I have a Bear Super Kodiak fron the sixties. Can I tell what year by the serial numbers or the patent dates?
Thanks

If it is from the sixties it would either be a 67,68 or 69 as they didn't come out until 1967. 67 serial number would start with a 7, the 68 with an 8 and the 69 a 9.

Ok thanks a lot, it starts with 8Z so it's probably a 68 model. This one's 60" 45# with real dark wood. where they all dark wood or did they come with lighter wood too? Back around that time I could have swore my friend bought one with much lighter woods.

The 67, 68 and 69 are black risers. The 68 and 69 have rosewood caps while the 67 doesn't.

Here's a '68. They only looked like this.
 

Ok, it looks just like the 68 models above, black riser with rosewood caps. What is the black riser made from? If you look real close there looks to be a wood grain there. Is it ebony?
Thanks

It is black linen micarta. The 67 was all black micarta and was called the "Black Beauty" for obvious reasons.

You have a great bow, and a collectable one at that! Take care of it and enjoy shooting it.

Larry