Mike, that's a good lookin' Case. To the best of my knowledge, Case has never issued a canoe with that kind of modification from the factory. So it is most likely an "owner modification".....which of course makes it especially unique.

QS, that is a beautiful MOP canoe!!!!!

Bulldog makes some very fine knives but they are very fond of celluloid. I try to stay away from celluloid handles for all the obvious reasons. However, when Bulldog uses natural handle materials I'm all eyes. Below is a pic of my Bulldog MOP.
Great canoes guys!!! Thanks for showing them!