Serial Number Request

[mpf1150r]

Hello,

I must first admit that I just sent an email to Old Town asking about an old canoe I have. I then ran across this web site and wonder if I might submit the same information to you in case it is not an Old Town.

It is wood (duh) and was covered with rotten canvas that I removed. I had hoped that some day I'd get to restoring it but I don't see that happening. That said, there is a brass plate in the bow with number 5453 stamped on it (see attached).

 

[Greg Nolan]

We need to see a few more pictures of the canoe, if possible -- especially the deck and the bow profile.

It is likely that your canoe is not an Old Town. The splayed stem end shown in your photo is one of the diagnostic characteristics of a canoe built by B.N.Morris -- an early builder of first-rate, very desirable canoes.

Also, that number may be 15453 -- another look and another photo from a different angle would be worthwhile.

 

[pklonowski]

Welcome to the WCHA forum! There are a lot of people here who can answer questions about restoring the canoe, if you decide to go that route.

I'm pretty sure it's not an Old Town. More pictures would help, but what you may have is a Morris Canoe, from Veazie, Maine. Other folks far more knowledgeable than I will be along shortly, to further comment. If you use the search function here (white box in the upper right corner), you'll find loads of information on Morris canoes!

 

[mpf1150r]

Thank you so much for the nearly instant replies!

I currently have the canoe in a sling of sorts hanging from my garage rafters. It will take me some time to get it down but I will start tonight and follow up with more photos tomorrow (or tonight too if it stops raining).

 

[Kathryn Klos]

Welcome! Congratulations on your Morris canoe. You can find out more about Morris canoes in the KnowledgeBase on this website, here:

http://forums.wcha.org/knowledgebase/Manufacturers:B+N+Morris+Canoe+Company

You can find Forums-discussions by using the search function in the upper right-hand corner and putting in "Morris".

There are videos you might find helpful, at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAz-rspieqE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN462MWTABc


As Greg said, your canoe's serial number most likely has a "1" in front of the "5". An initial "1" is often hidden by the tack-holes (it sometimes connects the tack-holes). If your canoe was #5453 the serial number plate would be an oval plate held by two tacks, and would be on the left inwale. My guess is that if your canoe has short decks they are a gentle curve and not a heart-shape.

There are no existing records for this company, but we have a table-- based on research and our own record-keeping-- that suggests a shipping date for your canoe c.1917. You'll find out more about this in the KnowledgeBase entry and the video and past info in these Forums and issues of Wooden Canoe.

The 2015 WCHA National Assembly will feature the Morris.

Pictures... we like pictures... Thanks!

Kathy

 

[mpf1150r]

I'm back with pictures.

As Greg suggested, the serial number is 15453 and not 5453.
I included a picture of the front and back of a piece of canvas that I tore off. I don't know that it is original of course but it looks like it was red with a green stripe then was painted black (yuk) then blue.

This is getting to be fun and I will look forward to your comments, suggestions, etc.

P.S. I saw a picture of a restored Morris and it was beautiful. I may chose to restore after all.

It appears I am limited to six pictures. I have more if you want to see them.

 

[Kathryn Klos]

Nice example of "paint archeology"-- it may very well be the original canvas with that many layers!

Your canoe will look spectacular. Outside stems are very nice. They can be finished the same color as the deck (mahogany) and the keel can too... then with the rails also mahogany-color, the wood frames the canvas and helps to set-off whatever you choose to paint the canoe. It can be quite stunning!