I love hunting for old bows almost as much as like hunting whitetails.  I've only came across two 56" Kodiaks (one 1959 and one 1960) in the past 10 years!  Neither have a maple sight window.  I know I probably have a better chance getting struck by lightning but that is why I enjoy.  The tougher the search the more the reward.  The few times I spoke with Al he told me keep my eye for it him for a maple sight window 56" 1959.  I would have let him have it if I would have ever found one.  I wish I could have met him in person.

Al Reader was a wonderful man.
His knowledge of Bear Archery history and Fred Bear in general was amazing to say the least.
His collection of bows would leave you weak in the knees! His favorite one pice bow was the 1959 Kodiak.
In particular and fine detail.

LH with skinny tips, 60" and 40#. Yes 40#!!!
Al loved this length and weight and he killed deer with it!


More pics for your pleasure my TG friends..........Enjoy      

Post your pics too guys! I like seeing them as much as I like posting them...    
..........Philip

 

These are a few of my 59 Kodiaks at the Arsenal

I was hoping you would jump in and share some pics Wade!

I had a feeling you have a "few" lying around.LOL

........Philip

Phil -

Just took that photograph above and found this one that I took last weekend of a little buck while I had a vintage Bear on my lap....

He'll be a nice one next year...

 

I am speechless!  Every one of those bows has a story to tell...makes them all the better.

I'm so glad I brought this topic back up to the top!

Love the pics Wade! What a magnificent collection right there. I would suspect there are similiar racks around your home.    

.........Philip

Phil -

That lob shot was Fred's long time World Record Stone Sheep.

One more year equals 10# more sticks and sausage!  He will be one year smarter too which will make the thrill of the chase even better.  My buddy always says "let em go, let em grow"...hard to do sometimes though.

QuoteOriginally posted by Wade Phillips:
Phil -

That lob shot was Fred's long time World Record Stone Sheep.

I know that Wade.
My "goat" reference was
my attempt at humor........  

Phil -

Sorry, I missed the humor on the goat reference. That never crossed my mind. Most sheep hunters I know are pretty darn serious when talking about about sheep.

Alright- Might as well post up some more eye candy.Gotta love those '59's!!!



This second photo shows the top bow in the picture from the shelf side.It's a wedge sight window,l.h. '59 Kodiak marked 123#.It's the heaviest weight Bear bow I have yet to see.I forgot to put it with the other '59's in my original photos so I added it to these.Sorry about the toes in the last picture,I didn't realize they snuck into the photo but they were made in 1959 too so I guess it's still a photo of all things made in 1959.

Very Nice John!

Original Maple Sight Window Kodiaks are cool bows in any length, with or without copper coins.

MSW Kodiaks rank near the top of the list of All Time Favorite Vintage Bear Kodiaks.

Plus they are great shooters.

   

Interesting view of how much the height of the sight window woods can vary.

I guess I never realized it was a variable trait, bow to bow.

God Bless
Slow

Wow! all of these bows are incredible!

There has been a lot of talk about serial numbers on bows and i was wondering if anyone has a trick that might be able to help me reveal the number on the 56" msw. I have been looking for it under light at all angles and have been using a magnifying glass. It's like a number never existed. Is there anything I can put on the spot to maybe see something?

Alex

Alex-you could send the bow to me and I will be happy to look for a serial number on it.And I won't stop looking no matter how long it takes me to find it.  

Just got back on tradgang after a brief break.

Wow, you guy's have been busy showing some INCREDIBLE KODIAK'S!

Man, I gotta get the camera out!

.........Philip

John,

We don't mind looking at your feet in bow photographs, just as long as you don't start polishing your toenails...

I don't think you'll have to worry about that Wade and if I ever do,you probably won't be hearing from me on this website any more.I'll have a "new" bunch of guy friends then.LOL