Finding out what year a Martin Recurve was made? Pictures added!!

Zwickey-Fever · December 21, 2018, 05:13:37 PM

I am trying to figure out what year a bow was made, it's a Martin Mamba that I just picked up. The numbers on it, HM-1207 AMO 58'' 55#@28".
What's funny, I own numerous Martin recurves, a few Hunters, Dream Catcher, Super Diablo, and a Scorpion but I have never took the time to research and learn how to age a recurve. I would surely appreciate any guidance or help in finding out when this recurve was actually made. Some people collect Bear bows for whatever reason, I started collecting Martin bows several years back, and I have no signs in stopping!!

Thanks, JMG

Badlands · December 21, 2018, 05:42:20 PM

Zwickey-Fever
try
service@martinarchery.com
they were recently able to tell me the day that an old Damon Howatt was made.

Zwickey-Fever · December 21, 2018, 08:56:35 PM

Quote from: Badlands on December 21, 2018, 05:42:20 PM
Zwickey-Fever
try
service@martinarchery.com
they were recently able to tell me the day that an old Damon Howatt was made.

Thanks Brad!! I surely appreciate your response and just finished sending them a email from what you suggested. I found the Martin Mamba on ebay for $250.00 bucks. It look in great shape minus the string,which isn't a big deal. It's on its way now and should be here some time next week. Thanks again. JMG

Gerald Denley · December 22, 2018, 01:21:06 PM

What is the riser made from? if it is grey laminated birch then your bow is a 1991.

I can age most Howatt's.

Zwickey-Fever · December 22, 2018, 02:00:48 PM

Quote from: Gerald Denley on December 22, 2018, 01:21:06 PM
What is the riser made from? if it is grey laminated birch then your bow is a 1991.

I can age most Howatt's.

It's made of Bubinga with a outlined Shedua stripe. I don't believe its that old. HM-1207 is on the lower limb. I'm just curious as to how old it actually is. I just finished ordering a new string for it. I will hopefully post some pictures of the listing tomorrow some time. The bow itself looks virtually brand new with a few minor scratches. The guy said that he didn't know anything about archery or traditional bows. And after a few exchanges in emails and more detailed photos, I went ahead and bought it. Just want to learn how to age Martins better than I do.
JMG

Zwickey-Fever · December 22, 2018, 02:02:54 PM

And I believe that the limbs are maple with the black glass. Thanks for any help or knowledge you can provide my friend. JMG

Gerald Denley · December 23, 2018, 02:41:29 AM

Hi again...it is a 2001. Mamba's are a good design.
Are your Hunter's and SD older or newer? I could age them too.

Zwickey-Fever · December 23, 2018, 06:30:11 AM

Two of my Hunters are older, late 70's and one is from 2011, my Diablo is from the 80's. It has the clear glass over maple, not the black. I picked the Diablo up from RMS Gear last year. I will have to post some pictures later on today. My Scorpion is from 2016. All the Martins I have are truly shooters. Thank you so much for your help. I need to learn how to age bows better than I do.
JMG

KOOK68 · December 23, 2018, 10:40:50 AM

My Mamba is just as you describe, and I believe I bought mine in 2009 or 10

Zwickey-Fever · December 23, 2018, 12:03:33 PM

I've tried numerous times to post some pictures without success,,,just to high tech for me, but then again, that's why I choose to shoot a a recurve,

I will try again later.

Zwickey-Fever · December 23, 2018, 01:21:35 PM

Zwickey-Fever · December 23, 2018, 01:25:36 PM

Zwickey-Fever · December 23, 2018, 01:32:20 PM

My Diablo

Zwickey-Fever · December 23, 2018, 01:38:43 PM

My Martin Scorpion

Zwickey-Fever · December 23, 2018, 01:45:22 PM

Some pictures of one of my Martin Hunters

Zwickey-Fever · December 23, 2018, 02:55:55 PM

Here are some more pictures of my Martin Super Diablo, I really don't know what year it was made? I was told early 80's some time but not really sure? Any information anyone can provide I would surely appreciate it. Thanks once again!
JMG

Gerald Denley · January 01, 2019, 12:08:03 PM

The Mamba is a 2001.

The Super Diablo is not early 80's.

The SD's made from 1985-1994 were zebra wood with a laminated maple stripe.

It is a 1997. I had one the same.

The Hunter is a 2011.

The Scorpion is a 2015...looks like a re-done Hunter with a hemlock riser. Not sure how strong a riser wood that would be.

Gerald Denley · January 01, 2019, 12:12:53 PM

The limb wood on the Super Diablo is elm.

Gerald Denley · January 01, 2019, 12:18:38 PM

Here is the 1996 brochure...hope it posts. Shows the SD.

The models were the same in 1997.

Timbuck2 · January 01, 2019, 04:49:52 PM

Hey Zwickey Fever....How does the Scorpion compare to the Hunter?
I have been curious about this and your the first person that I have ran across who owns both models.

Thanks