I have two vintage archery bows. Exact age of both is unknown but they were my husband's when he was a child and he would be 51 if he were alive today.
1.) Red Bear recurve bow by Bear. painted red, with some scratches in paint but no repairs or signs of damage or weakening. No cracks. Appears to be painted wood. Has a white painted marking that says "Red Bear (outline of a grizzly bear) AMO 55" No original paperwork or accessories. Bow is not strung.
2.) Label says "Stream-EZE trademark glass bow Model No.35 Grayling, MICH" It is a bow that was built to break down into two pieces. It appears to be mostly wooden but has two ends that look like bone but may actually be some type of hard plastic. There is a metal piece that is below the wooden handle that has a label sticker that is yellowed with age but easily legible. The label states the company and name, as listed above. The metal piece is where the two halves of the bow fit together. There are only a couple of scratches. no repairs or signs of damage or weakening. No cracks. No original paperwork or accessories. Bow is not strung.
2.) wooden with metal below handle where two halves fit together. bone tips on either end, or may be hard plastic made to look like bone.
2.) white sticker, yellowed with age but clearly legible, stating the above name and model number
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I would like to know the individual value of each of these bows
Can you please tell me the approximate value of each of these two vintage archery recurve bows?
Two Vintage Archery Bows
Report for Two Vintage Archery Bows
Item 1: Red Bear Recurve Bow by Bear Archery
Background & Identification:
This bow was manufactured by Bear Archery, a highly regarded American bow manufacturer founded by Fred Bear. The “Red Bear” model was one of their youth/training bows, most popular from the 1960s to the 1980s. The “AMO 55” refers to the Archery Manufacturers Organization standard bow length of 55 inches.
Estimated Value (2025):
$75–$150 USD depending on condition and market interest. If the bow were strung and verified to be shootable, it could be slightly more appealing to collectors.
Item 2: Stream-EZE Model No. 35 Glass Bow
Background & Identification:
Stream-EZE bows were commonly produced in the 1950s–1960s as affordable, entry-level bows. The “glass bow” term refers to the laminated fiberglass limb construction, which offered durability and flexibility. Grayling, MI is also known for being the headquarters of Bear Archery during this period, though the two companies were separate.
Estimated Value (2025):
$60–$125 USD depending on market interest and completeness. While less collectible than Bear Archery bows, the intact label and two-piece takedown design make it desirable to vintage archery enthusiasts.
Authentication
Both bows appear authentic based on your detailed photos, especially given the age context (your husband would be 51 in 2025, so these date to the late 1970s or early 1980s). The labels, construction methods, and materials all align with what was used during that era.
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