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Saws

Buying antique tools by mail can be fraught with risk, because of all of the hidden problems that tools might have. Even in person, these problems are sometimes missed, and even new tools sometimes have functionality issues. However, I don’t believe that there is any type of tool that is more problematic to buy remotely than a saw. If a saw is kinked, it is really not worth picking up of the ground, and 9 out of ten saws that I see have a kink or other bend that makes them none-functional. Often, I see these same saws bought by colleagues, and then offered for sale as “straight” usable saws. I don’t think that they are being dishonest, I just don’t think that they do enough woodworking themselves to really know. If we say that a usable, you can be assured that it is. All of our saws will have straight, usable, blades, unless we state otherwise. Most of them will need at least a light sharpening. Rarely will they need setting. It takes a lot of sharpenings before you really need to set the saw teeth.

I believe that learning to sharpen your own saws is a basic skill that all woodworkers should possess, and we offer all of the files that you might need in our new tool department, as well as a DVD by Tom Law that explains it all very well. However, if you feel that you are not ready for this, or just don’t want to bother, there are few places that will do a great job of sharpening a vintage saw. Do not, and I repeat, do not, take the saw to a local saw service. They will remove the handle and put the saw in a machine. Note that saws need to be sharpened regularly, so sending the saw out every time it gets dull is really not a practical solution. Sharpening a saw is not rocket science. Anyone can do it well with just a bit of practice and some patience.

Explanation of Our Condition Grading System

Frequently Asked Vintage Tool Questions



Henry Disston & Sons

SA130555 Henry Disston & Sons A particularly nice as found 24", 8PPI, D-23 panel saw. The wheat carved handle appears to be cherry rather than apple. The handle retains most of its original finish, with some scratches from being stored with another saw. The blade is straight until near the end, where there is a very slight curve resulting from an uneven set, and easily corrected, although it will not affect use. Nearly sharp, needs only a once over with a file. The blade needs a light cleaning but it should clean to Fine- $135


Henry Disston & Sons

SA130557 Henry Disston & Sons A little used Disston Number 16 panel saw, 24" and 9 PPI. The blade has mostly a medium patina, but near the handle has more of a light patina. It is untouched, in just the kind of as found condition that I like. The handle has no damage, and a lovely color. I think that the handle is cherry rather than applewood. The etching is 100% legible, but you do need to hold it at the correct angle to read it. Nearly sharp, needs only a once over with a file. A partiiclarly nice example of a high-end Disston saw. G++ $235


Saw Vice

SA130577 Saw Vice Only marked "Made in USA", this is a good quality cast iron saw vice. It is medium weight and will be perfect for the kinds of saws that woodworkers sharpen. It would rate higher but for paint loss. It is a nice clean tool. G+ $49




Henry Disston & Sons

SA130513 Henry Disston & Sons A 10" brass-backed carcass or large dovetail saw with 15PPI. Like most old back saws, it is filed with a hybrid tooth that is a blend of cross-cut and rip. The idea of a saw that is totally one or the other is more of a beginner's concept. I never seen saws that were owned by old masters done to be a pure cross-cut. Pure rip yes, but not pure cross-cut. THis saw is one of the nicest brass-backed Disstons that I have had. The applewood handle has lovely patina, the back has lovely patina, and the blade has a medium dark and pleasing patina. A real gem for the connoisseur. G++ $249


Henry Disston & Sons

SA130537 Henry Disston & Sons From Tom Law's personal collection, this is a 19", 12 PPI D8 panel saw. The applewood handle has a lovely patina, and is nearly damage free, with just one small chip on the right side of the lower spur. The blade has a medium patina and the etching is legible but hard to read. The saw is freshly sharpened by Tom and will make a great user. This small size is not easy to find, and any Disston saw sharpened by Tom will outperform any of today's saws. G+ Sold


Blue Jacket Blue Jacket

SA130547 Blue Jacket This lovely 28" rip saw has a blued blade, with a perfect etching, that reads, "Blue Jacket, Made in USA, Warranted, Peftect Temper Superior Quality, Spring Steet". It is in nice as found condition needing only a gentle cleaning. It has 5 1/2 PPI. It is not sharp, but it needs only a light filing. This saw has seen very little use, since the bluing shows only modest wear. The beech handle has no damage and nice color. This is a wonderful saw from the famous Bill Phillips collection. G++ $145


C.E. Jennings & Co. New York

SA130550 C.E. Jennings & Co. New York A scarce 16" backsaw, 14PPI, with a 3 1/4" deep blade. As found, it needs a careful cleaning. The applewood handle has lovely patina. The blade has a dark patina and the black has some original bluing under the patina. This saw should clean to about G++ $149




Henry Disston & Sons

SA130499 Henry Disston & Sons A scarce Disston 12" TPI back saw with the patented thumb grip handle. This saw is as found with a clean blade and about 85% or the orignal bluing remaining on the back. Note that a lot of back saws have been showing up lately with all of the bluing on the back. This is because at least one "saw restorer" that I know has discovered how to use gun blue to reblue the backs. They are pretty well done, but wouldn't fool a knowledgable saw collector, so I would suggest that if you care about the authenticity, and resale value, of your saws, that you tread with care. This particular saw is one of the best examples of this type that I have seen. It needs a light cleaning with wax to look it's best, but it is great right now. G++ Sold


Henry Disston & Sons

SA1304111 Henry Disston & Sons A Disston # 12, 24" 12PPI. It is from the Tom Law collection and has been sharpened by Tom and not used since then. It has significant wear from years of use. The top spur of the handle is shortened. The blade has a slight bend in it about half way out. Since Tom has sharpened this saw, assume that the bend is not an issue. Otherwise I would not have bought it, since our reputation is for perfectly straight saws. If it is a problem, of course you can return it, but I expect it to be fine. The price reflects the wear on this saw and the less than perfect blade. Good Sold


Henry Disston & Sons

SA13053 Henry Disston & Sons A very clean as found 24", 9PPI, Acme 120 panel saw. This saw has some very light surface rust, but it should clean off easily. The blade is mostly still bright and the etching is totally clear, including the bit about running true without set. The teeth have the orginal shape, many of these were redone as conventional saws. I doubt that this one was sharpened more than once and is almost sharp enough to use now. The handle is crisp, with just one tiny chip near the top screw on the left side. The finish on the handle is chipping off in spots. This is a very scarce saw and it would be hard to improve upon this one. From the legencary Bill Phillips collection. G++ $299


Keen Kutter

SA130470 Keen Kutter This is a Disston made saw, branded Keen Kutter, the high end brand name of E. C. Simmons hardware. The handle is identical to a number 16 saw, applewood with wheat carving. The blade is skew backed, whereas the standard 16 was straight backed. The etching is hard to read, but you can clearly read No. 88. The blade has a medium patina and is very smooth. It is a 6 PPI rip saw. It looks like it may have only been filed once, but whoever did that, filed it more as a cross cut. So now the teeth are shaped like rip, but filed like cross-cut. You can decide what you want when you file it. It is not dull, but needs a touch up. The blade has a very slight bend towards the end where it will not matter, and I do mean very slight. This saw will make a great user. If it was Disston marked it would sell for twice as much, but it is the same saw. G+ Sold


Disston, USA

SA130472 Disston, USA A Number 2 Disston cast iron saw vice. This is a relatively late example and seems to have seen very little use. There are only a handful of light marks on the jaws where a file touched them. It is as found and a bit dirty, but it should clean to at least G++ Sold




Henry Disston & Sons

SA130492 Henry Disston & Sons A very clean and perhaps unused saw. The blade has scattered freckled staining, but is still with its original polish. It is a 22" D-20 Lightweight in 11PPI, a scarce model in a scarce size. The handle still retains most of its original finish and has no damage. The saw seems to have been recently filed and is sharp. A lovely example of a scarce saw. Fine- $159



Henry Disston & Sons

SA130496 Henry Disston & Sons A D-15 Lightweight Victory saw from the Tom Law collection. This saw has an 8PPI cross-cut, 26" blade, and is freshly sharpened by Tom Law, and razor sharp. The rosewood handle has been stripped of its finish, but Tom died before he could get around to refinishing it. His death was a great loss to all of us who knew him and he will not be forgotten in these parts. The saw will make a great user and it will look a whole lot better if you put some finish on the bare rosewood handle. Other than very small chips, the handle is in nice condition. The blade has kind of a dull look but is clean and the etching is totally legible. G++ Sold


Cast Iron Saw Jointer

SA130430 Cast Iron Saw Jointer A nice as found example of the common saw jointer. Only marked "Made in USA", but I think that Disston made these. Should clean to better than G+ $45





Gardner & Co. Tool Dealers, Bristol

SA130425 Gardner & Co. Tool Dealers, Bristol A nice 12" beech bow saw. Nice untouched condition. The turn stick is an old replacement. You will pay as much or more for a crudely made new saw. A great user. G+ $75





Herny Disston & Sons

SA130428 Herny Disston & Sons A very scarce Disston D-12 Lightweight saw in little used condition. A 26", 8PPI saw. I am not sure what kind of wood the handle is, but it is a fancy hardwood with wheat carving. Almost sharp enough to use. Needs one stroke on each tool. Even half a stroke would do the job. Somebody has coated this entire saw with clear lacquer, which has protected it, but I would clean it off. Other than this, it rates Fine- $149


Henry Disston & Sons

SA130376 Henry Disston & Sons A very scarce Disston D115 75th anniversary saw. This is the first Disston Diamond Jubilee saw that I have ever had. it is etched, 1840 to 1915 with a diamond radiating in the middle of the etching. Instead of calling it Diamond Jubiliee, the etching makes a word play with that and calls it Disston Jubilee. The handle is wheat carved rosewood and damage free with about 90% original finish. The blade is smooth and straight with light patina and some scattered staining overall. The etching is perfectly legible. It isa 26" saw with 8ppi. It is sharp and ready to use, with a bit of wax on the blade. From the collection of the late Bill Phillips, who had an amazing saw collection. A connoisseur's saw. G++ $345


C.R.R. of N.J.

SA130378 C.R.R. of N.J. This saw is clearly etched, C.R.R. of N.J., but nothing else. This stands for Cenral Rail Road of New Jersey, who would have special ordered it this way.. It is my belief that it is a Disston number 8 saw. The handle is crsip and in exceptional condition with only a few light storage scratches. The blade is clean with just minor dots of surface rust which should be carefully scraped off. I don't see too many saws in this condition. It is a 26" saw with 7PPI CC. This saw has seen very little use. It is from the personal collection of the late Tom Law, legendary saw specialist. I just say though that Tom has not sharpened this saw and it needs a light sharpening if you want to use it. Fine- $195


J. V. Hill late Howel

SA130385 J. V. Hill late Howel A 14", 11PPI rip brass-backed saw with a very heavy brass back, which is characteristic of this early 19th Century London maker who took over the business of Howel, an 18th Century London maker. Lovely original condition, having never been polished, except for a very light polishing of the back, but I stress very light, not what we normally call polished. The handle has no damage, just normal tool box wear. The blade has a medium dark patina with some scattered light surface rust which will clean off and not leave pitting. In short, this is a superb example of an early 19th Century English saw. It is dull and would need filing if you wanted to use it. G+ $175


Warranted, Superior

SA130236 Warranted, Superior A scarce 20" panel saw, 9PPI. This saw has been sharpened by Tom Law some years ago, and never used since then. It is as it left Tom's shop, and ready to use. I don't see any evidence of an etching on the blade. This saw would have been made by Disston. Both the upper and lower spurs of the beech handle are chipped. A great user. G+ Sold



Richardson, Newark, NJ Extra

SA130257 Richardson, Newark, NJ Extra An 8" 14 PPI dovetail saw, sharpened cross-cut by Tom Law and not used since Tom sharpened it some years ago. Would rate higher but the upper spur is shortened and the lower spur is chipped. G+ $145





Henry Disston & Sons

SA130220 Henry Disston & Sons A Disson Dado saw that is still sharp and I doubt was ever used. There is some light storage wear on the varnish, but no wear from use. The stain on the handle seems to be under the varnish and I think is just part of the wood. The varnish is still about 97%. I use one of thee every time I do sliding dovetails for shelves. Fine- $79




Davenport

SA130191 Davenport A classic 18th Century style cabinetmaker's dovetail saw. I say 18th Century style because it might have been made in the early 19th Century, but either way it is pure 18th Century in form. The delicate handle has only two chips in the side of the upper & lower spur. Nothing of consequence. The mark is a small mark along the lower edge of the steel back, also an 18th Century thing. Even the use of steel for the back is an 18th Century attribute. The blade is not kinked, but it is curving. I think that it could be retensioned and would be straight again. Some people today are puttring new blades on old saws. This is a rare early saw and absolutely nothing on it should be replaced. That would be a crime. There is some light pitting, all on the left side. A fantastic survivor. Good Sold


Unmarrked

SA12123 Unmarked A rosewood handled cabinetmaker's veneer saw. Properly cleaned with nice patina. The teeth are much finer on the right side than the left. Both sides are dull and would need to be filed if you choose to use it. There is a rough surface on the top side of the blade, over about 1/3 the area. At first blush it just looks like old pitting, but on closer examination, I think that it might be orginal to the steel that was used. A scarce tool and I nice honest example. G+ $69


Geo. H. Bishop & Co.

SA12129 Geo. H. Bishop & Co. A scarce 8" size of the famous Bishop's patent stair or dado saw. This is an early example, the handle is marked Pat. Applied for. Nice as found condition with a medium dark patina but a nice smooth blade and a nicely patinated applewood handle. There is a small chip out of the right hand side of the upper handle spur. These saws make great users and make doing sliding dovetails much easier. G+ $145



Henry Disston and Son Henry Disston and Son

SA121013 Henry Disston and Son A 10" Disston carcass saw. The back is marked Henry Disston, but the blade is clearly etched with the & Son mark, telling me that this is an early "and Son" saw. 14PPI. It is staight and sharp, but I have used it and it needs to be set. It looks to me like there is no set in the teeth and they bind a bit on some woods. It was probably set up to be used for very find work on soft woods, and will work fine for that. A true American cabinetrmaker's saw. The blade and back are both medium dark but they are smooth. The apple handle is lovely.with no damage. I bought this saw 20 years ago at a tool sale in New Hampshire from a dealer who used to find some lovely tools, but who sadly passed away last year. A rare and desirable Disston saw. G+ $229


Millers Falls Number 43 Coping Saws

SA120961 Millers Falls Number 43 Coping Saw This is an original box with one saw, which appears to be new. It once held 4 saws. The box is nice with just a bit of oil staining on the lid. G+ - Fine $89




Anderson & Co. Makers, Boston Mass

SA120759 Anderson & Co. Makers, Boston Mass A rare patented triple sided saw. It is etched, "Patented March 24, 1902" and "Triple Cut Saw Number 12". It has rip teeth on one side, CC on the other, and fine teeth on the end. I don't know what the slot in the blade is for. Fresh from a local estate sale where one of our pickers found it. The etching is all legible, but not super bright. The applewood handle has no damage. It is out of an old tool chest and has been well protected. The blade is about 19 inches. Rust free, it only needs a very light cleaning to rate G++ $365


Edward Preston

SA120646 Edward Preston A Preston Patent No. 566 Mitre box. The original label states that "no difficulty will be found in sawing a true mitre, especially suitable for amateurs, picture framing, &c. Will take any moulding up to 3 inches wide." Beech with cast iron adjustable guides. I suspect that the patent was for the guides. The wood shows wear but the guides should still keep the cut straight. Mounts to a bench with two screws. 9 1/2" wide. G+ $65


Buck

SA120627 Buck A boxwood handled saw wrest with 16 different size slots. I have never seen one with so many different sizes, including very thin ones for doing very fine saws. As found and needs a light cleaning but should rate at least G+ $35




Jeweler

SA12059 Jeweler's Saw This is a frame saw for a very fine blade, like jeweler's use, but this one is probably too large to really be a jeweler's saw. It takes a 9 1/2" blade. It holds the blades with pins, like a woodworking frame saw. One pin is missing, but these are just cut off nails. The handle is rosewood with an elegantly turned steel fitting at the end of the ferule. Lovely untouched condition. A real quality tool. It has no blade with it. Fine $45


Wheeler, Madden, & Clemson

SA120352 Wheeler, Madden, & Clemson This is a rare 12" brass-backed saw. I don't recall ever seeing another brass-backed saw by this maker. The etching is perfect and the blade is clean. The handle has a crack on the left side on the cheeck, and the lower spur is complete, but needs to be clamped where it was dropped and the wood is separated. The blade almost perfectly straight, but it looks like somebody was working on it to straighten it. The blade has been lightly polished. I am selling this saw more as a rare example than as a user. G+ $119


Henry Disston & Sons

SA120361 Henry Disston & Sons A rare 12" Disston panel saw. 10PPI. Relatively late, but still Philadelphia made. Needs a light filing but this will be a really handy little bench saw. G+ Sold




Herny Disston and Son

SA120236 Herny Disston and Son A 28", 5TPI number 8 rip saw. The etching is perfectly clear on this saw, as well as the addittional etching of, "Made For Geo. M. Steinman & Co. Lancaster, PA." This blade as a medium patina but it still has its original polished finish. The applewood handle also has a lovely patina. There is a bit of red paint on the handle, which meant something to someone. The hande has just a small chip in the lower spur. The teeth are no particularly evenly filed. The Henry Disston & Son mark allows us to date this saw pretty narrowly to around 1868, give or take a few years. It is rare to see a clean, straight, Disston & Son rip or panel saw. The big saws tended to get neglected. This one could be waxed and put to use today. The teeth are sharp enough to use, but I would touch them up. G+ $245


Unmarked

SA120214 Unmarked A little 6" gent's brass-backed dovetail saw. 16TPI. Dead straight, but needs a light sharpening. G+ $45






J. V. Hill, Late Howel, London

SA120177 J. V. Hill, Late Howel, London An early London brass-backed tenon carcass saw, with a 14" blade and a very heavy back typical of this maker. The end of the upper handle spur is broken with a ragged edge. The handle has blotchy patina from a poor cleaning job and the back is polished. The blade is not straight, although I think that an expert could straighten it. It is an old saw and worth the effort. Good $59





Antique Saw

SA1112218 The Bay State Saw Mfg Co A nice as found 10" carcass saw with 14 TPI. It has a hang hole drilled at the end of the blade and it is dull, but this will make a great user. It should clean up to better than G+ $65



Antique Saw

SA110916 W. Cresson, Philada, Cast Steel A very rare small sized table saw by a rare Philadelphia maker. This saw has a 14" blade and is very straight except for a slight bend towards the end. These saws were made to leave in the tool tray of a workbench and are quite scarce. Cresson is a rare maker in his own right. The first one of this size, and the first one by Cresson, that I have seen. G+ $245



Antique Saw

SA110129 W. Marples & Sons, Sheffield A small 9 1/2" blade bow saw with London pattern boxwood handles and an iron tightening bar. Probably from the 1920s or 30s. A nice untouched saw in a scarce smaller size. G++ $109



Antique Saw

SA101122 James Turner, Phila A brass backed carcass saw with a classic tapering blade. The bold applewood handle has lovely patina and no repairs. Engraved on the opposite side of the back from the maker's mark is "Wm M. Lee, 1871". It is also marked Made for Bowlby & Brenner. The blade has a med. patina with light surface rust overall. The teeth are very fine and very unevenly filed. There are some chipped teeth as well. Unlike most saws that we sell, this saw is not perfectly straight and we are not selling it as a user. This is a rare saw and there is no good reason to use it anyway. The brass has been hand polished. G+ $345





Antique Saw

SA100315 W. Cresson, Philada, Sping Steel A W. Cresson keyhole saw. Cresson saws are quite scarce, in fact I will go on a limb and say rare. This saw has it its original ornate handle, with great patina, and just one chip that is not obtrusive to my eye. The blade is nearly perfectly straight, and is still sharp. This was a well cared for saw that now has a nice patined look. This is a serious collector's grade tool. G+ $165



Antique Saw

SA100110 I. Colbeck A 14" backsaw. Erwin Schaffer's book list Colbeck as American, with no known information. Phil Baker concurs that he thinks Colbeck is American. I would have guessed that this was a very early English saw, although I did find it in the US. It certainly looks quite early. This one has a dark patina on the blade, which has a gentle wave to it. The handle hardware is all replaced at some later date. The handle has a great look, although the upper spur is shortened. I am selling this saw strictly as a collector, not a user. It is a rare early saw worthy of some respect despite its shortcomings. G- $85



Antique Saw

SA9091 W. Taylor An 11" carcass saw by a rare Philadelphia maker with the double eagle mark on a brass back. This is the first saw that I have had by this rare early American saw maker. The handle is applewood and has a very pronounced hook forward. The blade is dark with some pitting. The brass back has been wire brushed some time ago. One screw is missing and the handle spurs are chipped top and bottom. It never had a medallion, which is consistent with its age. This is a rare saw in need of restoration. Fair $165
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Antique Saw

SA90930 Geo. H. Bishop An important and rare brass-backed miniature dovetail saw. The blade is 8 inches, but it this is not a normal 8 inch saw. The tote is tiny. It is sharp and appears unused. I have owned it for 20 years and I have never seen another like it. I remember the day that I bought it a prominent dealer of that time offered me $1K for it, but even then when that was quite a lot of money, I could not bring my self ot part with it. Now I want somebody else to enjoy it. Fine $1195



Antique Saw

SA70354 Saw Set I love personalized antiques, be it ceramics, tools, or anything else that is named and dated. This tool is beatifully engraved, "Fred Harris, September, 1921". It is an English style saw set with a built in adjustable stop. It is more for panel and rip saws, not for fine toothed back saws. Great as found patina. This is a special tool. G+ $49



Antique Saw

SA702103 Buck, Tottenham Ct. Rd This saw is really special in my mind. The blade is only 5" long, the smallest saw of this form that I have seen, yet it was clearly not made for a child as the open handle fits my hand perfectly. It is stamped on the blade "Buck, Tottenham Ct Rd.". It does not look like the mark had the street number. The blade has a dark patina. The handle has a wonderful delicate form. The lower spurs are chipped, both the rear facing spur and the front facing spur, but they are not large enough chips to have effected the side profile of the handle or the overall look. The blade is not perfectly straight but it is bad and I am sure that it could be straightened, but I would leave it alone. This saw is in as found condition and I like it a lot just as it is. I have no idea what such a small saw of this type was for but I think that it is a really great piece. Good $159
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Antique Saw

SA70167 Wm. Marples & Sons This is a classic English saw set. This one is for saws up to about 12 TPI, and is not for very fine dovetail saws. Nice patina and quite clean. G+ $29
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