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Antique paddles linked to co-founder of Chestnut Canoe Company

Murat V

Murat V

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For those interested in some historical gear, there are some very rare pieces linked to the Chestnut Canoe company currently up for auction here in Toronto. Waddington Auctions has three vintage canoe paddles carved by Maliseet (Wolastoqiyik) artisans dated to the late 1890s. The paddles originally belonged to William and Ida Chestnut and have been hanging in the former Chestnut family cottage for over a hundred years!

https://bid.waddingtons.ca/auction-lot/unidentified-wolastoqiyik-maliseet-artist-paddle-_621467FA5B
p3.jpg
This paddle is inscribed with Will Chestnut's name in a delicate script on the grip area. I had the opportunity to privately examine these paddles this morning and it is quite apparent that this paddle has seen some usage as it bears scuff marks on the shaft, blade and tip.

Also in the collection are a double set of paddles that are inscribed with the name of William's wife, Ida and are dated to 1898 and 1899. These ones are much more ornamental in nature. They were carved quite thin with a shaft thickness of just around 7/8th inch !

https://bid.waddingtons.ca/auction-lot/unidentified-wolastoqiyik-maliseet-artist-pair_D234461A41
p2.jpg
 
On one hand If feel guilty about owning those paddles when they seem like they belong in a museum. On the other hand I would love to feel Will Chestnut's paddle in the water, form my own impressions, and ponder what the builder and owner thought about the paddle.
 
Murat V said:
For those interested in some historical gear, there are some very rare pieces linked to the Chestnut Canoe company currently up for auction here in Toronto.
Click to expand...

I'm late to this thread (and many others). Thanks for posting that most interesting historical information, Murat.
 
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