ID. help

[rbandy]

I just bought a E.M. White canoe. I've read a few things about these boats but very little about the construction and I haven't seen any photos of one with sponsons. The boat I bought is sponsoned and I'd like to become familiar with deck, gunnel and stem details as to bring her back to original glory. I'd also like to try and narrow a date down if at all possible. Thanks, Reid

 

[Kathryn Klos]

Hello Reid,

I'll attach information from the 1919 White catalog, courtesy of the Historic Wood Canoe and Boat Company Catalog Collection CDs available from http://www.wcha.org/catalog/ and http://www.dragonflycanoe.com/cdrom.htm on the web.

The 1915 catalog-- which is the one immediately preceding the 1919 on the catalog CD-- has a sponson canoe with the rear seat a D-shape, so your canoe is later than 1915. Perhaps there are other factors that could help nailing down the age and other details that would help with restoration.

Kathy

 

[rbandy]

Hello Kathy,

Thanks so much. I have to buy that CD. I haven't gotten the boat home yet but I think the seats may not be original. I'll find out soon.

By the way, your new boat looks wonderful.

Reid

 

[David McDaniel]

What a great find! A very interesting canoe to say the least!

Good luck....dave

 

[rbandy]

Thanks David, I got the canoe home and removed the fiberglass and spent time looking for numbers. I found numbers stamped on a rib(W1056-0000-2403). I'd like to share these images of the brass plate and rib numbers. I have looked at the inwales for signs of a D shaped rear seat to no avail. I have a few older canoes (1913,1914,1915,1916 and 1919) some in good shape an some very rough. When I removed the glass this boat appears to have been very well cared for. Looks like one spliced stem and a few small planking repairs are all that it has received asside from the glassing. It also has some steel fastenings. I picked the boat up 60 miles East of St Paul. Any knowledge of E.M. White serial numbers or the possibility of a restorers' number would be appreciated. I'd like to know how long this model ran. I also have questions on recanvassing and gunwale details. Thanks

 

[Dan Miller]

The sponson canoe with decks like yours is shown through the 1920 E.M. White catalog. In 1921 and on, the deck treatment shown is different.

 

[rbandy]

Thank you Dan, It was nice talking to you today. CD check is in the mail..

Reid