Stringing an old bow questions?

[bowtarist]

I acquired a Ben Pearson Sherwood Bow Cat. No. 501
Appears to be hickory with a laminated handle and tip inserts.
What are the chances I can string this bow up and use it?
I thought of starting with a long string and working it into a short brace and see what happens.
I’d like to hear from folks who have actually tried this or have some facts about it.
Thanks for lookin, have a gooder!! dpg

[Hawkdancer]

From what I have read on here, that is a good plan!  Check it very carefully for cracks and maybe renew the finish. Don't rush it, flex it maybe a few inches per day, the wood has to relearn to bend.
Good luck!
Hawkdancer

[Pat B]

Derik, treat it like a new bow being built and slowly (re-)teach it to bend and recover. Adding a finish or at least a good rubdown with linseed oil or similar to help keep the wood from cracking if it is too dry.
Will you post a few pics of this bow?

[mullet]

String it! let it get used to the string a few days, then start exercising it with short draws. Start increasing the draw till you get it to full draw after a few days. Don't unstring it the whole time and store it strung horizontal.

I just did this with a Japanese Yumi bow over 125 years old with the hemp string it came with. I finally broke the string two weeks ago while in class. I have two more I'll be getting from Jaap when he gets home.

A dry climate is the worst thing for old, wooden bows. It wouldn't hurt to take it into the bathroom at night when you take a shower a few times before stringing.

[osage outlaw]

With our current weather conditions I'd say there's a very slim chance that bow is too dry.  It's been monsoon season in Indiana lately.

[bowtarist]

Thanks y’all! I’ll try to get some pics%