Old Time Bowyer Frank San Marco....Pics

joe skipp · April 24, 2007, 05:51:00 PM

Frank SanMarco had one heck of a reputation in the late 70's and 80's. His Yew longbow was the most sought after bow across the States. Frank had a 5 yr waiting list! His longbow sold for $500 back then.
I visited Frank at his home in Mahopac NY back in '87 and wrote an article about him for Western Bowhunter. I seen Frank 7 yrs ago and he no longer makes bows. Motorcycle accident didn't help either. For you "old guys" who remember the SanMarco Longbow...here are a few pics of Frank at this home/shop that I took back in '87...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/scan0005-2.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/scan0004-1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/scan0001-4.jpg

Frank also was one of the main attractions at the Rendezvous at Forksville, PA for years...A super guy who made a fine longbow.

Ted Fry · April 24, 2007, 06:14:00 PM

I met Frank years ago at Denton hill shoot , he is a class act , great guy to talk with . I had him sign an arrow for the arrow collection here in the store.
What a great jig for longbows in that first picture.

Sant-Ravenhill · April 24, 2007, 06:22:00 PM

I loved the the chapter on him in Traditional Bowyers of America. I think he had chapter one.

Thanks for posting!!

Skipmaster1 · April 24, 2007, 06:28:00 PM

I see Frank about once a week at the local archery shop. He is a very nice guy. I shot one of his bows last week for the first time and it was a very sweet shooter!

shick · April 24, 2007, 06:44:00 PM

Joe, excellent piece on Frank; He was a strong presence in the past history of Forksville. It's where we arranged to meet when he presented me and my wife with my bow. I have a habit, like most of us, to go thru a lot of bows, but the San Marco is the one bow my wife 'forbids' me to relinquish. It's like a fine piece of furniture and she claims it as her own. Anyway, thanks for the pics..............Shick

Alex.B · April 24, 2007, 08:49:00 PM

Joe,
Frank San Marco is building bows again, and taking orders. I saw and held one of his new ones
the other day at Flying Arrow Sports in Carmel. couldn't shoot it, as it was tragically wrong-handed :D looked great though

tippit · April 24, 2007, 10:17:00 PM

I think it is the most beautiful longbow out there...JMHO. Got this from Frank a few years back. Doc

sticshooter · April 24, 2007, 10:23:00 PM

Doc that is a sweeeeeet bow. I love them tips. That finish is stunning.<><

Dale Hajas · April 24, 2007, 10:33:00 PM

Ok Okkkkk Contact info please??

Man that bow is beautiful!!

Rich LaBombard · April 25, 2007, 08:36:00 AM

Wow!
I don't have access to the book at this moment, but wasn't he profiled in "American Bowyers"?
(the "older" book that profiled about 30 bowyers)

Rich LaBombard · April 25, 2007, 08:39:00 AM

I see Sant -Ravenhill answered my question, right in the beginning! sorry about that. I got excited..

1/4 away · April 25, 2007, 09:11:00 AM

Frank San Marco
79 Watermelon Hill Rd Mahopac, NY 10541
(845) 628-5717

Ray Hammond · April 25, 2007, 09:23:00 AM

Hey thanks for putting those pics up, Joe. I was just thinking about San Marco bows a couple weeks ago- I was moving, and while packing my copy of the TBOA book I leafed through it...boy that brings back memories.

Had one of his bows come through my shop - his, John Strunk's selfbows backed with sturgeon, and Jerry Pierce's Choctaw stand out in my mind as the most stunning bows I have ever held.

If you like Hill style bows...Mr San Marco's are awesome examples. Jeff, why didn't you bring that thing down to hog hunt with????

Its a beauty.

Rich LaBombard · April 25, 2007, 11:24:00 AM

There is a lot of great stuff in that book.
It's very cool to see a craftsman like Mr SanMarco still in action.
(last I looked, a lot of the guys in the book are nowhere to be found.)

joe skipp · April 25, 2007, 07:43:00 PM

Last time I spoke with Frank he wasn't building any but I'm glad to hear he's back building a few. I remember looking at 8 bows sitting in the corner of his home...they looked great but Frank said they were junk. They just didn't come out to Franks expectations...I couldn't believe it. He does have and builds bows with very high standards. Thanks Alex for the latest info.....

sleepyhollow · April 26, 2007, 08:50:00 AM

I know what you mean Joe, I was visiting with Frank a few years ago and saw bows on the walls and hanging on racks in closets that were just beautiful but that he would not sell because they were not perfect in his eyes

KOW · March 01, 2009, 12:01:00 AM

Just to let everyone know, Frank has started up ( Long Bows) again on a limited basis. If anyone is interested please respond and I'll get you in contact with him. I am intouch with him a few times a week and he wanted me to pass the word along to all of you. He will only be working on the bows in the winter time so if you are interested you should get you order in as soon as possible.

Cody Roiter · March 01, 2009, 12:13:00 AM

nice looking bow he dose make....

bentpole · March 01, 2009, 09:14:00 AM

Joe Skipp those pictures are of a Jack Kempf Kwyk Styk aren't they!!!???

bentpole · March 01, 2009, 09:18:00 AM

Frank was at Whittingham Last Spring here in Jersey..He maybe up to a 3 year wait? If I remember correctly.. Spoke at length with him. A true gentleman with a great amount of knowledge . I drewa few of his Bows but didn't get a chance to shoot one What a MIstake on my part!