Hello Paul, Benson and Bruce:
Well, what a wonderful, early 4' Old Town display sample you have, Paul. Thanks for posting the photos, and welcome to the WCHA. Having had a chance to read through Benson's comments, I whole-heartedly agree with much of what has been said. When it comes to OT sample canoes, both 4' and 8' lengths, it does not seem to have been their practice to often mark or stamp serial numbers in the sample models. In my search through scans of the OT build records, I could only find references to 8' samples beginning around 1912, and 4' items not recorded until 1922. Record-keeping for their small canoes pretty much disappeared after 1930. In all, I found records for only 35 of the 8'-ers, and 35 of the 4'-ers. However, we know from other company documents (mostly uncovered by Benson) that wood-canvas samples were made both before 1912 and after 1930. My best 'guesstimate' is that likely 70 or so of the 4' pieces were made, and probably about 50 of the 8' length. Only a handful of the currently known wood-canvas 4' length can be reliably linked by paint design, number punch or pencil markings to an actual build card. So, not to worry about the lack of a visible serial number; absence is more the rule than the exception. A few fiberglass samples were turned out in the 1960's. Latterly, samples have been made by Jerry Stelmok of Island Falls Canoe Co. under contract to Old Town Canoe.
I agree with Benson that your model is very early on in OT production history. Benson has pointed out the early form of the bow decal and the basket-weave seat caning. I think we could add the 'high-peaked' stems and steep shear line; the thin, flat stem bands; and the closed gunnels in support of an early production date. The model does seem to lack any brand name lettering along the sides. For a sample of such early origin one might expect to see "Genuine OLD TOWN CANOE CO. Canoes" just below the rails.
Your model appears to be in quite good condition overall, and not having suffered abuse or poor handling. The bottom looks sound and not badly worn; the interior and seats appear excellent, though the rear thwart seems to be missing. There is always a risk trying to assess these things based on photos alone, without an 'in hand', close-up inspection. Judging by what I can see, overall the condition seems quite good, even somewhat better than average. 4' OT samples have sold in recent years anywhere from a low of around $7,000 to a high of $30,000. A few 'beaters' may even have gone below that. On the other hand, it takes a very pristine, close to 'mint' sample to reach the high end. Yours has a few blemishes, but nothing serious that I can see. The stem band at one end needs attention; there is a mysterious light green rectangular spot on the hull. These are cosmetic and fairly easily fixed to improve appearances, but can be left to a buyer, if he/she so chooses. I am assuming the paint is original. My gut feeling is that you could/should expect a reasonable 'floor' price in the $15,000 range, and it would not surprise me to see it bring $20,000 at a decent high-end auction. There are a couple of auctioneers I could suggest if you wish to go that route. I believe there are collectors out there who would welcome the chance to add it to their collection. It will likely cost you 15% or so seller's commission; a buyer will be expected to pay likely 20% buyer's premium. You also want to take your time and choose the right sale, both for timing and clientele. This may meaning waiting a bit, and also your payout will only occur after a successful sale and then several more weeks before you receive your proceeds. Of course, you can always advertise it yourself and sell direct. The WCHA "Classified" section of the Forum is a good place to start. You also could try social media, i.e., online marketplace sites. Just be wary of scammers and fraudsters.
Benson has noted the sale today of a 69" Kennebec sample from the 1920's. Looks to me as if the winning bid was $14,000 plus 20% buyer's premium of $2,800, for a total purchase price of $16,800, not including any state sales tax. Personally, I think that piece was 'under appreciated', and could even have brought another $4K, or so. It previously once belonged to a mutual friend of both Benson and I. It was estimated pre-sale to bring between $15,000 and $25,000. Knowing that item well and being intimately familiar with it, I truly felt it would sell at mid-estimate range. Someone got a very good buy. Kennebec made only 60 recorded samples, all between 1916 and 1926. They were a major competitor of Old Town Canoe. Old Town samples have always outsold Kennebec samples; OT is always in higher market demand. This reinforces my thinking of your potential sale value; $15,000 - $20,000, and more likely closer to the top than the bottom.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Roger
