Who knows their old Bear bows? (PICS)

[Todd Alexander]

Here's an old Grizzly that a buddy wants some info on.  What can you guys tell me? And can you take a stab at what it's worth.  He'd like to sell it.  It's SUPER light in draw weight.  Thanks in advance for the combined expertise.


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[Jon Stewart]

I would ask on the History section.   There are guys on there that will know.

If that has aluminum in the limbs I don't think I would shoot it or even string it.

[Hobow]

What Jon said x2.

It does appear to have the aluminum lamination in it.

[Jack Shanks]

Without seeing what is underneath the camo 1949-51. It could be worth a little more once the camo is removed but I would say $50-$75 as is. The aluminum lams really shouldn't be shot.

[SELFBOW19953]

The patent was issued in 1953.  1951's had an aluminum lam, 1952=blonde, 1953=red, 1954 said "Patented". If it's a 1951, it's not shootable, very common to delaminate because of the aluminum.

[Jack Shanks]

Just to add a little information to Phil's post.

The Grizzly model was first introduced in 1949. The 49- mid 1951 models had an aluminum lamination that was made from scrap WWII bombers. The 1949-50 model used woven glass on the back of the bow limbs. The 51 model had directional glass. There were some problems with the glue bonding with the laminations and also aluminum itself is known to fatigue with age. For those reasons it is a common assumption that aluminum lam bows are not safe to shoot.

This might be of some interest.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=006116;p=1

[Todd Alexander]

Thanks guys, great info!  I held it, strung it and pulled it.  Still, I don't remember anything as far as aluminum.  Maybe you really have to look for it in the laminations.  Is it obvious?  I'm also not sure of the difference between woven and directional glass.  I'm surprised it's worth that little?  Seems like a piece of archery history.

[Jack Shanks]

If you view both pages in the link I attached in my last post there are pictures of 49-51 Grizzlies.

Sad, but even nice condition non painted versions only bring about $150 tops.

[reddogge]

Todd, yes the aluminum is obvious so examine it closely.