62 Kodiak EXP # 120889235565

[450 marlin]

One for the RH collectors listed 1962 Kodiak EXP    #120889235565

[OldSkoolArcher]

Very unique!

[2treks]

That maple riser is pretty cool.
I had a 59 Kodiak that was "EXP-F"

[vintage-bears]

If that bow was 55#...........I would own it!

[Bjorn]

Looks to me like someone attempted a refi on the bow, perhaps with some inferior materials. The scribbling is not original-who knows what was on there before. The wood did not scream 'maple' but I guess that is what it is.

[NumPls]

To me, the wood in the riser definitely does not look like maple, but rather looks like oak or ash.

Ray

[Missaukee]

NumPls I believe is right on - it has an open grain appearance like White Oak or White Ash - I would guess the EXP is an alternative riser wood test. Either way it looks pretty ugly to me, and I agree the writing does not look very good, but I don't really know how they usually look (the EXP versions).

[d. ward]

well I actualy kind of think its really a very faded out piece of bubinga....please note the grain in your favorite figured bubinga riser bow and then check the auction pics....weird huh bd

[Missaukee]

Maybe whoever buys it will take better pics and post them - then we can figure out what type of wood for sure?

[2treks]

I stand corrected. I also now vote for ash in the riser.
But the writing looks very similar to the old 59 EXP I had. Not the typical Bear lettering but more of a Quick note to let the boss know what it was.
In gold ink as well.

CTT

[Horney Toad]

I've never seen one like that. Quite unique.

[bearbowman]

Oak..........I am going to start posting a bunch of pics of some goofy stuff I have before I sell it all off. I have a 1962 Kodiak Prototype that has a solid walnut riser, 62 glass and 1961 tip and grip overlays. I'll get some pics in a few days. I wouild guess that bow listed is a 61 Kodiak prototype buy why in the world they used oak puzzles me.

[sticknstring+]

If it is an EXP I believe it must have lost it original writing and been redone in a very shaky hand or is poor mock up of one without researching what the real ones look like. If this link works you can see all of the penmanship is consistent and very different than what was done on this one. To my untrained eye there seems to have been the same two or so people doing the writing on these works of art that came out of that R&D de

[sticknstring+]

Oops...department. Here's the link  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=002798

[450 marlin]

If you look at the writing on the boxes side by side with the enlarged photo of the bow I would say they are very close..the EXP..same..the 6..same ..the 4 .. same...guess I don't see nothing alarming in it..maybe just a few trying to keep the sale price within reach

[sticknstring+]

Yes I totally agree. It is very similar to the bad looking penmanship on the boxes, but there is such a huge contrast between that and the writing on other every known EXP, prototype or any other Bear bow ever produced, as far as that goes. It just doesn't seem less than very suspect or very questionable proof of being legit.
     
Speaking of suspect, the statement of "a few trying to keeping the sale price in reach" kind of leads me to take that same stance and have to wonder if someone here might possibly trying to drive the price up....Just as easily could be couldn't it?

The evidence available makes me fairly sure that the cutting edge R&D department of the 60's at Bear, run by Mr. Stewart didn't present anything to Fred Bear that was much less than perfect.
   But who knows, hopefully whoever ends up with it will post better pics and more details about it.

[d. ward]

wow the lettering looks almost as bad as my hand writing.....that one may very well be a fake lettered after it left Grayling ????? hum bd

[vintage-bears]

Just my thoughts on the bow.
I do think the bow is dynamite. It's a very unique 62' and we know how amazing they shoot. I never saw one with wood like that and we will not likely see another.
The EXP looks legit to me and I did bid on the bow. I was immediately outbid so someone does appreciate the bow and realize its significance. Im thru bidding on it because of its low draw weight but honestly, if it was 50 # or more I would seriously pursue it.
We all prefer original finish bows but that one is well worth refinishing. Not only to make it amazing once again but to preserve it for future collectors.
Keep in mind, we don't live forever but with care, bows can!

PapaBear lives..........Philip

[OldSkoolArcher]

I just wish the seller would add some pictures of the tips.

[450 marlin]

He did add pics, just scroll down on the listing, I just checked them out last night