An Historical Early Hill Bow
Submitted by Art Caputo
Hi Dick,
I have had a few requests to send you pictures for posting of the Green
Dragon made by Howard Hill. I have attached a picture below.
A few facts about the bow: It was made for Ed Hill, Howards friend
and co-star in the movie Tembo. Ed Hill was the one attacked by
the python. Someone said that they thought Green Dragon was a nickname
Howard gave to the python in the movie. I am not sure about
this. The bow was acquired from Ed Hill's widow. It also
has a letter of authentication written by Craig at Howard Hill archery.
The bow is 70" long with a deep handle that appears to be made
of two pieces of hickory or myrtlewood, Green glass back with yellow
plastic belly. It has a bamboo core. No arrow leather arrow plate
but a shelf similar to todays Hill bows. The string looks to be an
older linen type. There is no writing in the bow except for Howard's
signature and the name, Green Dragon. It pulls about 50# and
is a great shooter.
Just a point of note: I have another bow that appears to be this bow's
twin. I have no history or knowledge about the bow. It is 2 inches
shorter, with green back and belly. The handle material looks also to
be hickory, maybe myrtle wood. This bow has a smaller handle dimension
but pulls 60# at 26". This bow is in almost mint condition.
It has a serial # and the weight written on the bow. It
also has Howards name in the typical spot, but the bow is not named.
The string material and constriction is identical to the Green Dragon's. So
is the leather grip. This bow is also a great shooter also.
The interesting thing about this bow is that the hand writing of Howard's
name is identical to the signature on the Green Dragon as well as a book I
have that was signed by Hill. I understand that in the 50's and 60's
Howard would sign the bows that they had produced by contractors such as John
Shultz . This could be one of them. Art
