Bear Archery Identification Help + Maintenance

[dddavila17]

I recently acquired a vintage Bear Supermag 48 recurve bow (Grayling Era). It has a predominantly black finish with white and gold accents and a brass medallion. The serial number is 6N2690. Do you have any information regarding when this bow was manufactured? My best guess is sometime 1966 - 1978 (i.e. when supermag 48 production started --> when Bear Archery moved from Grayling to Gainesville).

Despite minor cosmetic defects, the bow is in overall great condition and has been cleared for use by my local archery shop. I was wondering about using some type of oil/wax to polish up the finish; however, I am unsure what to use. I have seen various suggestions online (ex: Pledge, Tru-Oil, Howard Feed-N-Wax, etc...), but I am nervous because I do not want to damage the bow. Do you have any suggestions for maintaining the laminated wood?

[Amberjack]

Howdy, nice looking SuperMag.

The leading '6' on the serial number indicates 1966 manufacture.
As far as what to put on it - generally nothing is fine unless you see the finish flaking or wearing down to the wood/glass.  The laminations will be rock solid for years from now unless it's mistreated.  From the pictures you show, that one looks darn near in mint condition.
Bear put a nice, long lasting finish on these.

If you run into a situation with a worn finish, a bow refinish might be in order.  Lots of Youtubes on this process.  Look down below in this forum for Bowdoc's tips on bow repair/refinish.

Good luck and enjoy that bow!

AJ

[PAPALAPIN]

You have a real keeper there.  The '66 model is the original Super Mag.  It is a real collector, and a solid shooter to boot. 

It appears to be in as close to mint condition you will ever find unless you should find one mint the the sealed box.

Take good care of it and it will searve you will for many years to come. 

Congrats... you did good... 

[woodchucker]

Very nice looking bow!!!

As far as cleaning goes , plain old Windex. Spray it on a paper towel and wipe it down
Any good furniture polish will work. Again, spray it on a paper towel and wipe it down

If you want to? A good furniture paste wax will shine it up nice! like waxing a car, wipe it on, let it dry, then buff it off. Most important!! Shoot it!!! They were meant, to be bent