Vintage 1953 Bear Tamer Lane recurve

pinky · January 23, 2016, 10:36:00 AM

I was searching my local Craigslist and this showed up as a nearby find over in Helena. I thought I would share the link for some of you Bear collectors who might be interested.
This Target bow looks to be in excellent shape from the pictures.
https://helena.craigslist.org/spo/5411759980.html

Blackhawk · January 23, 2016, 01:46:00 PM

Thanks for sharing the info. Bow is probably from the mid to late 60's since they were first out in 1963-64.

I could not make out the serial or specs of that one, but I would like a 64" in the upper 45-50# range for shooting and not collecting.

They look cool and are tack drivers, but collector interest is limited in the target models. Some owners think they are worth a grand or more, but $250-$300 is probably tops for a good one.

damascusdave · January 23, 2016, 07:47:00 PM

That bow is marked HC 300 and they were only built from 1968 to 1972...if our dollar was not so low right now I would be contacting the seller...it looks to me like a bow that has been well cared for and shot very little...hard to call oneself a Grayling Bear collector and not have at least one target bow

DDave

pinky · January 23, 2016, 08:50:00 PM

When I was looking at the pictures I was thinking that the 1953 might be part of the patent stamp. After looking at few other Bear bows on the internet, they all have that 1953 Patent stamp.

I figured there might be a little interest here.

damascusdave · January 23, 2016, 09:36:00 PM

Thanks for posting not all that long ago I would have been all over that bow...I have been wanting a Tamerlane for some time

DDave

59Alaskan · January 24, 2016, 07:13:00 AM

Beautiful bow!

pinky · January 25, 2016, 08:29:00 PM

I emailed the Craigslist contact to see if they could get a better picture of the specs on the riser. I got a better picture to share.

Blackhawk · January 25, 2016, 10:33:00 PM

Yep, 1968 version, 72" and a nice 40#.

warpedarrow · January 26, 2016, 10:28:00 AM

That appears to be a nice bow. Someday, maybe, I will buy a Tamerlane or a Temujin. I just don't get real enthused by target bows.

There is no telling how many bows are out there that haven't had a dozen arrows through them. I purchased a '65 Kodiak Special a few months back that appears to have very few arrows put through it. It is a 69" 33# bow. Included was a quiver, a dozen 24" arrows, and arm guard, and a shooting glove. The brass on the buckles had that greenish looking goop that seems to appear on brass that is not used for a long time, so the evidence points to them having been in that position for a while. Both the guard and three finger glove had holes poked in the strap to pull them down to about the size of a paper towel tube. My guess is that some fellow bought his tiny wife a bow and she was not able to draw it.

This thing is 97 or 98% perfect and was bought for $150. Now I need to find a 64,66, and 67 in the same condition to complete my KS display.

VintageAce · March 17, 2016, 07:41:00 AM

Purchased the bow for 275.00 In extremely nice cond. after polishing it up it looks like new shoots accurately!

Blackhawk · March 17, 2016, 09:31:00 AM

Good for you, and hope you enjoy it. Those target bows are lots of fun to shoot, extremely accurate, and a great tool for working on proper form.

pinky · March 17, 2016, 07:14:00 PM

HA! Glad that worked out for you Ken.
I noticed it had had disappeared from the Craigslist site.

Glad it worked out for someone, I thought i might have to drive to Helena.

Babbling Bob · March 24, 2016, 03:45:00 AM

Although Tamerlanes first came out in 1963, I ordered one in late 1962. They were announced in NFAA's Archery magazine. I remember this because I used my Christmas money I made that year to order one and have it put on layaway. It arrived the first of the year and was the best looking bow on the field ranges. Really like the '63's and the feather rests instead of the side plates. Traded mine in 1970 for a more modern takedown and some other needed archery items to a dealer when I was young, just married, and poor when I got out of the Navy.

reddogge · March 24, 2016, 10:15:00 AM

Funny thing Babbling Bob, back then we almost had to sell a bow in order to buy another one. Owning several was unheard of. Lack of money was the problem.

VintageAce · April 06, 2016, 09:21:00 PM

I have several Tamerlanes, I used to drool over them at the local sporting goods store as a kid. Had the opportunity to shoot one, and always told myself someday. I like target bows alot. I recently picked up a absolutely perfect, possibly never shot Wing Swift. Of course its not virgin anymore. Shoots awesome!