Birch Bark Canoe
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Ottawa River, Canada, circa 1940. One of two canoes built at the time for the original owner, this 12 ft 10 inch long with a 30 inch beam canoe, is in remarkably good condition, although it was hunted and fished in for many years. At the time of the original owners passing, this canoe was inherited by his son, and the other birch bark canoe went to his daughter (location of this canoe is unknown). Pulled down from the rafters of a Muskoka garage in 2005, its provenance was established verbally by the son who had inherited and stored it for the past 60 years.
The overall condition of this canoe can be described as very good with some apologies. Some of the birch shell has separated in a couple of spots. It has never been re-tarred. On old and light coat of marine varnish has helped protect the outer surface of the birch bark from water damage, and oxidation (air burn) is minimal. Some of the pine pitch fill on the stitched seems is starting to dry out (it needs a stable, humidity and heat controlled home environment), and a few of the numbered inside cedar cross pieces have shifted a bit with time and use.
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The construction technique mixes traditional methods and materials like cedar, birch and pine. Additionally, wire nails re-enforce the gunnels and bolt, washer and nut were integrated at the bow joint. The flat bottom and relatively high gunnels, though non-tradional, were more than likely incorporated into the design to make it a more stable vessel for hunting and fishing out of, the primary reason it was commissioned to be built.
Own a true piece of Canadian Canoeing Heritage, suspend it from the vaulted ceiling of your A-Frame cottage on the lake, or in the city, as a friendly reminder to take time to enjoy some of the more tranquil moments that come with your paddle in the water, the warm sun on your face and a gently breeze at your stern.
The original hand carved paddles made by the canoe maker and used by its owner for so many years are included!
Contact René for more information.
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