ID a bow - PICS added

Lin Rhea · September 27, 2008, 03:37:00 PM

I have had a recurve on one of my gun racks for about 25 years, but never took an interest in it till lately. Now I'd like to know who made it and if it's a good bow.

It's in good shape, so I got a new string and set it up to start shooting. Shoots good.

I may have refinished it many years ago to look nice for decoration, etc. I just dont remember. Anyway, the make of the bow is not on it now and I want to see if you guys can tell me who made it.

The lower limb has this in white:

"Special" in script, with an arrow through it.
No. 730 - 4'-10"

The wood is a dark brown and the front and back glass is brown.
I saw a Ben Pearson on the auction site that was called a Cougar and it looked a lot like it, but am not sure.

Any ideas from what I've mentioned? Thanks, Lin

tippit · September 27, 2008, 09:38:00 PM

Lin, Take a picture and post it in the collectors forum. Bowdoc or one of the many experts on old bows will ID it...Jeff

Lin Rhea · September 27, 2008, 09:50:00 PM

Thanks Jeff.

I took some pics this afternoon and will post tommorow.

Since I posted this, I found another source that shows it to be a Pearson. I was hoping so. I have met Mary Pearson (Ben's wife)over in Pine Bluff and would be glad to have a nice example of their bows. I'll still post pics tomorrow. Lin

vermonster13 · September 27, 2008, 11:30:00 PM

Sounds like a Pearson Deerslayer Special

Lin Rhea · September 28, 2008, 03:21:00 PM

Here are some quick pics of the bow. Thanks, Lin

Danny Rowan · September 28, 2008, 04:55:00 PM

Yep, Ben Pearson bow.

Danny

Lin Rhea · September 28, 2008, 05:15:00 PM

Thanks Danny. Any idea of the year? Lin

Danny Rowan · September 28, 2008, 05:30:00 PM

No Lin, but I am sure one of the BP experts will chime in shortly. If I were to guess I would say early 70's.

Danny

PAPALAPIN · September 28, 2008, 06:48:00 PM

Ben Pearson Special 58".

The draw weight should be marked on the side of the riser below the hand grip on the shelf side.

If it is over 45# it should be a good hunter, If not...target shooting.

Lin Rhea · September 28, 2008, 07:34:00 PM

When I took the bow in to get the rest and sideplate pads changed, the guy who changed it said it was marked 45 behind the side plate, I took that as an indication of the poundage, but we checked the weight on their scales twice and each time was an honest 50 lbs @ 28. All other markings are gone for whatever reason.
Too bad as I might be the guilty party, I just cant remember, it's been so long. Lin

By the way thanks for the help guys.

Danny Rowan · September 28, 2008, 08:27:00 PM

Not uncommon for those old bows to be off by 5 pounds in draw. 50 is a good hunting weight.

Danny

TRAP · September 28, 2008, 08:57:00 PM

South America too :D

Trap

wadde · September 29, 2008, 12:27:00 AM

Your bow was made between the years 1967 thru 1969. It is a Ben Pearson Special Model. Those are the years the Special were made.

Lin Rhea · September 29, 2008, 05:41:00 AM

Thank you for the information. It makes me appreciate the bow a little better. 40 years old and still in great shape.
Like I said before, I feel a small connection since I live close to where it was made and had the opportunity to meet Ben Pearson's lovely wife couple years ago at the BP Memorial Bow Shoot. Lin

jeffcroy4 · February 24, 2009, 11:06:00 AM

i have a recurve that says the same thing and looks the same and was wondering about it but my friends dad owned it before he passed do u know anything else about all the other #s on it or how old it is

jeffcroy4 · February 24, 2009, 06:18:00 PM

i have a bow that says the same and looks the same it says special no.730 -4'10" 30-11258 55 28" is this a good bow is it the same that u all are talking about