Thread: Warranted Superior Medallion - Dieu et mon Droit

Brit has spoken. (written)

Saw Talk #30: Warranted Superior Medallions - by Brit @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community

Cheers,
Paul

David and Paul

Andy tells a good yarn and researches well. The only aspect I would question is this:

"I’ve read that US manufacturers such as Disston started using WS medallions on their second line saws in order to compete with other manufacturers on an even playing field. Maybe I’m just an old sceptic, but do you think it is possible that in order to win some market share from the WS saws imported from the United Kingdom, they actually did it in an attempt to brain wash the American public into thinking that any saw bearing a WS medallion was of lesser quality than their first line branded saws. I couldn’t possibly comment, except to say that if true and the boot was on the other foot, English manufacturers would undoubtedly have done the same. When you think about it though, for American saw manufacturers to put WS medallions on second line saws is nonsensical. In effect, they are saying we guarantee that these saws are superior except for our first line saws that we’ve seen fit to put our name to. It doesn’t make sense really does it? Either they are superior or they aren’t."

The warranted superior aspect is indeed an anomaly with American saws. One difference may be whether the saw plate is taper ground or of uniform thickness. Even allowing for that, it often doesn't explain the difference in price and quality satisfactorily. The major manufacturers had a price differential of about four to one between top of the line and bottom of the range.

Regards
Paul

I think that the WS medallions were simply a means of preserving some semblance of respectability for the name-branded saws while at the same time creating a method for flogging the mistakes and damaged goods. Remember the No. 7 I posted about that has the inverted medallion center mark and the 'IMPERFECT' mark under the handle?
For the average person a dollar was a fair bit of money in the 19th century and I think that the makers probably were taking advantage of the group of consumers that were willing to accept a good-enough-to-do-the-job saw. Such a approach is the reason for Harbor Freight,

New to the group gathered this is a old post but was wondering what year this could be from
it's actually from a saw l and after digger the Internet for a few hours I can't for the life of me find the same as what I have to date it...

Terence

Unlike the manufacturers own brands, the WS medallions are virtually impossible to date. British, but that is all I can help with.

Regards
Paul

Originally Posted by rob streeper

I think that the WS medallions were simply a means of preserving some semblance of respectability for the name-branded saws while at the same time creating a method for flogging the mistakes and damaged goods.

And badge engineering your saws for a hardware store or the like without investing in a "Harry's Foine Hardware" medallion.