Is there a way to date E.M. White canoes?

[workingbadger]

Is there any way to date an E.M. White canoe?

Do the decks or name plates change over time (see attached)?

Also, when measuring width, is it outside to outside, inside to inside, or from the center of the gunwales?

Same thing with depth, is it from top of the gunwale to planking, top of thwart to top of rib? Or?

Thanks,

 

[Rob Stevens]

Check out the resources here; https://woodencanoemuseum.org/builder-history/e-m-white-co

 

[Benson Gray]

Is there any way to date an E.M. White canoe?

The short answer is no, but the longer answer is that some rough guidelines are available as Rob pointed out. The tag in your picture is the early style from before 1946. The shape of the stern seat is another feature that can help date it. The square ones first appeared in their catalogs during the 1920s. There aren't many other indicators. What shape is the stern seat on this one?

Benson

 

[workingbadger]

Thanks Rob and Benson! I believe the stern seat has been replaced, but not positive. See attacheded.

 

[Benson Gray]

I believe the stern seat has been replaced, but not positive.

That certainly doesn't look like an original cane pattern. Are there any extra bolts or holes in that area? The "D" shaped seats usually had the bolts further apart than the square ones.

Benson

 

[Dan Lindberg]

The later ones I have seen often have the year as part of the S/N, I have not seen this on early ones.