Antique Saws

From LoveToKnow Antiques

Collecting antique saws can be an interesting and rewarding hobby. Modern hand saws have not changed very much from the ones used centuries ago; but, there are some differences, especially from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Collecting Antique Saws

People collect things for different reasons. Many saw collectors like old saws because they age to a beautiful patina. The handle gets smooth with use and almost glows with color. The blade changes color as well, increasing character as it increases in age.

Other collectors may enjoy collecting vintage saws and other antique tools because it reminds them of their father, uncle, or grandfather. Seeing the tools is a link to the past and the memories that they invoke. Still others may like the idea of keeping history alive by learning to use the hand saws in reenactment events, living history museums, and other historic events. The types of hand saws are:

  • Crosscut saws – cut across the grain
  • Rip saws – cut with the grain
  • Back saw - reinforced rectangular blade
  • Coping saw - flexible blade and a U-shaped frame to create curves in wood

Disston

Disston saws were a popular hand tool. Established in 1840 in Philiadelphia, Disston and Sons created a multitude of saws and other tools for almost any task. The wood handles of Disston saws are generally well carved with intricate details and strong saw nuts holding the handle to the blade. A medallion was generally set into the wood of the saw handle and the blade was inscribed with the Disston name and/or a symbol of a scale inside a keystone.

Some of the many brand names used by Disston over the years were:

  • G. Bishop
  • Browns
  • Penna Saw Works
  • Challenge
  • Phila. Saw Co.
  • Black Diamond Saw Co.
  • Suwanee
  • Great Southern

A good Disston saw might have sold for three dollars or so in the 1930s; but today, that antique saw could well be worth over one hundred dollars or more to a modern collector.

E.C. Atkins and Company

Elias Atkins received a number of patents for saw blades before he ever went into partnership with W. Knippenberg and the two created E.C. Atkins and Company in 1855. Located in Indianapolis, the company was an important manufacturer of saws for the next 90 years.

Because of the large number of saws manufactured Atkins antique saws don’t often have the value of the Simonds or some of the Disston saws.

Simonds Saws

In 1900 Simonds began manufacturing hand saws. Breaking into the market was not easy with companies like Disston and Sons and E.C. Atkins and Company firmly established and well known for their high quality saws. The Simonds Company prevailed and within a short time had established itself as one of the top three, along with Disston and Atkins. This was largely due to the excellent quality of their product. By 1915 Simonds was the largest saw manufacturer in the world.

In 1928 Simonds suddenly, and for no apparent reason, stopped production of their hand saws. Because of this Simonds antique saws are a little harder to find than the other brands and command top prices among collectors.

Internet Resources

Final Thoughts and Tips

As with any antique or collectible it is important to know who you are buying from. If you are buying online always read the feedback and be sure that you understand the fine print. This is especially important with exchange policies.

Whether you wish to display your antique saws or use them they should be hung up away from direct sunlight. Keep them away from dark and damp areas. While it is fine to do a restoration of the saw, don’t do much more to it than clean it. Adding paint or even a new handle can decrease the value of your collectible saw.

Antique tools are a look back into history. Collecting them, as well as using them, allows you to experience life the way that it used to be..

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Comments

Although there have been many reasons given for the nib, the most accepted one is that it was purely decorative. They break off too easily to have been used for a work purpose suck as notching before the cut. I personally subscribe to the idea that the Victorians loved detail!

-- Contributed by: Marye Audet

I carry out voluntary work for a charity called Tools for self reliance. We refurbishes hand tools for apprentices in Africa. On the older cross cut saws .Can anybody explain the reason for the small nib on the top of the blade at the front on these older saws Regards Richard Frampton

-- Contributed by: R Frampton

Ben, I couldn't find anything on it. You might try to get your library to order in this books: http://www.amazon.com/Price-Guide-Antique-Tools/dp/1879335972

It should have something in there but it may not, which is why I don't recommend buying it.

-- Contributed by: Marye Audet
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