Vintage hand saw medallions

Handsaw medallions, also known as label screws, come in many different forms. My Saw Medallion Reference Guide shows images of over different saw medallions from eight different countries. The most striking thing about medallions is the cast, stamped, or engraved images they display.

This article was first published in , and revised countless times through Some of it should be considered flawed interpretation of data, reflecting what was the best that could be done at the time. For the most accurate timeline of Disston saw medallions, consult the second edition of this article. The medallions on Disston handsaws changed more over time than any other feature on the saw. By using the medallion, you can estimate the age of your saw. The Medallions and Timeline of Saw Manufacture This medallion from a handsaw is different from those above and below it in that it is from a full-sized saw. It measures approximately one inch in diameter.

Vintage hand saw medallions

The medallions on Disston handsaws changed more over time than any other feature on the saw. By using the medallion, you can estimate the age of your saw. The Medallions and Timeline of Saw Manufacture The medallions on Disston saws give the most accurate indication of manufacturing dates for handsaws, panel saws, and backsaws. The first complete timeline of Disston handsaws was written by Pete Taran and published in the Winter issue of the Fine Tool Journal. His article assigned manufacturing dates to Disston saws, based on the medallions, creating what is called a type study. Since the publication of Taran's ground-breaking research, the number of known medallions has increased significantly, and they have been featured on the Disstonian Institute website. Medallions did not appear in the catalogs, only illustrated representations of the saws. So there is no printed original-source reference to put the medallions in order. Online auctions have increased the number of saws available for research since the time of Taran's article. This has brought many saws to the eyes of collectors for the first time, but has also pointed out there are far too many saws with medallions that were thought to be made in the 's.

The bottom example has webbing in the keystone shape.

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Handsaw medallions, also known as label screws, come in many different forms. My Saw Medallion Reference Guide shows images of over different saw medallions from eight different countries. The most striking thing about medallions is the cast, stamped, or engraved images they display. Many saw medallions could be considered small works of art. While the images on medallions cover a broad range of subjects, many include animals. As a retired wildlife biologist, the images of animals on saw medallions naturally draw my attention. As one might expect, the animals displayed on medallions are often fierce, swift, or sharp-toothed. By using these images, the saw maker conveys an unspoken message that his saw will be sharp and cut quickly. Sometimes, however, the animals shown on saw medallions are of the fat, slow, meek, or even slimy variety.

Vintage hand saw medallions

Why do you want an antique hand saw? For decoration or function? This primitive tool, an intricate part of history, is a staple in the flea market. The consensus is that antique hand saws have the highest quality blades and can last longer than a new one. However, when choosing an antique hand saw, you need to be cautious.

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Maiden Street was later renamed Laurel. American Warranted Superior medallions came in several different styles. Hayes at the factory on April 16, Figure The materials that were in stock were used even if the names on them were not up-to-date. The Medallions and Timeline of Saw Manufacture The medallions on Disston saws give the most accurate indication of manufacturing dates for handsaws, panel saws, and backsaws. The letter is to the left of the number with a hyphen between them. This medallion from a handsaw is different from those above and below it in that it is from a full-sized saw. Warranted Superiors were not the only saws to display the eagle, though. Presumably this is because Sorby exported a lot of saws to Australia. One medallion has the Glover patent date on it. This medallion dates to the middle and late 's.

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Bishop medallion. I wish I could say exactly where this medallion fits in the order, but there is no evidence indicate that. Disston is listed as a saw and tool maker at 21 Bread St. Examples of British eagle medallions. This medallion is on a mid's "Choice" saw, which was introduced about Henry Disston relented and eventually encouraged other workers to volunteer. Collector and researcher Phil Baker has a remarkable collection of early backsaws that demonstrate the evolution of Disston's saws, a few of which are shown here. This bird is by far the most common animal on saws made in America. This medallion dates to the middle and late 's. Also by this time, Disston had bought over a dozen of its competitors, leaving only Atkins, Bishop and a newcomer to saw making, Simonds as major sawmakers in the US. By the end of , the factory employed 65 men. Compare alignment of letter "N" of Disston in relation to the eagle's "shoulder" on the two medallions.