miniature 8 ft. Old Town canoe
Kimberley:
I should probably wait and allow Benson Gray, the authority on Old Town, to answer but, as a collector of antique canoe models, I can help you with some basic info. Old Town, as well as a number of other early manufacturers in both the US and Canada, made miniature models of their full-size canoes. Although they are commonly referred to as "salesman's samples", it is unlikely that they were carted around the countryside as 'demos'. Rather, they were 'store display' pieces that routinely were seen in outfitter stores. Most companies that made these miniatures built them in lengths anywhere from 3' to 6'. Old Town made both a 4' and an 8' length. Carleton made a 42" as well as an 8' model. From these display pieces, a potential customer could get an idea of what was available (as well as looking at a catalog), if there was not a full-size canoe actually in stock at that moment.
With respect to Old Town, legend has it that, if an outfitter store ordered a railway box-car load (60 full-size canoes) for spring delivery, Old Town would provide a 4' display model as a premium. If two car loads were ordered, the outfitter could choose to have two 4' models or one 8' model. Old Town seems to have made/distributed more such models than any other maker. It is not unusual to see them pop up from time to time. On the other hand, those by Kennebec seem to be somewhat less numerous, and those by Carleton, in my experience, are almost unknown. The same is true for Canadian-made models; one rarely, if ever, comes across a Peterborough, a Chestnut, a Rice Lake or Lakefield. I should point out that I am referring, here, to vintage and antique pieces. There are modern-day 'sample' canoes still being made, on contract, for Old Town; perhaps yours could be one of those.
It would be nice to see a photo of your Old Town model; please try to post one here if you can. These things can be quite valuable nowadays, usually far more than the full-size vintage canoes they represent. Good quality 8' Old Towns have sold for $8K - $12K in the recent past, while 4-footers have brought anywhere from $10K to almost $20K. Again, my references are to authentic, antique sample models.These examples were of exceptional or very good condition. Those sales took place in well-promoted auctions with a very high level of competition. It remains to be seen what effect the present 'dampened' economy will have. Be aware, too, that fakes and forgeries are not unknown. Modern-made sample canoes would likely sell for considerably less.
I leave it to Benson, Dan, Kathy or one of the others to trace the Old Town build record for the serial # you have provided.
Hope this helps somewhat. Will be pleased to comment further should you wish.
