Roger Young
display sample collector
A world record price for an auction sale of a 4' Old Town display model canoe, likely dating to the 1920's, appears to have taken place at White's Auctions, Middleboro, MA, on Sunday, June 9th, 2013, when the hammer fell at $26,000 plus another 15% buyer's premium, for a total of $29,900. Add in state sales tax, if applicable, and the price is well into the $30,000+ level. The previous auction record for a 4' Old Town sample was just over $18,000. Private sales of similar pieces in mint condition are known to have taken place in the $25,000 to $30,000 range, but this is a new high for a sale in a competitive bidding arena, where auction prices are generally regarded as being lower than ultimate retail values. The model sold at White's appeared to be in very good condition (see photo below). Two other recent sales of 4' Old Town models at auction in the past couple of years resulted in prices in the $12,000 to $13,000 range, but both involved models with some wear, flaking paint and modest damage or missing pieces. Condition is everything. Still, this recent sale falls short of the $41,250 paid for the only known John Henry Rushton sample, a St. Lawrence River skiff, sold at a Smith's auction, NH, in 2007. Obviously, the market for top level, rare models remains strong, and growing stronger.