Joseph M. Caldwell was a bow maker, engineer, machinist, inventor and holder of 7 patents.
Joe had an archery shop in Sun Valley, CA on San Fernando Road just a few blocks from Howard Hill's shop.
Howard commissioned Joe to make the metal stamping dies for his broadhead. They are still being used today by Howard Hill Archery. Those of you who use genuine Hill broadheads can thank Joe.
The 7 patents are all compound bow related. 3 for complete bows, 2 for pulleys and 2 for limbs. One of the bows was for Jennings Archery.
He also made and sold a takedown recurve bow, the Apache Hunter, with a magnesium riser.
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe in the mid 1980's when Hugh Rich took me to his shop. Joe said Jennings never acknowledged his invention. That was typical of Jennings. Let someone else come up with the idea and take the credit.
Joe is on the far right in this photo.
Was his shop called, Shawnee Archery Center?
Did Caldwell produce any of his patented split limb bows like the TSS and do they have any value today
Paul, if you punch in Joe Caldwell archery you will find more info, including his patents. In fact, any time you are looking for someone associated with archery add the word archery at the end of their name. It usually separates them from people with the same name.
Thanks for sharing, Ira. I tried to find out information regarding Joe, as I was fortunate enough to find a Bob Swinehart African Elephant Head, that Bob had Joe make for him. The only information I could find was for a football coach...
Jim, I don't have the photo handy to look at, just a copy on my computer, but I kind of remember the other archers were not identified.
Great history there Ira
Deno
Very cool stuff. Some of the other guys look familiar to me. Any other names?
This is the cover of the owner's manual for the Apache Hunter.
Here's Joe with Hugh Rich. The plaque is from Sagittarius Bow Hunters. I don't believe the club still exists.