Old Town display models remain strong in the auction market

[Benson Gray]

A green Old Town display model just sold for $50,000 (hammer price before the premium, taxes, etc.) in Massachusetts. The link below has more pictures.

Benson

Rare Old Town Canoe Co. Sales Sample Canoe Model Old Town, Maine, Early 20th Century Length 48". Auction

RARE OLD TOWN CANOE CO. SALES SAMPLE CANOE MODEL Old Town, Maine, Early 20th Century Green-painted canvas over wood frame, with original "Old Town Canoe{ellipsis}

www.liveauctioneers.com

 

[Dave Wermuth]

Let me catch my breath.

 

[Roger Young]

Inhale again deeply Dave.

Back in February, 2026, Copley Fine Arts auctioned off an orange 48" Old Town sample ca. 1915 for $123,000 inclusive of 20% buyer's premium. This sample previously was the highest selling Old Town display piece, $29,900, set at a John White auction in the summer of 2013. It was surpassed by a red 48" Old Town in December 2025, at approx. $45K, inclusive of bp. Then came back again as top seller 2 months later.

 

[Pook]

Roger,

Does this mean that you and Elon Musk are now in the same tax bracket???

Bruce

 

[Roger Young]

Does this mean that you and Elon Musk are now in the same tax bracket???

Not very likely, Bruce. I'm just an observer, and a scribe who comments on the current marketplace. Not really a participant; bought my samples long ago, and mostly privately. I'm a retired pensioner; haven't bid on anything in ages. Not surprised, though, at the present goings-on. While the economy is difficult for many, there's a lot of spare change in the pockets of a wealthy few who seem to have no limits when chasing after a prized collectible. Happening also with vintage hunting decoys (which I also once collected). Sales in that field are topping $1 million for a nicely painted block of wood that hunters fired shotguns over, sometimes killing more of their decoys than live ducks. Great entertainment!!