So, I was at the local "Pickers" store a couple weeks ago trading in some cra-I mean good stuff- and I found this standing in the corner.

Took her home, did a search on the web, learned a lot about the man, Frank, but couldn't find much about his line of bows.

I thought maybe she was special when I looked at the tips and saw the 4 laminations and the detail in the construction.

I sanded off most of the original finish that was left, applied a dose of Loctite 420 to the tips just as a precaution and gave her a couple rubdowns with Tru-oil. Made up a leather sideplate rest that looked something like a pic I saw on Google.Leather grip is original. Had my buddy Scott twist up a string and, well, I'm liking her a lot. Definitely going to show her around the woods this fall.

Serial # 3970 I believe, anybody know what year?

 

Nice bow you got there...interesting stuff.

As for Eicholtz, I know very little about his bows, but he has been credited by some as one the earliest (if not the first) to use fiberglass on limbs...and that was in the late 40's I think.

I do recall master bowyer Fred Anderson writing about Eicholtz and the respect he had for him.

I believe historian Cliff Huntington was recently doing some research on him and his bows.  Here on TG, Cliff goes by "Liquid Amber".

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=006586

Thanks Tony, That's one that didn't turn up in my first search, (leaving the T out of his name didn't help)

There was a heavy scratch in the white belly that I was able to sand out easily, without any sign of fiberglass, pretty soft stuff, so I came to the conclusion it was plastic? And I figured the brown backing must be fiberglass.

Hopefully Cliff will chime in. Thanks Guys

What I'm actually doing is compiling the evolution of the wood bow to the modern composite.  Since Frank Eicholtz is one of the main players from his work with fiberglass backings first, then fiberglass facings, of necessity I have collected a great deal of information on his activities.  I'm at 1952 which is basically the year fiberglass took complete control of backings and facings.

Fiberglass is also a plastic.  If the facing is truly plastic, it is most likely the plastic Lamicoid which was typically white and the bow would be 1952 or earlier.  Eicholtz began advertising Glasface, a pure white fiberglas facing in late 1952.  The first ad with Glasface I have is dated September, 1952.

I've not seen any Eicholtz ad or article mention any bow with a "model name,"  which is what "Neptune" is, to this point.  Other bowyers have for some time.  

I suspect this bow older than 1952 and Fred Anderson knew Frank Eicholtz and his bows first hand, so he likely could give a good accounting of it.  Tom Baldwin, Wade Phillips or other "bow collectors" probably are familiar with it.

Best I have.

Very similar to the "Coe" and "Gordon" bows of the day. I have one of each. Nice stuff...

Frank had a line of bows out in the late 50's early 60's if my memory is correct which were glass laminated.  He named them using the Greek Gods, Jupiter, Zeus, etc.  I had one and wish I had kept it.  He was also the one who invented/developed the Microflite arrow shaft but failed to get a patent on it and thus lost out.

I shot an Eicholtz in the 50's. I believe that the limbs had woven glass.  Was shooting field archery at the time, and any shoot I went to the Eicholtz was an attraction.  Very smooth and easy to shoot accurately.  Traded it.  Wish I still had it.

You should definitely talk to Fred Anderson ("Skookum" on ***********); he's probably the best source of info on all the old San Diego archery scene. He told me a lot about Eicholtz and Wilson White, Gordon Glass, and Harry Drake-- it was quite a crucible of talent assembled there.

Here is a couple more.

The Neptune.

AND....

And the Venus.