Old Town Canoe that belongs to a friend of mine

[brishen870]

Here are a few photos of an old wood and canvas Old Town that belongs to a friend of mine. He is 94 years old and does not have much use for it any more. He has hung it above the bar at his brother country club. He told be he 'crossed much of Canada' in it after returning from WW2. Sounds like it has seen some action. Also looks to need new canvas and maybe some minor repairs. Anyone know the approximate age?

 

[Benson Gray]

The information at http://forums.wcha.org/showthread.php?791 should help you locate the serial number that can be used to determine the age. Feel free to reply here if you want more details.

Benson

 

[brishen870]

Benson, It is suspended about 12 feet above there bar so I doubt I will have a chance to climb and find a serial number. When I asked how the owner selling he jokingly said he would take $2,000 so it is as good as not for sale to me. Still a nice looking boat however.

 

[Benson Gray]

It appears to be a 15 foot long fifty pound model and the remains of the decal on the bow deck look like it had a red bar so that probably dates from the mid-1950s at the earliest.

Benson

 

[MackyM]

Benson, what year did the seats change?

 

[Benson Gray]

Benson, what year did the seats change?

My understanding is that this was a result of the introduction of the minimum wage law in 1938 as described at http://forums.wcha.org/showthread.php?891&p=56393#post56393 and my more recent observations of the seats in canoes advertised for sale seems to confirm this. I hope that everyone will feel free to send me the serial numbers and pictures of canoes with original seats from the 1937 to 1950 era which might help to confirm this. Thanks,

Benson