Another Birchbark Canoe model

[rapidan]

Hello friends,
There I was at the O.R.C.A. National Convention in Gettysburg, Pa, when I found this swell little model on a show table. The seller had no knowledge of its origin, but like me he appreciates all vintage outdoor doodads. The canoe now resides with me. It's 36" long, 9" wide at the center thwart, and about 5" deep. It's nicely detailed and came with the two paddles, fish spear and the tethered pack baskets. I was hoping someone could shed light on its possible origin. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Paul

 

[rapidan]

Oh, by the way, that's Old Reel Collector's Association...

 

[Benson Gray]

This looks very similar to one that was listed in the WCHA classifieds from November, 2023. The description then said "This really is a great looking and very large Indian Birch Bark Canoe model. Circa mid-20th century, and is hand crafted with meticulous detail. It is a perfect rendition of a traditional North Eastern Native American Indian Birch Bark Canoe. Most likely made as a souvenir item by the Penobscot or Micmac Indian tribe, but don't have any documentation on this item. Obtained in the Downeast-Coastal Maine region. Very nice canoe model in great condition, and comes with two paddles and two fishing spears. Canoe measures: 4.5"tall by 36"long by 9.5"wide. Two Paddles are included. Dimensions: 14.5" long Two fishing spears with 3 prongs and string are included: Dimensions: 19.75" long. " The pictures at https://wcha.org/classified-archive/Unknown-3-11-30-23.pdf provide more details.

Benson

 

[rapidan]

Benson, thanks so much. Good memory on your part, the canoe from the ad looks very similar indeed. I wish we knew more.

 

[Michael Grace]

I don't know where these came from, but they seem to have been mass produced. I've seen lots of these, always identical, always with the paddles, baskets, and spears (they usually have two of each). I thought they might be from Asia but not sure. I've seen them offered at very high prices, but 20 or so years ago they were readily available from Ebay and other sources for around $100 or so. This is not coming just from memory - I bought one very cheaply as a decorator, knowing it was only that. Still have it on a shelf just for fun. Some have sold at auction for considerably more than I paid. To the auctioneer's credit, they did not give any impression that these were antiques or who they were made by.

This one sold through Live Auctioneers:

This one through the Potomac Company:

This one through Jeffrey Evans Auction:

 

[rapidan]

Michael, that's great info, thanks. I'm missing a spear! The thing looks great in my fishing/canoe/camping room so I'll enjoy it for what it is. I did not commit piracy, and I did not overpay! Do they have birch trees in Asia?

 

[Michael Grace]

Yes, there is the silver birch or white birch that spans all the way from the Atlantic Ocean in Europe to the Pacific in the east. It is the national tree of Finland where I have hiked through endless forests of them. The bark is used for a variety of purposes including handcrafts. This reminds me that these models could have come from most anywhere, from Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, North America...

 

[Benson Gray]

Do they have birch trees in Asia?

Yes, as described at the first link below. The book at the second link describes the bark canoes from that area. I agree with Michael that enough of these have shown up that they appear to have been mass produced in recent history. They can still be a nice display piece.

Benson

Betula pendula - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of Northern Eurasia - | Smithsonian Books Store

The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of Northern Eurasia is a history and description of bark and skin boat traditions of the native peoples of Scandinavia…

www.smithsonianbooks.com