Dave:
First, a couple of questions: were these full-size or 'sample' paddles? do you have any recent photos which would establish their identity, condition and existence? I would be happy to try to help you with valuation.
Second, some comments/suggestions on ways to go about dealing with insurers when it comes to buying insurance coverage for collection items. There are some specialty insurance companies, like Haggerty, who deal in coverage for antique or collectible items. That can help, but there are also ways to try to accomplish this through your regular household insurance, without getting into excessive cost.
To begin with, everyone should take the time to do a 'household inventory' of everything you own, and up-date it regularly. Yes, it's a real pain in the butt to do, and will take a day. In case of loss however, it will save a lot of grief. Itemize everything you own on a Master List. Then, write down values next to each item; you can do this as "current value" or as "replacement cost". Next, take a camera/cell phone and photograph everything. In each room, take a photo looking four different ways. Photo contents of drawers, inside of closets, don't forget basements, sheds, garage. A bit of work, yes! But when the insurance company tries to avoid liability, this wins your argument very quickly. Give your agent a copy of this material; keep another copy off-site, at work or a friend's home. Why? So you don't lose your evidence in the fire that destroys your goods.
Have a chat with your agent; he/she will likely tell you that you need a special 'fine arts' rider or endorsement, or that you will have to pay extra to cover 'special items'. Nonsense; you can have them covered as part of your regular household contents. You may not be getting 'all perils' coverage, but you'll likely have the same fire and theft coverage the rest of your things are covered for. You don't have to spend extra premium cost to buy more than basic coverage, if you don't feel you need it. Just make sure that the amount of coverage is sufficient to insure the total value of your personal property - the 'bottom line' value figure on your inventory. If your policy doesn't provide enough, you can get the personal property value increased for a slight additional cost.
When it comes to antique items, sometimes their market value may be more than what you paid; collections can increase in value over time. Question here becomes: do you want to insure for full value, or simply enough to cover your investment cost? Whatever you do, be sure to itemize each of the collection pieces with a photo and an "agreed appraised value". You may need to have someone with acceptable credentials attest to these values - a certified appraiser, or someone who is knowledgeable/acceptable through trade experience (eg., a canoe dealer). Get your insurer to acknowledge, in advance, that these are "agreed values"; this can be stated right on your policy. Should a loss ever happen, you file your claim and ask for your check. If the insurance company baulks, you pull out your policy and show them that they "agreed"; therefore, no further arguments over the amount of loss. Recent photos will attest to the existence of the goods. Tell the insurer to "pay up, or be prepared to hear from your lawyer."
Have a full discussion with your agent all the way through. Be open; tell him/her that you do want coverage, that you want good business relations, that you do not want to have a loss or to file a claim BUT, if the time comes, you want speedy resolution and full payment of your loss. Good, reputable companies want the same. If you have done your homework in advance, it will save a lot of hassles.
I am in the position where I have had to do this. I have an inventory; I have gathered the evaluations of my own collection from other competent friends. I have a policy with extra/additional amount; my collection is valued at a fraction of its replacement value, but enough to cover my investment. AND, my policy states these values are "agreed" in advance, so as to obviate any hassles in case of loss.
So, it can be done. Happy to answer any questions should further help be needed.
Good luck,
Roger