Markings under tote on Disston handsaw

All this discussion of choosing and restoring handsaws has had me looking at the eBay listings. While searching for a suitable saw to buy I came across a listing that mentioned a stamp (under the handle) on the saw blade that denotes it's characteristics. The particular item was a Disston D12, the seller adding it had NX stamped on the blade and going on to mention other letters he had found during other saw restorations.

When I say under the handle, I don't mean below the handle but actually covered by the handle. One wouldn't know the stamp is there unless the handle was removed. I am not referring to the number stamped under the handle that denotes the teeth per inch.

I couldn't find anything about these markings after a quick internet search. Does anyone here have knowledge as to the meanings of these stamps?

The #12s ... and I guess D12s ... have an "X" marked under the handle as you said.

I think it was a mark so the required extra steps in manufacturing for the higher quality models took place in the factory.

This is a S&J 888 I'm (still!) tidying up (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/s...refurb-161105/)
It has an "8" mark ... but no idea what it meant in particular :)

Cheers Paul,
Paul

https://www.woodworkforums.com/attach...251012-008.jpg

Hi Paul,
I have been researching the meaning of similar hidden marks on Lowentraut combination tools and the conclusion is that they are match marks to keep the (two) parts together through the manufacturing process.
One correspondent said that he had seen similar on high quality tools such as Starret machinists tools and Preston rabbet planes.
I can imagine various numbered (or marked) bins full of handles and the marks on the saw blade showing which handle was to be attached to it.
The key words here may be, as Paul mentioned, "higher quality".
That the marks are not visible on the finished tool would suggest they have no relevance once the tool is out the door.

Geoff.

Thank you, Paul and Geoff for your responses.

The "better quality" question was a motivating factor in my decision to start the thread. I also wondered why a mark of quality was hidden from the purchaser. A mark to indicate a particular step in manufacture had been completed and/or a mark to match parts are well considered reasons for it's application.

Paul

Hi Paul,

Try contacting Daryl Weir, he has been collecting various marks like this on Disston saws, his web site is Old Vintage Antique Saws Restored but you'd probably have to email him and ask the question.

I'd be interested in any information you can find.

Regards
Ray

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RayG

Hi Paul,

Try contacting Daryl Weir, he has been collecting various marks like this on Disston saws, his web site is Old Vintage Antique Saws Restored but you'd probably have to email him and ask the question.

I'd be interested in any information you can find.

Regards
Ray

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Ray, I emailed Daryl and he was kind enough to reply and give me a link to some photos of the marks:

Disston_blade_markings by daryl_weir | Photobucket


Daryl believes the X stamp indicates "Extra" as he has seen this mark on saws with the word EXTRA at the top of the etch. He has seen it on an "1870 No.9 and late 1870 to 1880 era Disston No.77, No.99, No.9, No.12, No.8 hand saw, No.8 panel saw."

Daryl points out that although the X was stamped in the No.8's above, their etch does not contain the word "EXTRA" but are made of SPRING STEEL.


There are saws that have "EXTRA" in their etch that Daryl has not mentioned, such as the No.16. However, I'm sure Daryl's reply to me was to indicate that it was not only the No.12 that had the X and that it was to denote "EXTRA", rather than a list of all the saws on which he has seen an X. (I am sending a link to this thread to Daryl to make sure I've got it right!)

It gets a bit confusing to me with all the descriptions of the steel and all the different models of saws. I wonder how much of the description is marketing?

Looks like there needs to be a book written encompassing the steel, model No., date of production, medallion and handle shape of these Disston saws to satisfy our need for information. I haven't searched for Disston books yet.


Regards,

Paul