Note: This guide has been edited or amended 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 will find changes. The new data provided with respect to 'volume of production' has only just become available (Aug. 2009).

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. (shown above, top to bottom: true, authentic Kennebec, Carleton, Old Town and Peterborough Canoe Co. salesman sample canoes).

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' 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 salesman), 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.

In fact, salesmen did not travel the country with these things under their arms or in brief cases. When it comes to smaller canoes, they were actually 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 advertising gimmicks supplied to outfitter stores or handed out after plant tours. If you're told its 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 canoe manufacturing companies were usually made from scraps of the same wood used to make the full-size items - i.e., cedar, spruce, ash, mahogany, cherry, walnut, etc., not the lighter balsa-type woods that most of the imported fakes are composed of. 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 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 twelve to fourteen Old Town 4' canoes and another four or five in the 8' length. I've seen two 42" model and maybe three 8' models by the Carleton Canoe Co. (although 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  of 4' and 8' lengths, although Old Town also made a few longer (10' - 12') display pieces as well. I've seen perhaps eight or nine 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. I have never seen any vintage models by Rushton, Morris, White or other US makers that I know of. From what I hear, some other collectors do believe they exist. Almost half of the models I know of turned up at one time and place, an absolutely phenomenal occurrence. This was at the recent '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.

Recent research into preserved company 'build records' discloses highly relevant information as to actual production numbers. Kennebec Canoe Co. 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 disclose that serial #'s were issued for the production of seven 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. It is possible other unrecorded or undocumented models may have been made then or at a later date. 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, 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 a decision 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 at www.wcha.org.

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 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.

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 samples, both made c. 1900, in the '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 one Chestnut Canoe Co. model of about 48" in length. There are three, known, very unique sample canoes made by old John S. Stephenson, one of the pioneers 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 are few in number and usually sell for upwards of $3,500; a very select few (2 or 3 that I know of) have even brought as much as $16 to $20,000. Prices depend upon condition, rarity, name brand recognition and demand, with 'old line' manufacturers like Old Town leading the way. Fakes such as the 're-worked' Chinese imports described above have been sold on eBay sites and live auctions in recent years for $500 to $2,500; 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 (www.wcha.org) and the Canadian Canoe Museum (www.canoemuseum.net), 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, tough, 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.

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 repros 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 younger tribesmen the art of 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.

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. When buying, 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 'salesman's sample' and miniature 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. 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.

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. See also the Museum's website. The 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!

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.