Old Town Serial 7643?

7643 was assigned to a 16' Charles River in CS (Common Sense) grade with spruce gunwales and finish rails. It had oak thwarts and seats an long oak decks. There was a keel installed and outside stems. The original color was Dark Green. It was shipped to Jackson, MI in April of 1908. A copy of the build record is attached.

Some aspects of your canoe and this record seem right - it is 16' and it has finish rails. From the picture, I can't tell if it had outside stems or not, but it does not appear to have long decks. The decks could have been replaced. One of the decks appears to be heart shaped, though that could be a shadow.

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It is also possible that you could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match your canoe. Feel free to reply here if you have any other questions.
 

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I believe that this serial number is 7542 and that it is not an Old Town. This is based on the pictures here and at http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ280223924444 on eBay. The Kennebec Canoe company did not issue this serial number and the build record for this number is missing from the Carleton records. My guess is that this is a Carleton canoe that was built shortly before that company was purchased by Old Town in March of 1910. Good luck with the rest of the auction.

Benson
 
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