Would refinishing this 1953 Polar decrease it's value? Or, should I just leave it alone? It shoots pretty well and there are now stress cracks in the limbs that I can tell but, I'm no expert. Not even sure why I bought it to be truthful. :)
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp233/TradNut/5320Polar20-20LA9641.jpg)
mostly depends if you are going to keep and use, put up, or sell. myself, i would refinish it and make it usable
I have a '53 Polar also. The leather was in poor shape, but the finish was basically sound. Replaced the leather and touched up the finish where it needed it with Tru Oil. I shoot it often.
Posted pictures in the old collectors forum, and they were still there when they brought it back.
Polar Grip Replacement (http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=000835#000000)
PM me if you have any questions I can help with-I live in Eugene.
RonP
Ron Great job on the wrap! One of the better jobs I have seen! You even Scifed the leather! Perfect..
I would clean the old girl up and shoot it. What a great bow to go to a 3/D with. I like seeing those old bows out in the field being used for what they were ment for!
The bow istelf doesn't look like it needs anything but cleaning and maybe some good paste wax. If you are planning on shooting a lot I'd replace the strike plate, rest and grip.
I prefer original finishes on old bows myself.
That looks more like a '54 Polar to me - single or double shelf?
I'm with reddogge. With the exception of the leather, it looks to be in pretty good shape. Clean with Flitz and a good coat of paste wax and it should be ready for the woods.
Jeremy, it is a double shelf bow. The leather is in pretty bad shape around the grip. At 64" it is a bit short for my 29" draw. I was thinking of maybe cleaning it up for a youth bow or St Judes auction bow. Not sure yet on either.