Any info on Phila. Saw Co. ?

[Timmymacca]

I picked up an interesting saw recently.

The medallion is a Warranted Superior that is blank in the middle. The handle looks quite similar to a Disston No.7 but with no lambs tongue and it is a skew back. I thought it was destined to be another no name mystery saw, but I have uncovered quite a detailed etch and I believe it to be from the Phila. Saw Co. Here is the saw:





It's 26" long and stamped 6 at the heel.

And here are some pics of the etch. I haven't pieced it all together yet but I can make out a few lines. Across the top it says "NE PLUS ULTRA" which is Latin and translates as "nothing more beyond". Below that I'm not sure but I think the first word is "CUPE... ?" Across the middle it says "PHILA. SAW CO." Beneath that is says "SPRING STEEL" and across the bottom is says "PHILADELPHIA U.S.A". Just above Spring Steel I think I make out "REG. US PAT. OFF."













Some googling indicates that Phila Saw Co was either bought by or a label used by Disston but I'd love to know more or if anybody else has one.

Cheers, Tim

[pmcgee]

I can't call this to mind right now. I woulda thought I posted it somewhere.

I recalling info vaguely ...

There was SH Co brand ... EC Simmons ... but that wasn't branded to Philadelphia.

And if you look on backsaw.net, Brittain used the words ne plus ultra ... but nothing to do with this I don't think.
I know I have one saying this ... might be in the latest arrived lot.

I used to have a memory ...
Cheers,
Paul

[Dogman]

Hi Tim and Paul,

Did anyone get more info on this etch? I have just received a 20" saw with the exact same etch, but with a Disston medallion on what I believe is a #7 handle. So mine may be a little Frankenstein creation...

Any news from you guys?

Dave

[RayG]

Hi Tim, Paul, Dave..

As you already know, it was a Disston, they offered saws with customer specified etches.. That Phila. Saw Co. etch appears in a 1918 Disston catalogue

PhilaSawCo.jpg

There was a Philadelphia Saw Works, that was started by E & L Davenport ( sons of the Sheffield Davenports ) and later got bought out by Henry Disston, it may be that the trading name continued for marketting purposes..

Ray

I think they stole the "Ne Plus Ultra" being the fashion for catchy latin phrases..

[planemaker]

Excellent research Ray.