Does anyone have any info on a bowyer named "Rathbone" that use/d baleen on the back and belly of his bows.

Never heard of "Rathbone" but Glenn St Charles used baleen on some of his bows way back when...

Howard Hill also used baleen. Someday I will try it myself!

Dean Torges made a baleen bow or two and so did Joe Don Jones.  I wasn't able to get ahold of a legal piece to build one.

We went with horn instead.

Mike

Maybe ask over on the History/collector forum?

Gary Rathbone , hobby bowyer and collector from Boise Idaho made a few Baleen bows.
Remember however it is legal to purchase Baleen from a native Alaskan that has artwork on it but you can not cut it or alter in in anyway and then sell it without breaking Federal marine mammal act , they consider a trade a sale as well.
I made one with Yew belly and Baleen back, nice stuff, make the Baleen thin. Still have that one hanging on my wall.