Faux Hickory Canadian Canoe Company Paddles

Blog reader R.C. Cross kindly sent me some pictures of an interesting bit of paddle art in his collection. They are a pair of historic paddles from the Canadian Canoe Company (founded 1892). According to the information he sent, it was claimed they were made of hickory but closer inspection revealed that the distinctive grain pattern turned out to be faux painted. Apparently faux painting was quite popular in the 1920's and was likely applied to these paddles to add some flair. The pair of paddles are 60" and 57" with one having a clear CCC decal. One blade is finished smooth and the other has cracked. The grain painting does not extend up to the handles so you can see that the original wood grain was quite plain.

60" & 57" Canadian Canoe Company Paddles

Faux painted Hickory grain pattern on blades

Speaking of amazing grain patterns, R.C. also happened to carve a curly Douglas Fir paddle with a very peculiar grain. It was featured back on this site in March, 2012. I've often thought that if a canoe paddle could ever be used to induce hypnosis, it would be R.C. amazing creation. See that post by clicking here. Hoping R.C. will carve some more paddles and continue to post for all of us to enjoy.

As a side note, for anyone interested in reading about the very interesting history of the Canadian Canoe Company, check out Ken Brown's recent publication. It's full of fantastic photos and details about this lesser known Peterborough area canoe company, including the interesting court trials the company faced to be trademarked with the "Canadian" name. 

To support the local canoeing community, I had ordered mine through the Canadian Canoe Museum online store but it looks like they are sold out for the time being. If you want to support another great organization appropriately carrying on the tradition of wooden boats, consider ordering through the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association here.

Interesting blog post on tumplines

For anyone interested in the historical description and use of tumplines for portaging, check out Isaac Walter's recent post on his blog, The French in Wisconsin. He has posted images of various tumplines in the American Museum of Natural History collection as well as a few historical paintings featuring the tumpline portage carry.

Isaac's decorated paddles were featured here in a post back in September 2012

"HBC" Maliseet Paddle

While searching on my computer of old saved images, I came across another Maliseet style paddle from New Brunswick that I haven't posted on. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have the original link or photo credit source about it, so if any readers of the blog recognize this paddle, feel free to comment.

Not the best lighting but a bit of photoshop adjustment and closeup of the grip reveals a decorative carving with the letters "HBC". No other info on the date or dimensions.




"HBC" Inscription on Grip

Missing in Action for the last while

Apologies to followers of my blog for the lack of posting since August. Our family has had a bit of a rough go health-wise with each of us having some issues but we're now on the mend. I had two outbreaks this summer of painful dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx) all over my hands and arms. It's been recurring for three summers in a row now whenever the heat and humidity get too much. Couldn't use my hands to even type on a keyboard let alone carve or hold any paddles. Really put a damper on my canoeing plans. Unfortunately had to miss the annual Killbear Paddlers Rendezvous and other paddling events planned in September. Also want to apologize for my inability to respond to the emails some folks have sent me. Between work and other stuff, I'll try to respond soon.

Hope to get some more posts up on this site ASAP too, but in the meantime, check out his post on Dick Persson's great blog about a 1930's J.B. Odette 13 foot trapper restoration.