Please help identify this 1933? canoe.

[Paul OConnell]

Hello,

Thanks in advance for any help. Serial number is on stem like an Old Town but it's not an OT. # is 2609_33_17. deliberate spacing the underscore is not stamped just the numbers. Maybe someone is familiar with the serial number format. I'm thinking its a 17' canoe built in 1933. But who built it?

 

[Fitz]

The format and open font of the stamping is similar to that used by J.R. Robertson in later years. His company built canoes in Auburndale, MA. Theories on the "33" include the year built or maybe less likely the beam of the canoe. If you have a thwart from the boat, look on the top side near the rail for his waveform stamp. Search on, "Robertson" on this forum for more information.

 

[Benson Gray]

Welcome, my guess is that you have a Robertson canoe based on the open font of the serial number as Fitz has suggested. See http://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/14928/ and http://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/7355/ for some other examples. It is speculated that the ""33" in your case indicates that it is from 1933 but there are no known records available to confirm this. Good luck with the restoration,

Benson

 

[Paul OConnell]

Thanks Benson and Fitz helpful info. This will not make it to the water again but matching bookshelves. I like the idea of knowing the history so guestimating it's a Robertson from 1930's or earlier is good enough for me.

 

[Paul OConnell]

Another question for the forum. i did a search for typical finish and doidn't see anything. What would've been a typical finish for the inside of the canoe? Likely a spar-varnish? Shellac maybe?

 

[Benson Gray]

What would've been a typical finish for the inside of the canoe? Likely a spar-varnish? Shellac maybe?

Yes, spar or any other good marine varnish is the traditional interior finish. Shellac doesn't work as well there. Good luck,

Benson