Need help identify

[Wendy Follett]

I acquired this canoe from my grandfather in 1984 from upper Michigan. I do not know anything about it. There is no serial number that I can find. Hoping someone can help me identify it. If additional photos are needed I could provide. Thanks!

 

[Dan Miller]

Your canoe was built by the Thompson Brothers Boat Manufacturing Company. It looks to be the Indian Model.

You can learn more here: https://woodencanoemuseum.org/thompson-brothers

 

[Wendy Follett]

Thanks Dan - any idea on age of canoe? Looks like there’s a wide range of dates. Also I noticed the wooden strips on floor which I didn’t see on others. Wondering if that was added later. Thank you again for helping identify it!

 

[Dave Osborn]

Floor racks may have been an option from the factor, or could have been owner built. I don’t see many Thompson canoes with racks.
There is no plausible way to determine the age of any specific Thompson canoe. Very few were serialized. And there are no records to substantiate the few that are. If I recall correctly, the Indian model appeared in catalogs sometime in the 20’s and were built into the 40’s.
Nice canoe! Enjoy your restoration!