Mid-90's Redman

(Now owned by Dick Wightman)

I was fortunate in spotting this Redman on ebay shortly after it was posted and was able to get it via "Buy Now" rather than bidding. It was made in the mid-90's by Craig Ekin. Other than his name, it is unmarked, but was supposed to be 70# @ 28" and is a 70" bow. I didn't have a Redman and this one looked pretty special, so I got it in spite of the weight, which I calculated would be #58 at my 25" draw. It came this morning and I was really knocked out by how beautiful it is. On top of that, the straight grip is not too deep, and it either had a "soft" power curve on the front end of the scale or has lost some weight over the years, because it pulls 54# for me on my scale. I find it a firm, but smooth pull and as you can see, shot it pretty well.

Since I want to preserve the info, here is the description from the ebay listing:

 

Howard Hill "Redman" right handed longbow. A man's bow at 70# @ 28" draw but smooth drawing with 70" length.
This beautiful bow has a deep gloss finish with heartwood yew limbs covered with clear glass and a Bubinga riser. This is a very attractive combination. The bow comes with costly extras of Cape Buffalo reinforced tips, laced Moose hide grip (grip is straight, not dished), and an 1899 Indian Head Penny factory embedded below the grip and signed by Craig T Ekin who continued the business after Hill and Ekin's father's passing.


The catalog price for this bow when made during the 90's was $525.


This bow is in excellent condition, all original, and has been well cared for. Comes with a soft sleeve to keep it that way. It is a strong, fast shooter but smooth drawing. It has the typical 1/2" of reflex and a classic longbow shape when strung. Has a nice 18 strand flemish string in good shape and silencers. There's just a pleasing, mild thump of sound when releasing an arrow.

 

 

 

 

Riser, with inset 1898 Indian Head penny

 

Closeup of penny

Note that there is no serial number or designation of weight, length or draw. Craig is not able to say exactly when he built this one.

 

Here's the catalog description of the Redman:

"The historic longbow material, yew was the standard in superior archery equipment for years. It is a fast, smooth wood. Its beautiful red color puts it in a class of its own. Bubinga is the customary riser wood for the Redman."

 

Yew heartwood limb.

 

And, as I said, it shoots. I used Easton 2117 arrows, same as in my Black Bear. I need to move the nock for three under shooting.. this is actually two groups... the lower one first, then the upper one once I adjusted. 12 yards.