When do you suppose this was made? NOT by Bear

[portugeejn]

Well, I like Bear bows, got started because my wife grew up 15 miles from Grayling.  But this is one of the other bows I like.  When do you suppose it was made?  It is a Ben Pearson, that is about all I know.

                   

[arrowwood]

This is from a page from the now-defunct archeryarchives site that someone copied to another site (that sends up a red flag with some people's anti-virus/spam software, so I won't link it here)

Lemonwood Fiber Back Bows

Select lemonwood bows backed with white vulcanized fiber. Narrow, deep handles, with colorful overlays, inlaid arrowplates, wound leather grips. Hand-tillered. Lay-latex linen string

Straight end One-piece, 1957, No. 966, 66 inches, weights to 65 lb.

[Sal]

That looks like the "old ben" longbow, with fiberglass on both sides.  The wood is maple.

[d. ward]

looks like a 1956-ish to somewhere around 1962-1963ish.And yes those are awesome shootering long bows.I have one myself or let me say I had one.The one I had had a damaged upper limb and someone repaired it years before I bought the bow.I shot it for at least 8-10 years as was.But this past spring the top limb broke in half.Here's some food for thought more then half of those bows built like yours were take downs.Have you ever checked to see if yours comes apart ???? bd

[portugeejn]

Never checked, I always assumed it was solid.  I'll have to do that.

RonP

[d. ward]

check it Ron and keep us posted bd

[oldbohntr]

I've got several from the same period, tho none are a model 966.  Mine are all take-downs, models 950, 956, 959, 976,979.  I thought all the solid maple risers like yours preceded the true Bushmaster that came out in '59.  I will defer to someone who knows for sure. I have a 61# longbow version that is a very very fine shooter.  Some I've tried have been pretty mediocre. A couple are recurve versions, but I can't remember how well they performed.  

It's a unique bow and a good one for your display, at least. If it's a shooter as well, why not take it hunting?

[d. ward]

some of the straight long bows were great shooters bd

[SlowBowke]

Just what I have on that model number by description that fits.

Straight end One-piece, 1957, No. 966, 66 inches, weights to 65 lb.
Straight end One-piece, 1957. Mo. 969, 69 inches, Weights to 75 lb.
Dark glass
leather wrapped, straight handle
cream colored wood handle

Neat........Ill give ya 10 bucks if Bowdoc already didnt make that same offer. LOL

God Bless!

[mahantango]

Thats definately a one-piece. The take-downs had a totally different grip.