Thread: Disston No.4 Backsaws

​I have for consideration two restored and sharpened Disston No.4 Back saws. Unfortunately there was no etch visible on the saw plate, but I am reasonably confident that this is what they are. However, if you are asking whether I am prepared to bet body parts on their authenticity, the answer is NO!

Both saws have a 14" saw plate and are 13ppi. They are what I would consider all purpose saws and could be used for the majority of tasks normally attributed to back saws. They could be used for dovetailing, but would not be the best option for thin stock and the saw plate on the rip saw of this size is of course thicker than ideal for dovetails.

The saws are nearly an identical pair but not quite. The rip saw is original and from the medallion dates 1896 -1917. It has 3 1/8" under the back which is quite useful for a rip version. The crosscut saw dates, again from the medallion, a little earlier: 1888 - 1896. It has one of those sunken medallions, which to my my mind are among the most aesthetically pleasing ever produced and only rivaled by Simonds "dollar" medallions for appeal. These medallions are a work of art in themselves. It has 2 5/8" under the back. However, the saw came to me with a badly damaged handle and this saw now has a new handle made from Forest Red Gum. This timber presents challenges and is not the easiest to work with, but comes up well. This is the reason they are not a true pair of No.4s.

This picture is representative of the true colour of the saws (the rest of the pictures seem to show the Red Gum handle browner than it is and the apple handle less red than it is ). It also shows the handles together for comparrison

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and another pic to show the similarity of the handles. I had intended them to be identical, apart from the timber, and a true replica, but you folks will have to make that judgement call.

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I am asking $125 for the rip saw and $105 for the crosscut saw. If somebody wishes to buy both the price is $200 for the pair (a Forum special ). I hope the pix load ok as I have been having some trouble in this regard. I may have a computer issue. Postage will be at cost and no extra charge for packaging. Ask me for a quote if you are unsure.

One final thing is that I am just selling the saws. The little folding ruler is to impart some impression of shine on the saw plate. There is some stain on the rip saw and more stain again on the crosscut saw, but nothing that affects their operation. Both these saws come from a time when these products were made by craftsmen for craftsmen.

This is the rip saw:

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There is a small amount of damage to the top horn.

I am starting a second post for the crosscut saw as I have been having some trouble loading the pix and I want to stop while I am winning.

Regards
Paul