Rushton American Beauty?

[Michael Leone]

Hi All, and Dan Miller, I would like to learn a little more about this Rushton I picked up before I start a restoration.
From what I have read so far I think it's an American Beauty with serial #769, 16' long. trimed in Mahogany with a floor board.
Most of the boat looks correct, Hardware, seat frame shape, thwart shape, 6" wide sheer plank.
Except, the bow seat is mounted to the underside of the inwale with no evidence that it was ever mounted to a cleat lower down as I understand is typical.
Is there any way to estimate a production year based on these characteristics and or the serial #
It appears to have the original finish on the interior but I suspect the decks and rails may have been refreshed at some point.
The brass tag on the bow deck says, JH Rushton's boats and canoes, sold by the H&O Folsom Arms co. 314 Broadway New York.

does this canoe have any significant historical value and should that dictate to what extent I restore it? Should I try to keep the original finishes?

It will need canvas If I intend to float it and I most certainly do intend to float it.

Any information/ advice would be most appreciated.

 

[Dan Miller]

Hi Michael,

Nice find! Here are my initial thoughts about your canoe. Based on the serial number and some simple assumptions, I would date your canoe to circa 1902-1903. It is not an American Beauty, as that model was introduced well after J.H. Rushton died in 1905.

It is a grade A canoe, and the long decks would have been an option at extra cost. Grade A Indian Girls were typically built with black cherry trim. If the trim is indeed mahogany or Spanish cedar, that would not surprise me, as those woods were used in other boats built by Rushton. That the bow seat is fastened under the gunwale doesn't bother me- though not typical, if this canoe was a special order, that could have been part of it.

The floorboard turnbuckle is correct.

Folsom Arms was advertising both Rushton and Morris canoes in 1901, so the tag fits that period as well.

Without seeing it first hand, I wouldn't make a recommendation about preserving the interior finish or not.

Hope this helps.
Dan

 

[1905Gerrish]

Very nice canoe. A leader in any collection.

 

[Michael Leone]

Thanks Dan, that is very helpful.