Limited number of Old Town Canoe samples were ever made and only a very small number of them were this earlier version. A similar example from this same time period was donated to the Smithsonian Institute by the Old Town Canoe Co. This is the earliest salesman model sample and they can be identified by the wording on the side which states; “Genuine Old Town Canoe Co. Canoes”. Later, by the 1920’s, the wording on the sides of the salesman sample canoes read, “Old Town Canoes”. Even later than that, the later samples stated simply, “Old Town” and is printed in script form. This example is generally believed to have been produced between 1912 and 1915. The open gunnel construction on this canoe is the style which began to appear in 1908 so it certainly is not any earlier than that. The canoe had originally been distributed to the Ray Ellis Bicycle Company in Wichita, Kansas. This sample canoe is accompanied by two appropriate period canoe paddles which are probably also Old Town. SIZE: 48″ long. CONDITION: This is an exceedingly rare model. The lettering on one side “Old Town Canoe Company” is strong and bright, the other side is faded; (obviously it had been hanging in a store window for some time). Nearly all of the paint is original, the signage on the side of the canoe are original. The oval decals on the end, we are told, were replaced at some time. We were told that some restoration had been down to the thwat and seats although if it was, it was done in an expert manner as it is undetectable. A very rare canoe and in even rarer to find condition. 52384-1 (17,500-22,500)