified on the curve part of the limb. I own several Blackhawks they are shooters.

Good Luck and Good Hunting

John
Title: Re: Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery
Post by: Dale Hajas on September 19, 2007, 09:43:00 PM
Cravotta Brothers-Black Hawk Bows, McKeesport Pa. I have several.

Frankly a mid grade type of bow with some very nice surprising shooters. The recurves shoot well IMO and I have a longbow that I'm quite happy to have as a backup.

The numbers on the bow tell it's date of construction ie 657- my daughters longbow- was made in June of 1957.

All in all I believe that these bows are great starter bows usually found in pretty good condition that shoot well.

From my observations, I have yet to see one NOT worth the few $$ spent to acquire one. IMO They really dont bring along of money which may not be a bad thing.
Title: Re: Has anyone ever heard of Craotta Bros Archery
Post by: John D on September 19, 2007, 09:46:00 PM
Killdeer,

You are right. Blackhawk also made water skis, with formica, and they would use it on some of their bows.

Good Luck and Good Hunting

John