An antique hand saw may be a valuable piece of furniture in your home, but how do you tell what brand it is? There are a few common brands to look for, including Atkins, Cresson, Disston, Simond, and many more. Each brand produced a variety of styles and types. The key to identifying a vintage hand saw is to read the markings carefully and get a handle on it.
Atkins
The Atkins brand of hand saws began production in 1855 and was known for producing circular, blades, and bandsaws. The company was sold in 1952 and eventually merged with Nicholson File Company. This makes antique Atkins hand saw identification especially important. Antique Atkins saws often have a limited production period and are highly prized. There are several types, including large and small models. Some have multiple blades for cutting planks and other saws have several blades for detailed work.
A small portion of these saws were made with no medallions. The earliest examples featured optimistic eagles, but this is not always the case. Medallions were not included on catalogs; they were often portrayed only in illustrations. Online auctions have increased the amount of antique saws available for identification, and have brought many to collectors’ attention for the first time. Many saws with medallions dated 1840s are actually from the 1850s.
The first step in Atkins antique hand saw identification is to determine the year of manufacture. The saw is most likely older if the medallion is present on its back. However, after Borg-Warner’s acquisition, the saw handle design changed significantly. This means that it may be as old as 1842. The date of manufacture is another important factor. Some saws are made between 1842 and 1847. Listed below are a few of the key points to identify an Atkins antique hand saw.
A second step is to look for a medallion. Typically, the 1860s medallion contains a star flanking the eagle. There is no specific date for this type of hand saw, but this date is generally accepted as a fair estimate. These types of antique hand saws are often difficult to find on Ebay. For this reason, it is critical to identify them correctly before you bid. So how do you tell if your antique hand saw is genuine?
Cresson
There are many ways to tell if your Cresson antique hand saw is a genuine antique. The best way to do this is to read the engravings and labels on the blade. You will also find the makers of Cresson antique hand saws in city directories. You can find out who made them and where they made them by following the information on the blades. Then, you can look for any other information that will help you determine whether the saw is a genuine Cresson antique hand saw.
The first documented statement identifying the Cresson saws is an advertisement from 1848 in the Philadelphia Almanac and General Business Directory. This advertisement declares that Cresson Brothers sold and promoted the saws. Since the Cresson brothers were involved in the business, it is most likely that the company was a sales and marketing entity for William P. Cresson. However, if the advertisement says that a Cresson saw was made in England, the statement must be a marketing slogan.
When William Cresson passed away, his son Walter took over his business and consolidated it under his name only. This transition was a positive one for the company. It was a time of change for the sawmaking community. Many new names were appearing in the directories, while other known names were disappearing. The Cresson brothers continued to produce handsaws. By the 1880s, the Cresson company had become a major player in the sawmaking industry and was recognized as an excellent choice for the purchase of antiques.
Another important aspect of identifying a Cresson antique hand saw is the brand. The brand was first known as Walter Cresson in 1840, but changed to Disston & Son in 1865. Depending on the manufacturer, the makers stamp and medallions on the blade can provide a reliable timeline for the hand saw’s manufacturing history. Harvey Peace hand saws made the first high-quality hand saws in 1863, and were also produced by the same manufacturer.
Disston
Disston hand saws are often marked with the company’s name and a medallion on the handle. The design of these medallions is based on the same motif as the Disston antique hand saw below, but the details are different. The Disston #7 saw has a medallion of about an inch in diameter that is fastened by split nuts. It features a stylized eagle with an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other. It is a common Federal motif.
Disston handsaws feature a distinctive handle that fits the hand like a glove. Unlike other handsaws, the Disston saw’s handle is typically apple-shaped. Its handle lacks the double loop that is present in many other saws. These saws were commonly used outdoors and often lived inside toolboxes. Consequently, it is difficult to identify a Disston antique hand saw from a single photo.
If you’re having trouble identifying a Disston antique hand saw, you’ll want to know more about the maker. Disston began advertising during the World War I period, and introduced a new logo with the company’s name on it. The new logo features the letters DISSTON over a keystone. This logo was later modified to incorporate the company’s name into its medallions. Some saws were nickel-plated, and others didn’t. A disston saw that is not nickel-plated is unlikely to be a good example of an antique Disston.
Once a Disston hand saw is unmarked, the next step is determining its age. Fortunately, this process is easier than ever, thanks to the Disstonian Institute’s timeline. The company began manufacturing handsaws in the mid-1840s and was eventually acquired by HK Porter. Then the company began to produce newer and more modern power saws. The last time Disston made handsaws was in 1880.
Simond
There are several ways to identify Simond antique hand saws. Known brand signs are easy to spot. The materials they are made of are a time stamp for the era they came from. Identifying the brand you are looking for should be your first step. There are also some tips to help you determine the age of the saw before making your purchase. Here are some of the most common signs to look for to determine the age of a Simond antique hand saw.
The earliest Disston antique hand saws will not have medallions. These were made before 1847. Later saws will be missing the medallions. The first known saw with a medallion on its left is from 1845. In the same timeframe, the first saw with medallions did not have the beak at the top of the handle. This can be attributed to the lack of medallions on the saws without a medallion.
Some of the signs of a quality Simond antique hand saw include the presence of a medallion. This will tell you when the saw was introduced and when it was discontinued. Some saws will even have a catalog on them. When attempting to identify a Simond antique hand saw, it’s important to keep in mind the manufacturer of the saw. Simond made several models over the years, including the famous #5 and #4 1/2.
Some of the best sources for Simond antique hand saw identification are a manual published by Henry Disston in 1849. This manual was updated annually and covers the saw’s history. The earliest known edition of the manual was published in 1844, but later versions were later dated, and most were made by Henry Disston. This manual is very important in identifying an antique Simond. It’s important to know the manufacturer and date to avoid the risk of being fooled.
Richardson
Several things indicate that you have a Richardson antique hand saw, including its age and the presence of split nuts. Early American saws have this type of handle, as do saws with medallions and nuts patented around 1878. The blade itself is often ragged, and the handle is almost vertically dropped. You’ll want to examine the blade closely, as well as the plate, spine, and tang to find any markings that may be indicative of the brand’s past.
Several distinctive features of antique hand saws will help you determine the brand of the saw. Many Richardsons were made by Disston & Son, which is why the No. 77 was made with an applewood handle and polished extra London spring steel blade. These saws are often difficult to identify, but you can still identify some of the more famous ones by their medallion and ring. Other things to look for include the teeth: they are typically thick, with a thin top, and are sharp. Some Richardson hand saws were made with jointed teeth, while others had smoother, less jagged teeth.
Another thing to look for is the brand name. If a Richardson antique hand saw is engraved, that means that it was made by the brand. This is a good way to make sure you get the right one. If not, you can always try searching for “Richardson antique hand saw identification.”
If you want to know more about Richardson antique hand saws, you should start by researching the company’s history. The company was founded in 1860 by William C. Richardson. During the late 1870s, Disston bought out the Richardson Brothers and three other companies, including the National Saw Company. The National Saw Company was around for a brief time, but eventually went out of business and was eventually bought by Disston.
