Herter’s introduced the Official Tournament (OT) as one of the original models in its Olympian lineup, which debuted in 1959. The OT model was featured in their 1959 and 1961 catalogs (see photos) but was dropped by the mid-1960s.

The serial number OT-1019 indicates the model name and likely a simple chronological sequence number, rather than the more informative coding of Herter’s more complex 10-digit serial numbers used on later models. The model number of this left-hand bow is QA1D2, according to period catalogs.

This long-limbed recurve (tip-to-tip length of 68.25 as they measured it, 67.5 AMO) was designed to minimize fatigue during long shooting sessions.

The bow features Herter’s patent-pending (at the time) “exclusive National Match” arrow rest, a unique, triangular arrow shelf meant to prevent the arrow from striking the bow on release. This one appears to have its original mohair covering, which shows signs of wear from shooting.

The birdseye maple riser and rock maple limb cores are backed by laminations of German “Farbenglas”. The limbs appear to be straight, without cracks or delamination but as with any antique or vintage bow, inspect it carefully before using it. Seller makes no claim regarding its suitability or safety for shooting.

The bow was originally sold with a deerskin leather handle wrap. That wrap is gone from this one.

This bow was used for hunting and comes with camouflage fabric limb sleeves (that appear to have done a nice job of protecting the limbs from nicks, scratches, and UV).

Two bowstrings are provided: an older 60” string with (original?) rubber brush buttons that gives the bow an AMO brace height of approximately 9.5 inches; and a new 63” B-50 Dacron string (recommended for bows like this without overlay-reinforced limb tips) that produces a more relaxed 7” brace height. (Herter’s measured brace height differently in the pre-AMO era, so these measurements won’t match original catalog specs.)

Shipping rates reflect the oversize length of the bow. Expect USPS Ground Advantage shipping to take up to 2 weeks, depending on your location. Choose Priority Mail for faster shipping.