I have an opportunity to pick up two "Elburg" bows at a very good price along with some other gear. I don't have any pics yet, but one is a Hill style with black glass and the other is a R/D that looks like Osage under clear glass. Both bows are in fantastic shape and probably about 15-18 years old. Here is the thing, neither bow is marked, but I am certain they are Elburgs. The bows came from Bob Blair and he used to work for Harry back in the 90's for a period of time. The current owner got them directly from Bob shortly after they were made. Both bows are right hand and 60# @28. I know that some of the guys here in the club know Bob.
My question is this, do you guys think since they aren't marked that it will seriously affect their value? I realize that it will hurt the resale somewhat, but for anyone that is familiar with Elburg's, they will recognize them right off the bat.
There was a time that Harry just sold you finish it blanks... He'd glue them up, tiller them and then they would be finished by whomever bought them... I can't remember what they sold for, but to me that's where Harry's bow shine... the fit and finish... he was always so meticulous on his finish work...
Market's pretty soft right now... last two Elburg's I bought were heavier one's and they didn't bring 1/2 of what new ones were...
Jonathan
PS Good to see you and Drew at the shoot... man he's grown...
Thanks Jonathan. Todd gave me Harry's number. I called him and we discussed the kit bows, but for some reason he didn't believe these two were kit models. He said that When Bob worked for him, he finished up some bows that went out of the shop unmarked. Both bows are in great condition and the price is unbelievable, so I'm gonna jump on them.
Yep, Drew has grown into a fine young man. Pretty proud of him...he's expensive to feed though!
I went by Bob's place the last day of Friendship.Just a visit, had not seen him in a while. Never thought to talk about Harry.It might be a case of Bob building them off Harry's forms with Harry's help. Bob used to shoot some in the old Indiana Longbow Assoc. some. Bob should be able to fill in the details. Bob was/is a big man and could handle a bow that weight. FYI, Bob and Sandy are leaving the 27th for their Winter home.,
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I do not seek the good of others as a sanction for my right to exist, nor do I recognize the good of others as a justification for their seizure of my property or their destruction of my life.- Hank Rearden
I might add that I talked to one of our gun club members Saturday who happens to have an Elburg, bought directly from Harry. I'll keep that info close to my vest for now.
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I do not seek the good of others as a sanction for my right to exist, nor do I recognize the good of others as a justification for their seizure of my property or their destruction of my life.- Hank Rearden
Jonathan-I should have the lot by Thursday or Friday. I'm gonna meet Todd about the Hill style bow. As soon as I pick them up, I'll post some pics of the R/D bow and some of the other items.
Tim-I haven't seen Bob for several years, but he is responsible for getting me in traditional archery back in '91. Gave me an old yard sale recurve and I was hooked. Let me use an osage self bow he made in '92. Would give you the shirt off his back. I know that he helped Harry out in the early to mid 90's and had several Elburgs in various states of finish at his house back then. When I talked to Harry today, he seemed fairly certain that the bows in question came from his shop and that he had helped Bob make them. The owner who has them now has had them since they were new and got them from Bob, so the heavy weight makes sense, since Bob is on the bigger side.
I'm getting the Hill Style tomorrow evening....John you're right and I've already talked to Harry about signing it..NOW, where can I get a pen that writes in white ink?
Nota Harry Bow But Got My K2 still in Box Today wth all of acouterments even a 54 bowsock tags stiil on it hardley shot heres both Maple K2 is still in box too same Condition am NOT Looking for any more Bows For Collection BUt Some May find Me !! !!
