antique salesman sample canoes - tips on avoiding fakes : eBay Guides

(shown in the photo above are a dozen early 'salesman samples' - really 'display models' - from various N. American canoe factories, along with sample paddles. These were assembled for a unique display at the 2011 annual fall show of the Canadian Decoy & Outdoor Collectible Association, held at Niagara Falls, ON, October 30. more info is available at www.antiquemodelcanoes.com)

Note: This guide has been edited and amended fairly constantly since it was first written several years ago, in order to be up-to-date with the most current information and research. If you have read previous versions, you may find changes. New data provided here with respect to volume of production of factory 'samples' only became available in Aug. 2009, and in early 2011. Questions and comments are welcome.

An extensive article on "Early North American Canoe Manufacturer Sample Models", with photographs from museums, auctions, PBS 'Antiques Roadshow' and leading private collections has been compiled, providing information on origins, manufacturers, numbers, sale price records, condition, restoration, etc. This research, available in combined form for the first time, has been published in the February 2011 edition of 'Wooden Canoe' magazine, and in the March 2011 issue of 'Hunting & Fishing Collectibles' magazine. The version which appears in H&FC is slightly longer, more complete and has color photos. A follow-up piece with information and photos of a recently discovered Chestnut Canoe Co. model appears in the May 2011 issue of H&FC; photos of this model and another similar piece just uncovered can be seen on the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association website under the 'Forum' chat - see heading for 'model canoes' and thread related to "unicorns do exist".

On-line auctions can be a wonderful source for antique model canoes, kayaks and paddles from around the world. Fifty or 100 years ago, collectors personally had to travel great distances to find these objects and then carry them home. Today you can do it from your computer and have them shipped to you. On-line auctions can also be a tricky, even dangerous place to shop for the novice or unfamiliar collector. I have written this guide after becoming alarmed at the number of recent sales where grossly outrageous claims have been made about rarity,  'authenticity' and  'museum quality', etc. I've been a collector for 20+ years, and I also volunteer at museums. I dislike seeing new collectors being ripped off. Here are a few things to look for when buying model canoes, kayaks and miniature paddles.

Be cautious when you see items described as 'authentic salesman's sample' canoes or paddles. This is a favorite term of sellers, many of whom don't have the first clue as to its proper use. There is a difference between something which is a repro 'model', a toy or miniature, and that which is a true 'salesman's sample'. Ask the seller just which company made it or used it to promote sales; many simply don't or won't know. If they do, try to check the model style against known historical catalog information (fairly readily available). If a vendor cannot positively identify a known company name (or supply provenance linking the model to a known, professional canoe dealer), then what you are buying is more akin to a 'miniature' than a "salesman's sample" proper. If you're told it's 'vintage' or 'antique', ask for a date, and get this or any other information in writing, preferably with a money-back guarantee.

In fact, salesmen did not travel the country with these things under their arms or in brief cases. When it comes to sample canoes, these were actually intended as retail store 'display' items, and most came in lengths of 4, 5, 6 or 8 feet (sometimes even 10', 11' or 12'). Miniature paddles complete with company decals were mostly used as advertising gimmicks, and supplied to outfitter stores or handed out after plant tours. If you're told one of these articles is an antique, look carefully for signs of age all over, not just coloring or wear marks which may have been faked. Check all the nooks and crannies for old paint or varnish; if you see bright, new wood where there should be dust and age, beware. A very important clue: true salesman's samples made by the old-line North American canoe manufacturing companies were usually made from scraps of the same wood used to make the full-size items - i.e., cedar, spruce, ash, maple, birch, mahogany, cherry, walnut, etc., not the lighter balsa-type woods of which most of the imported fakes seen today are composed. Check carefully; even experts can and do get fooled. Sample canoes and paddles made by some of the very early manufacturers are much rarer than others; some companies made only a handful, while others made many. Consequently, availability and market values can vary widely.

To give you some idea of their scarcity, in 20 years of actively searching week by week to build my own collection, I have come across perhaps twenty Old Town 4' canoes and another four or five in the 8' length. I've seen four 42" models and maybe three 8' models by the Carleton Canoe Co. (in a NY country auction in 2007, there was a 42" model by the 'Carlton' (sic) Canoe Co. offered for sale). Production records of both Old Town and Carleton (proper spelling) show them as making samples  in 4' and 8' lengths, although Old Town also made a few longer (10' - 12') display pieces as well. I've seen perhaps ten models by Kennebec, all of which have measured between 63" and 69". A number of years ago, a dealer friend showed me photos of a 50" model canoe by Penn Yan, along with a model runabout of similar length. As for vintage models by Rushton, Morris, White or other US makers, until quite recently nothing much was known. Some collector friends believed they existed; now it is certain that at least some do. A lovely old J H Rushton model of a St. Lawrence River rowing skiff 50" long turned up at a Canton, NY, garage sale a number of years back; it later sold at auction and then recently (2007) sold again; it is now reputedly worth well in excess of $40,000. It is the only Rushton sample known to exist; thus, a premium value for an exceptional item. Three or four E M White models recently have been found; one turned up at a PBS 'Antiques Roadshow' event in Denver, April 2010. A second example, presumed to be by White, sold in the last couple of years on eBay, though not described as such at the time. Recently, a 1920's White model 52" in length turned up in a Maine auction, though described by the auctioneer as being by either Old Town or Kennebec.

Almost half of the 'display' model canoes that I personally know of turned up at one time and place, an absolutely phenomenal occurrence. This was at the 'Timberlake collection' auction hosted by Brunk Auctions, NC, in July 2006. Buyers came from all over, bidding competition was fierce and prices were strong. I doubt we shall see its like again; at least not until another major collection comes to auction at one time and place.

Because of recent discoveries (2009-11), I need to interject here that Old Town models have been uncovered in a 42" length, as well as the more usual 48". Some of these shorter ones seem to be very early (pre-1906). It is also known that Alfred Wickett, who became the first manager at Old Town in the late 1890's, made a 42" model, purportedly for display at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. This would have been some years prior to his engagement with OT, and possibly while he worked at E M White's shop. While the claimed date may be open to challenge, this little model would seem to have been made no later than the first few years of the 1900's at the latest. Early Carleton Canoe Co. models of 42" are known, and there is at least one OT 42" model that began life as a Carleton, but was re-painted at the OT factory and re-lettered and decal-ed as an Old Town. Likely, this took place just after Old Town bought out Carleton (1910). It was not uncommon for items from the Carleton production line (which continued on into the 1940's) to be sold as Old Town products, particularly if demand was high, current OT supply was short, and the customer was in a hurry. So, an OT model can be either 42" or 48"; there might be slight differences in the characteristics - i.e., shape, decks, seats, brass banding at rail ends. Either length can be considered authentic.

Recent research into preserved company 'build records' discloses highly relevant information as to possible production numbers. Kennebec Canoe Co. build records show serial #'s being issued to ten "small" canoes in 1916, and another fifty "5' miniature" canoes between 1922 and 1926, for a total output of 60 'display-type' models being recorded. Carleton Canoe Co. records (following its take-over by Old Town) disclose that serial #'s were issued for the production of eight 4' display models and another five 8' display models. All but two of these were made between 1922 and 1926, the others being in 1911 and 1915. Old Town Canoe Co. records show serial #'s being issued to at least 81 display pieces, mostly built between 1922 and 1926, with the very earliest references being found in 1911/12, and the latest in 1936 (although recorded display model production seems to have ended in 1931). In Oct. 2009, a page from an Old Town factory inventory for 1905 was discovered listing three "small" models in its possession, with one of those related to the Indian Old Town Canoe Co. No serial #'s were listed. And, although Old Town company records show 4' 'display' models were primarily made between 1922-31, there is photographic evidence of 4' models in existence in both 1910 and 1915. Indeed, even more recently, early financial records of OT have been discovered listing 26 'sign canoes' valued at $255 in 'accounts receivable' for 1907; this had grown to 97 'sign' canoes valued at $992.50 in 1914. The term 'sign canoe' seems to have been interchangeable with 'display' or 'sample' canoe. All of which suggests that undocumented models were made at dates earlier and/or later than is implied by the build records alone. Contemporary 'samples' are still being made for Old Town today under contract by a private, independent  builder.

A word about the presence or absence of visible serial #'s. Although Old Town, Carleton and Kennebec all have company records showing the issuance of serial numbers for 'salesman's sample' models just as they did for full-size canoes, I must say that I have yet to find a model which has a visible number stamped into its stems. Other people obviously have come across numbers which do relate to company records. I have not, yet I do believe the canoe models that I have seen are authentic none the less - another unsolved puzzle. One theory is that the stems of models are too narrow to accommodate the regular size number punches and, thus, the models weren't stamped at all, simply issued numbers for documentary purposes or shipping tags. But, then, some models have been traced back to the company by their numbers. You are probably better off relying on characteristic workmanship and canoe styles than making crucial decisions of authenticity based on the presence or absence of a serial #. If you do spot a number, check it out at the serial number search function on the 'Forum' page of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) at www.wcha.org. You'll be advised whether the number conforms to Kennebec, Carleton or Old Town company records relating to a model canoe, the date it was made, materials used, original paint color, where it was shipped, etc.

In short, vintage or antique American 'salesman sample' or 'display'-type model canoes were largely made during the mid-teens and the early-to-mid-twenties of the last century. This was likely due to competitive advertising and sales practices of the time. Most were made of cedar ribs and planking, with mahogany for gunwales, decks, seats and other fittings. Few, if any, records remain for early Canadian manufacturers, making it difficult to provide comparative information. Model canoes from Canada do exist, but seem to be much fewer in number, and somewhat earlier in make. Commercial canoe making took place in the Peterborough region about 30 years before it sprang to life throughout New England.

With respect to Canadian manufacturers, I know of two model canoes made by the Rice Lake Canoe Co. - a 68" cedar/canvas c. 1925,  and a 72" wide board and batten c. 1900. I have seen two 50" samples made by the Ontario Canoe Co. (1883-92), both 'wide board and batten' style. I know of two, privately-owned, 36" Peterborough Canoe Co. samples, both made c. 1900, in a 'wide-board and batten' style. There is a third, cedar strip, ribbed model of similar size made by PCC in the Peterborough Centennial Museum. I have heard tell of others, and I should point out here that, at the Canadian Canoe Museum, there is a 70" model building form saved from the Peterborough factory, suggesting that 6' wide board models were also made. Also in the Museum's collection is a fabulous old 60" 'torpedo-nosed', planked model likely made by Walter Dean, or possibly Peterborough, along with another 48" wide board model, possibly of Lakefield origin, dating from the 1920's. I've heard tell of a Chestnut Canoe Co. model supposedly of 4 - 6 feet in length, but recently was invited to view a lovely, original, 7' example, built between 1910-20, which had been hiding only two hours' travel from my own door. A lovely surprise! In May 2011, I learned of yet a second 7' model by Chestnut, almost a twin to the other - both have closed gunwale construction; one painted a bright yellow, the other a dark green. Both sport early Chestnut Co. decals on their bow decks. There are three, known, very unique sample canoes made by old John S. Stephenson, a pioneer of cedar canoe building in North America. Each is 30" long, identical in style, with wide, close-spaced cedar ribs and wide planking, but two are covered in a birch bark veneer where canvas would otherwise be; the third has a plain hull. As Stephenson began making canoes back in the 1850's, these models could well lay claim to being some of the earliest known salesman's samples of the North American 'carpentered' canoe.

While antique sample canoes by Canadian companies are less likely to show up, even the American-made examples are few and far between. I'm out there actively looking more than most folks and in touch with others who might be aware. I don't pretend to know of each and every example that exists, only what I have been able to turn up. Does this suggest to you that they are scarce??? So, if you're being told that a seller has an authentic vintage piece to offer you at a bargain price, be skeptical and ask a whole lot of questions about its provenance. Ask yourself why other serious collectors haven't already swallowed it up for their own collections. You may have stumbled upon a real treasure, but it's also very possible that you are being scammed. Beware!! Pay special attention to the following information.

There are many, recently-made, imported, reproduction models around today, particularly from China. Made by the thousands, they usually come in sizes of 39, 27 and 15 inch lengths (or 1/2 inch longer depending on the exactness of the person measuring). These have become a favorite of fakers and scammers who pick them up for a very few dollars, then "antique" and distress them, making the outer surface look old and crackled. Sometimes, the names of early American canoe manufacturers are added, all to attract and fool you. They are then advertised as "antique salesman's samples". They are fakes!!! I really can't stress enough just how often these fakes are showing up, and in places where those in charge of the sales ought to know better. Pictured below are two of the 'fakes' sold in recent years; the first described as an "authentic vintage salesman's sample" while the second claimed to be an old northwest coast Native Indian model with totemic designs. Both are recently-made Chinese imports that have been 'tarted up'; note the low profile, mesh seats, lighter colored wood and similarity of design. Others seen have had company names such as "Kennebec" and "Otter River Canoe Co." painted on their hulls.



Authentic salesman's sample or store display pieces in top condition are few in number and usually sell for substantial amounts; a very select few (2 or 3 that I know of) have even brought as much as five figures at public auction, and have sold, privately, at similar levels. Prices depend upon condition, rarity, name brand recognition and demand, with 'old line' manufacturers leading the way. While authentic salesman's samples often sell between $4000 and $20,000, fakes such as the 're-worked' Chinese imports described above have occasionally been sold on eBay sites and live auctions in recent years for $500 to $2,000. So, if you think you're getting 'a steal', you're probably the victim.  Plenty of eBay sellers are honest; they offer these reproduction models for exactly what they are, and they often go for as little as $25 to $50. Nothing wrong in that. And what you spend is your money and your decision. But to see one that's been faked up to look old, sell for over $2,000 makes true antique canoe fanciers cringe.

There are very helpful and knowledgeable, honest and established canoe dealers who can assist you with your collecting. Look for them, and check out the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association website, or the Canadian Canoe Museum (www.canoemuseum.ca), two great info sites. These folks are usually only too happy to steer you away from danger; it does none of us any good to have our collecting interests endangered by the fraudsters and their fakes.  You can also find some excellent, relatively inexpensive examples offered on eBay and elsewhere by model makers who simply are selling canoe craftsmanship of the modern day. Many hours of talented, painstaking work go into assembling accurate models, which are usually more difficult to make than a full-size canoe. A well-made modern model is worth every cent of the maker's time, and more. You can find a list of names of some of the better makers at WCHA.

Much the same could be said for model Native American canoes; there are a few, truly historic items which come up from time to time; there are many more which are recently-made, often not culturally accurate or truly all that representative of the older native customs and styles. Lots of imported repro's out there. Many early native items were created for the tourist trade and sold at 'Trading Posts'. Truly authentic Native American model canoes, sometimes referred to as 'apprentice' canoes, and other historically accurate scale models are very rare and were more likely made as potlatch and pow-wow gifts, or to teach young tribesmen the art of proper canoe-building. They command high prices. Some of the so-called "museum quality" or "antique Native American" items offered for sale today are, unfortunately, really just reproductions imported from Asia. This happens frequently with respect to hand-carved, wooden Northwest Coast native items as well as woodlands bark canoes. It is both fraudulent and disrespectful to pass these fakes off for something they are not; such imports are but a poor imitation of the real thing, and of minimal value. An excellent reference book, for those who wish to learn more, is "The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America", by Adney and Chapelle, published by the Smithsonian.

On the other hand, Southeast Asia and the islands of the South Pacific are excellent areas of great emerging interest for the model collector. Stylistic and construction variations amongst the different island groups provide the canoe aficionado with an endless choice of paddling outriggers, sailing canoes, river craft, etc. If you intend on venturing into this geographical area for your collecting pursuits, best to get yourself a reference book such as 'Canoes of Oceania' by Haddon and Hornell, published by the Bishop Museum, Hawaii. Here, again, you need to learn to distinguish between the old and the new, though finding pre-WW II material is often difficult.



When it comes to antique model kayaks, there are stylistic differences found all across the Arctic; each region has its own peculiar shape or design. There are a number of books available which can help you learn to distinguish the Alaskan, Siberian or Canadian types from Greenland style. One of these is "Qayaq", by David W Zimmerly, Univ. of Alaska press. When buying a kayak, skin condition is very important; I speak here of the material used to cover and enclose the skeletal hull which is made of a wooden frame. Skins or hides will normally darken with age; older examples have usually turned from an earlier yellowish hue to a very dark brown. Some examples are found with small men in parkas and are equipped with paddles and other hunting tools. The more complete the better. The older and more culturally exact the specimen is, the greater the cost is likely to be.



I will cover the topic of miniature (salesman's sample) canoe paddles in a separate guide.

So, how do you tell the good from the bad? Take the time to study the field before buying. Visit museums or invest in good research books. Try to buy from established dealers you can return to who will stand behind their sales. If you want to 'learn-as-you-go', be prepared to make mistakes and pay the price. This info guide is based on 20+ years of personal collecting experience in this field, as well as assisting museums with identification and evaluation. If you're in doubt or having a problem, contact me. Check out my web site www.antiquemodelcanoes.com. I'm not looking to sell you anything, but I do try to help protect those engaged in my collecting hobby from the scammers. I am the author of several published magazine articles in this field: see Hunting & Fishing Collectibles magazine, esp. July 2001, July 2003, Sept. 2003, as well as the very recent articles mentioned at the top of this guide.

A wonderful exhibit of small canoes and kayaks - "The Canoe in Miniature" - was displayed at the Canadian Canoe Museum, in Peterborough, Ontario, from 17 July 2008 to 11 March 2009. A large number of antique salesman's sample canoes and paddles were on display, along with examples made by First Nations people from across North America, as well as Indigenous People from other parts of the World, such as Latin America, Africa and particularly the islands of the South Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, Papua/New Guinea, Solomons, Cook, etc. A color catalogue with photos is still available and there is even a brief video of some of the models which has been posted on youtube - www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnHhCX6znGA. The Canoe Museum's website also has links to photos. The Canadian Canoe Museum has the largest collection of antique/vintage canoes, kayaks and associated memorabilia in the world - well over 600 canoes and another 1000 related items! Well worth a visit.

I hope this information has been both helpful and interesting. If so, please signify by voting "Yes" below so that others can also be made aware. There is much more that could be said but space here is limited. I encourage everyone to do their research before buying; much excellent reference material is available.

Good luck collecting.