New Bow

[bwormuth]

This was originally posted on the North American Indian forum.

"I just found this at a Flea Market. They told me it was a 1920s-30s Native American Bow from Montana. I have no knowledge in this subject. Thoughts and value?"

Someone thought that it might be South American. Thoughts or Value?

It is about 70 in in length.

 

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[stefen]

Since you question the story of the bow, then accept this is as a comment which not meant to be critical, many stories are just that, creative marketing...

You want to be a really creative garage seller, now add a name such as 2 Bears and the value jumps $20...or 2 Bears from the Fukarewe Tribe and you can retire.

I'd guess that 90% of the family stories relating to an object on Antiques Roadshow are total bunk, and the appraisers many times expose the story with actual facts.

If the story sounds too good to be true, then don't walk, but run away as fast as you can.

Now if the story says that the bow is from Montana Native Americans...what if the bow was made from philopean mahogony, or african ironwood...

Too many times, the buyer is purchasing the story and not the object...

 

[bwormuth]

I assure you that I purchased the bow because of my fascination for hunting. I have no ties to Montana whatsoever. Has anyone ever seen anything like this? I'm not even sure that it is original or what time period it is.

 

[kansa54]

Can you post some better pics of the bow? Different angles and close ups.
70 inches is pretty long for NA Indian bow.

 

[bwormuth]

Here you go.

 

[kuger]

I can tell you that is fairly "New",the sinew is fake,and can be bought by the roll at craft stores.The length is too long for any Plains Indian(Montana)which most all were horse back,so their bows were short and very stout(which yours is neither)The end notches are a poor attempt...even even that.That all bein said,coming from a Hobby Boyer,that is a nice display piece

 

[kuger]

...oh,and the red dyed feather and plastic beads are another "red Flag"....I would say that was made within the last 20 years...no later,and I have seen those with price tags over $100....I would give no more than $50

 

[bwormuth]

That is good. I payed 40 for it. I use the golden rule however. That is, if you like the way it looks, the value doesn't matter.