Thread: Identify old hand saw

Hi Steve and welcome to the site,
I have been getting into old saws only this last couple of years so I am not yet an expert.
As near as I can get is it is a utility saw from about the WW2 time and a number of years after. The blade is just as good as the better saws but materials and labor were short so they made them a bit more cost effective. As to brand I can not say but perhaps Diston or Spear and Jackson. It's been neglected a bit but set and sharpened will cut just fine.
Regards
John

I'm pretty sure from the lettering that it's a Spear and Jackson probably an 88.
the BATION is probably specifiCATION.
I'm cleaning one at the moment and will take down all the lettering for you later.
Cheers,
Jim

ps It has probably had replacement rivets. Does it look as if there has been a medallion where the second from the top is?
Cheers,
Jim

here's the relevant wording:

THE BALANCE GRIP AND TEMPER
OF THIS SAW
CONFORM EXACTLY TO SPECIFICATIONS
BASED ON SPECIAL TEST REPORTS FROM
OVER 100 SKILLED (CARPENTERS I think)

Seems to fit your lettering.

Yes, I'd concur on the S&J theory. I've got a few hanging on the wall and the handle looks very familiar.

Whilst on saws I went to a TTTG saw Sharpening Workshop today. As usual it was grand fun. Lots and lots of filing, huffing and puffing, some frustrated grunting and then big smiles as the sawdust started hitting the floor. John and Bob were in their usual form with Clynt offering extra tidbits from the corner. It was a big day with what seemed to be the best attended workshop I've been to so far, and lots of unfamiliar faces too. I sharpened four saws today and strolled away with an arm full of old saws and files to play with at home. I definitely got my money's worth.

Cheerio,
Virg.

PS there were biscuits and cakes too!

What also fits is that there seems to be an ellipse on the blade with its long axis horizontal - this would also be the same as the SJ I have.
Cheers,
Jim

Originally Posted by Virgil

Yes, I'd concur on the S&J theory. I've got a few hanging on the wall and the handle looks very familiar.

Whilst on saws I went to a TTTG saw Sharpening Workshop today. As usual it was grand fun. Lots and lots of filing, huffing and puffing, some frustrated grunting and then big smiles as the sawdust started hitting the floor. John and Bob were in their usual form with Clynt offering extra tidbits from the corner. It was a big day with what seemed to be the best attended workshop I've been to so far, and lots of unfamiliar faces too. I sharpened four saws today and strolled away with an arm full of old saws and files to play with at home. I definitely got my money's worth.

Cheerio,
Virg.

PS there were biscuits and cakes too!

What saw did you cut the cakes with

Sharp ones! (I was going to say crumby ones but that would've been far too crap a joke.)

Cheerio,
Virg.

Originally Posted by jimbur

What saw did you cut the cakes with

Obviously one with a sweet tooth

Originally Posted by scribbly gum

obviously one with a sweet tooth

:u:u:u

Groan. Now that was crumby.

Cheerio,
Virg.

Originally Posted by jimbur

here's the relevant wording:

THE BALANCE GRIP AND TEMPER
OF THIS SAW
CONFORM EXACTLY TO SPECIFICATIONS
BASED ON SPECIAL TEST REPORTS FROM
OVER 100 SKILLED (CARPENTERS I think)

Seems to fit your lettering.

Thanks Jimbur, much appreciated.
There doesn't look to be any sign of a medallion on the handle, all the rivets are the same size with indents to match.
The ellipse is intersting as I haven't seen it despite all the examination - maybe looking too closely.

Originally Posted by Steve123

Thanks Jimbur, much appreciated.
There doesn't look to be any sign of a medallion on the handle, all the rivets are the same size with indents to match.
The ellipse is intersting as I haven't seen it despite all the examination - maybe looking too closely.

Perhaps I'm seeing too much but if you look at the photo you put up there is quite a smooth patch in the middle of the blade. To the left of this is a far more pitted area. I seemed to see a curve which could be the upper part of an ellipse between these two areas.
I've finished cleaning mine and it didn't even need sharpening.
Cheers,
Jim

Looks like I'm late to the party on this one, missed out on the cake it seems ,

I agree it's a "Spearior 88" for a better view of the etch, have a look at...

Musings from the Workbench: September 2007

I'm a bit perplexed by the lack of a medallion, every Spear&Jackson I have has a medallion...?

The screws look to have been replaced, that might be a clue.

Regards
Ray