Some Robertson Details...
I have 2 Robertson canoes - a long and a short deck. I've also seen a Robertson catalogue with no date. I believe it is the same catalogue as the one on the canoe catalogue CD.
Here's a few details that I jotted down after looking at both canoes:
Robertson Long Deck: Oak outer and inner stems. The end of the stem is rounded off. Brass(?) stem band. The catalogue mentions a nickle plated stem band. Decks - 34 in. from the tip to the crown of the coming.
Robertson wave form stamp on each end of both thwarts - nearly
illegible in most cases. Robertson metal tag on the coming. 2-3/8's x
3/4 in. Untapered ribs - very consistent 2-1/8 x 5/16's Planking -
very consistent 2-7/8's in. wide. Quartersawn. Spruce inwale. Mahogany
outwale and cap. Beam approximately 33 in. outside plank to outside
plank Depth approximately 13 in. No serial no. confirmed yet.
Original color likely New Haven Green based on pieces of old canvas and
the tint of the paint on the keel.
"Robertson" Short Deck: Serial no. 3125 33 15 - 15 ft is the length. 33 does not appear to be the beam. The number is stamped on both stems. The stamp used is a "bold outlined" font. Oak Stem. Same shape as the long deck stem. Spruce Inwale, cap rail and outwales appear to be spruce.
Tapered ribs. 2-1/4 in. wide. Beam approximately 31 in. and 12 in. deep. depending on where it is measured. Thwarts appear identical on both canoes. Robertson wave stamp is on each end of the short deck canoe thwart. Planking on this canoe is flatsawn with some knots and it is wide. 3-3/4's wide. Deck cutout appears the same as "The Robertson Model" catalogue illustration. Possible original color - red
Catalogue Details: "The Robertson Model"
- 15 footer 32 in. beam 11 in. depth 50 to 55 lbs. "The Robertson Long Deck Models" - 16 footer 32 in. beam 11 3/4 in. deep. 58 to 68
lbs. Decks 30 to 36 inches long. Stock Colors - Rich Tuscan Red, and
New Haven Greens. Bronze or gold leaf stripes. Birds Eye Maple, Birch,
Mahogany seats, thwarts and decks. Decks: Short 18 in., Med. 30 in.
Long 32 to 36 in. Extra Long 48 in. Grade A: Cedar/spruce, Birds eye or
mahog. trim copper fastenings Grade B: Maple seats, thwarts and decks.
The planking in the 15 footer short deck does not appear to be as high in quality as the long deck version. I think the planking in the 15 footer is flatsawn, and has some knots. It is wide though. I'm wondering if this indicates that this canoe is a later version Robertson - more mass produced. This also may be suggested by the high serial no. and the tapered ribs????
I have photos of both canoes in an on-line photo Album here:
http://community.webshots.com/user/fitzyknu
I look forward to seeing some photos of your canoe!