Hey guys, just picked up this beauty a couple of days ago 60" 53#. From the info I've gathered I narrowed it down to 1955-56. This is my first vintage bow, as far as I could tell it's in great condition, no cracks, twisting etc. Not even the typical surface cracks in the glass. Just need to order a string for it, if you spot anything that I missed please let me know. Also, is there anything I should do before stringing it up to prevent damage? (I have a stringer)

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Thanks,
Dave

Congratulations. I have a '58 that is a great shooter, as well as a De Luxe. If you'd like, bring yours to the Poke and Hope in July in Durham, Maine, and maybe we can get together for some shooting:     MTA Events .

Put some elbow grease into it and clean it up.  I use alcohol and an old cotton sock.  This will not only get the old wax and grime off of it but also forces you to look at every inch of the bow, possibly revealing any defects that you might have missed.  Any loose splinters in the glass can be stabilized with some Loctite 420 super glue.  Then you can use some paste wax and bring the shine out.

String it up and start pulling back on the string a bit listening for creaks or cracking sounds.  If nothing is heard start casting some arrows from half and then three quarter draw until you are confident that the bow will not blow up in your face.  Have fun!

A nice clean 1956-very hard hitting bow-one of Bears best IMO.

Thanks for the info guys, getting her all cleaned up over the next day or so. Then I just need to order a string

-Dave

That's a great shooter. I have one that was damaged at some point, then a haphazard repair was made. I gently used a stringer, and listened closely as I exercised it. I ended up being able to shoot it. It hits harder than some new newer bows I have. If not for the pucker factor, that would be a daily shooter.

Congrats on a very nice shooting bow.