Woolley and Wallis "North Eastern" Auction Paddle

Auctioneers Woolley and Wallis out of the UK had a  listing of a "North Eastern Native American Paddle" as part of their Antiquities, Pre-Columbian and Tribal Art sale in February, 2015. The 203 cm (approximately 80") long paddle is carved from maple, features a lengthy grip with carved etchings at the base as well as an incised "Y".

A North Eastern Native American maple canoe paddle 203cm long.

Estimate: £500 - 600

Hammer Price £ 1,100

Lot 511 - Source Link

 "Y" Carved into top of grip

Decorative etching at base of grip

Unfortunately there is no date listed but the maple has aged to a very dark patina. However the shape and description seems identical to the the circa 1840 figured maple paddle posted here back in 2008. The original listing from that auction site no longer features the paddle but the description seems to be a match...

ca 1840 Figured Maple Paddle

from Nov 30, 2008 post

Original Description from Cinoa.org:

A Fine Northeastern Woodlands Native American Maliseet or Micmac Maple Wood Single Blade Canoe Paddle. Old smooth and dry patina – the letter ‘Y’ carved to one end. Circa 1840. Size: 203cm long – 80 ins long. Beautifully crafted from one piece of figured maple wood this paddle was made to be used with a birch bark canoe. It is generally considered that Micmac and Passamaquoddy birch bark canoes were the finest of all bark canoes and were built for use on both rivers and the ocean.