Bought what was advertised on the auction site as a Shakespeare Ocala.  It was totally covered with a home done camo paint job.  I removed the paint tonight and found it was a Root Brush Master.  58" amo, Serial number J7722.  Great condition, looks like bubinga and rosewood on the riser.  Black glass.  Anyone have an idea of the year it may be.  I'm feeling lucky, it's a nice looking bow.

Not to confuse the issue or the question but is it a Root Brush Master BY SHAKESPEARE......?  Or otherwise?

Shakespeare kept the name awhile but added By Shakespeare on the limbs too.

That will give you more info in placing the year.

Photos?

God Bless
Slow

It only has markings for Root, no Shakespeare.

I've got a Brush Master, 58" 52@28 sn 8220.  Didn't Shakespeare buy the Root company and incorporate their design, early 60's?

I think you are correct with Shakespeare buying Root.  Ernie Root sold the company and then was their bowyer for a while.  I don't know the dates.  The bow looks like late 60's to me.  I'll get some photos and post them tonight.

Some photos of the Root.....











Hope this helps to age this one.

Root made the bows for Shakespeare before and after Shakespeare bought them in 1969 IIRC. Bows were marked Root, Shakespeare, and Root by Shakespeare depending.

The Root and Shakespeare bows were virtually identical w variations from year to year in woods used, tip design, and length, etc.

The Root Brush Master was sold as the Shakespeare Kaibab in 1966 for example. That year it had a Shedua riser w a Zebrawood laminate in the center that showed at the sight window and was 58 inches in length. I have a very nice one, and it's still a great shooter.

The Root Game Master and Shakespeare Ocala were very similar and kinda longer (62) versions of the Brush Master/Kaibab. In 1966 it had a Bubinga riser w laminates of Maple and Shedua that showed at the sight window in kind of a striped "butcher block" look.

The Root Warrior and Shakespeare Necedah were virtually identical. I have two very nice 1966 Necedahs that are still great shooters too.

They are smooth, quiet, forgiving, and about as fast as wood/fiberglass/dacron can be.

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it.  I'm looking forward to shooting this one.

I love this place. Great info. I had no idea of root - Shakespeare connection.