1958 Kodiak 56"

[Mike Shaw]

How rare is a 1958 Kodiak 56"? Are they as hard to find as the 59's? I picked this one up at a flea market today. The bow will need some cleaning up. The leather grip is in bad shape. I guess my question is do I leave it as I found it or replace the leather and clean up the bow?

Thanks Mike

[Bjorn]

What a great find!! I have one but they are likely very scarce. Unless you are going to hunt with it I would leave it. That particular bow is one of a kind Mike; 57@26 you won't see that again-ever. How about some more pics?

[johnnyrazorhead]

Mike,nice find.More pics would be nice but I agree with Bjorn,unless you plan to hunt with it,and even then,if it's in decent condition as is I would definitely leave it all original.I believe re-finishing any part of this bow,even the leather would diminish it's value as a collectible especially considering the 56" length and that heavy weight.JMHO.I hope Bowdoc isn't mad at me for making that statement!

[Wade Phillips]

Mike - Great find. For collector value, it would be wise to take the advise of Bjorn and John, and leave the bow as is.

In the 1958 Kodiak sow belly bows, the 56" length is far and away the rarest.

There are a few variations within this length and year of the sow belly Kodiak...

1) 56" no accent stripes (rarest variation)
2) 56" accent stripes with scalloped sight window corner
3) 56" accent stripes with rounded sight window corner

These variations can also be found with or without factory camo. I don't really collect factory camo Kodiaks, but have a few that are original factory camo or originally were factory camo.

Judging from the serial number, (Kodiak serial numbers are not always 100% accurate), I would guess that your 56" Kodiak is the last variation (3) listed.

Occasionally a heavy weigh 56" Kodiak will surface, but they are uncommon. The heaviest 56" 1958 Sow Belly that I have is marked 60#@28". I have never scaled it at 26", but is is likely a pound or two lighter than your 57#@26".

As far as rarity of 56" 1958 compared to the 56" 1959, I'm not aware of an actual inventory of 1958s that has ever been taken.

Of course, the 56" 1959 has received far more notoriety and is generally considered by most serious and novice Bear collectors to be far more eye catching.

[Mike Shaw]

Thanks guys. That is the info I was looking for. I will just clean it up a bit and get some pictures up in a day or so.

Thanks again, Mike

[hayslope]

Mike - GREAT fleamarket find!  You're a lucky man!!

[4runr]

Very nice Mike!!

[Hobow]

Very cool bow, I can't wait to see more of it!  Did the 56" Kodiak have a recommended draw limit on it?

[d. ward]

hell yeah that was a good hit right there Mike and as mentioned unless you going to actualy use it a lot I would leave it as is.But I would also like to mention if you are not planning on selling and or trading it off........your going to keep it for your own collection.Replacing the grip will not deminish the value of the bow at all.How could it its yours and your not selling it.So if I were going to shoot it much at all I would replace the grip at least bd

[Barry Rowland]

Nice looking bow there!

[Big Bird]

Great find Mike congtrats.

[doug77]

Nice find Mike and at a flea market.

doug77

[Horney Toad]

Good find there!

[Mike Shaw]

Thanks guys, for all the great input on this little bow. I hear what your saying Doc, but my collecting has taken a bit of a different direction as of late. I really hate to do it and I will probably regret it someday but I won't be hanging on to this one       The bow actually cleaned up pretty nice with auto polish and the leather grip is not all that bad. I believe someone tried to darken the leather with charcoal or something. At least it smells like charcoal anyway. I posted up a few pictures of the little brute.  Thanks again, Mike

[d. ward]

good looken stuff Mike bd

[Barry Rowland]

Almost a shame not to hold onto this one Mike.  It cleans up almost like new!

[Tajue17]

if your letting it go PM me,, T

[SlowBowke]

That's pretty awesome. I still have hopes of someday finding something of interest in a flea market or yard sale. Just one would be nice. lol

Excellent find. Id be tickled silly to find something like that.

Congrats!!

God Bless

[graylingdeerslayer]

mike shaw, would like to have u put leahter grip on


my new 1959 kodiak, do not have your number or address or email . Please contact me or call me 972 209 6171  leave message with your number. I have seen your work fantastic, rich tiberio, graylingdeerslayer/ stickbowman.com

[graylingdeerslayer]

mike shaw, would like u to contact me about putting leather on my 59 kodiak, email me at stickbowman.rt@gmail.com or call me 973 209 6171. thanks rich tiberio  graylingdeerslayer / stickbowman.com