Hello open mike. Thank you for the interest.

The name "Philadelphi Canoe Fiddle" (no "a" actually, sorry) comes from a program of the minstrel, Robert "Billy" Barlow, performing in London in February 1846. It also says "newly invented".
I have hundreds of other programs and ads, from newspapers, for this man but no further mention of this instrument. He was known for playing every new instrument he came across along with all the usual ones of the time. He was an accomplished fiddler, pianist, guitarist, banjoist, box-player, and more. Also a singer, dancer and actor.
Where but Mudcat can I have a hope of finding an answer about the Canoe Fiddle?
Cheers, Joy