I was curious as to what started everyone collecting the things they do.
I collect Fox Bows Madew by the original owner Ron Fox. My reasoning was that When I bought a Ron Fox Longbow about 7 years ago I fell in love with the way it shot and how beautiful the bow was . I now own 7 of them and 1 more is on the way.So what got you started?
Like you I think it starts wtih finding a style or bowyer that you really like. I'm not a big collector, other than in my waist size, but I fell in love with the lines of the '69 Super Kodiak and I've been a lover of Bear Bows since then.
Once you start to research and learn about a specific type of bow that tends to lead to learning about other similar bows and that leads to wanting to have some of them.
As a teen in the early 60's, Bear Archery was at its pinnacle with the best looking bows on the market. I could only afford an old used Ben Pearson, but sure wanted a Kodiak...and still wanting them 50 years later.
I started collecting the bows I shot or saw shot in the mid 60s to early 70s. Kind of like going back to your roots. Not all Bears but other brands too.
Fred Bear and Curt Gowdy ABC Wide world of sports. Fred shooting a polar bear, mule deer, grizzly. I went out a bought a used early 70's grizzly and never looked back.
Started in trad with the help of a Bear fan. Also, I am originally from Michigan. Finally, my wife bought me my first Trad bow - a 1959 Grizzly. It would be hard to change with all of the above.
I started by accident
I had a tournment bow, and a hunting bow from the 60's.
I found a 62 Kodiak Magnum in a pawn shop for fifteen bucks. Then I found a 69 for twenty bucks.
My rule is that if you have more than two bows you are a collector.
Then I made the mistake of hanging around this place.
Downhill from there.
before I give it up on how or why let me ask ya'all this how many of you have the first bow you ever got ? a stick with kite string and two sticks for arrows or a real sold in the store or by bowyer type bow ? lets see em.
I'll start looking for mine later this morning and then post a pic and short story bd
Sadly my Ben Pearson lemonwood longbow from 1956 is long gone. Where, I haven't a clue.
I still have my original Ben Pearson #335 Jet.
I have now graduted to a Jack Howard GameMaster JET
Guess I'm "JET SETTER"
Doc, are you kidding? My first bow was a Tennessee hickory stick that dad made for cane arrows. It probably became kindling in a short time.
However, I still have my very first brand new bow...a bear Kodiak Hunter from 1971.
I started buying vintage recurves because I couldn't (and still can't) afford the new ones.
thats great Shamus , I have always believed that pre-loved bows carry the good mojo from those who had them before. All my bows are second hand but the bowyer that made them retired so I ain't goona get a brand newie anytime soon.
:)
here is what I have so far .the onepiece recurve is still in transit and I have been told that Ron produced a Reverse handled longbow If anyone has heard or seen one of these or has old catalogues please let me know.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/clinglish/P1000176.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/clinglish/P1000173.jpg)
shamus, you are in good company. I haven't bought a new bow in let's see.......38 years!
Trawling through the internet I came across this bow for sale. After checking that it was a Ron Fox creation I bought her into the collection. According to Ron King ( The current Owner of Fox Bows) This bow is very rare and was a Special custom style . It is All cocobollo so very solid in the hand with a beautiful grain. It has a wavy inlay down the front of the limbs and tapered laminations on the back of the limb Her specs are 66" 63#@29" and a sleeve T/D. It certainly spits an arrow LoL
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/clinglish/newfoxlongbow009.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/clinglish/newfoxlongbow012.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/clinglish/newfoxlongbow010.jpg)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/clinglish/newfoxlongbow005.jpg)
So Its welcome to the family
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/clinglish/P1000176.jpg)
There are only a few more bows to go to make the collection complete till then I just have to keep Hunting for them
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Archery%20Equipment/Bows/File0001B.jpg)
I got this Ben Pearson Colt when I was fourteen. I still have it, and have a small collection of bows with similar riser styles. Herters, Damon Howatt, Bear, and more Pearsons. It is not easy for me to part with a bow with that shape.
This bow is still in transit, eh?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Archery%20Equipment/Bows/IMG_1465copy640.jpg)
This is 1969. I still have this Green Fox fiberglass from Bear.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/Misspent%20Youth/Christmas19692pspedit.jpg)
The bow I got at eight years broke. :(
Killdeer
yes mate , it is in australia but when it gets to me is up to the god of international freight. LOL
It all started for me when I met a new friend in the 3rd grade back in the 60's. He gave me his old fiberglass bow. I thought I dyed and went to heaven!! Back in those day we carried our bow everywhere and nobody even looked at you. How times have changed and not for the better. Anyway I've been addicted to collecting bows ever since. Scott