I've collected a handful of Howard Hill longbows along the years and I've always wondered about the "tembo" I have in my quiver of bows.  If any of you have any information or insight it would be much appreciated.  It just doesn't seem to fit in the HH, Ekin mold.  It has green glass on the back and clear on the belly and the handle construction appears different.    
   
   
   

Got any more pics of what you are talking about handle construction?

I cant help you out, But those are some beauties!

What is the serial number?  I believe that craig always puts a letter C for the second character to designate he built it.

I'll try to get some more pictures up to be more specific it is how the fade outs from the handle are treated.  @ serial numbers interesting enough the redman and the centennial are the only bows with serial numbers.  The other bows do not have numbers.  I know the "little sweetheart too" and the "blacksnake" came from the Ekin shop but were specially made w/o serial numbers.  The blacksnake is ambi.

They're all fine shooting bows, the redman, the tembo, and the little sweetheart  are my favorites!

Nice bows!

That Redman is real nice.

My best insight would be:
    It's obviously a custom version of the Tembo Model. The "pre glass bows" had visible fadeouts on the limb, they did not bring bamboo up the fades. Original owner must have just specified it that way to mirror a non glass bow. The earlier, all bamboo Hill bow, was backed with a vulcanized paper, this owner obviously liked the idea of green color, as opposed to the black as was the fiber backing.

Beautiful collection!      

Larry,

I love your Hills and my Hills.

Holy Howard Hill Batman, I just counted. I have 7 Hills. Hmmmm? How did that happen? I am a Hill Junkie.

Matt

Man those are nice.  Can't help with what you are looking for, but those are neat.

I believe the Tembo, with bamboo belly and glass on the back was a copy of the early bows Howard made and took to Africa. Several bows had rounded backs with glass, and nodes showing and no glass on the belly. Howard had Frank Eicholtz put glass on Grand ma in 1946. Sent you PM with a contact for you.

if it's got a serial number, give jason a call.

@Rob, the bow in question does not have a serial number.  In fact 3 of the 5 do not have serial numbers.  In fact the centennial doesn't either but it has a number of a special edition.

But the tembo, little sweetheart too, and the blacksnake do not have serial numbers.  I realize I said this already so please excuse the repetition.

@the Redman, it is one of my sweetest shooting Hills, the tembo is a close second.  Besides the tip overlays blowing off the Redman has been a fine bow!

Thanks for all the information.  I'm enjoying all the history associated with Howard's bows and Howard Hill Archery    .

My 68" Cheetah as no numbers at all just Craigs signiture and checkered grip.Any idea on how old mine is??Ron

Hey Ron,

I don't know about age, I'd call up Craig at Howard Hill and see if they can help you out.

Let us know what you find out.

Larry

QuoteOriginally posted by Hud:
I believe the Tembo, with bamboo belly and glass on the back was a copy of the early bows Howard made and took to Africa. Several bows had rounded backs with glass, and nodes showing and no glass on the belly. Howard had Frank Eicholtz put glass on Grand ma in 1946. Sent you PM with a contact for you.

I like your take on it Hud and I am going to take your advice and do some more research on the bow.  Thanks!