I’ve got an old backsaw that I’m trying to evaluate. A recent Fine Wordworking listed a number of resources for old tools. I tried a few, but didn’t see anything like what I’ve got listed. The authorities listed in the FWW article want to be paid for a full appraisal or sell a complete saw price guide. I’m just intererested in getting a rough idea of what it is worth, if anything.
The handle has a small circular brass medallion stamped with “J. Taylor & Son, Sheffield”. The handle has a fair amount of wear including some nicks and chips. Two out of three brass nuts that hold the handle onto the blade are missing, and the handle is slightly loose.
The blade is one foot long and has about 12 TPI. The blade support is also stamped with “J. Taylor” and the words “Cast Steel”. The handle and support have a light to medium amount of rust. On the support, there’s also what looks to me like an etched logo that looks like a sheep or dog with a spear over the word “Advance”
Any help would be much appreciated.
Replies
I can only give you general information aout your saw, since I don't have the book on Britiish sawmakers.I'm guessing that it dates from anywhere between the mid-1800's to the early 1900's.
The main things to look for in a saw are the straightness of the blade nad the conditon of the teeth. If the blade is kinked,it pretty well rules it out as a user.If the teeth are in bad shape, the saw can be re-toothed, but it's an extra step.
You stated that two of the nuts that hold the handle on are missing. Does the remaining one have a slot in it that goes all the way across the nut, or is the end of the stud visible in the center? If the nut is split, you may have trouble finding replacements.Split nuts are also an indication of an early saw, c.1840-60
Is the back of the saw brass or steel? Brass backed saws are more desirable, although they don't work any better than steel-backed ones.
Going by your description, it sounds like your saw might be worth $25.-35.I've seen several in similar condition sell in that price range.
If the blade is straight, my advice is to sharpen it and use it.
Hope this helps.
Rick W.
Thanks for your help.The back of the saw is steel, not brass. The remaining nut is quite worn, but does have a slot that goes 2/3 across it. The rest appears to be missing due to wear. The end of the screw is visible, unlike an old Disston I have where the slot goes all the way across and no screw end can be seen.The blade itself is straight. Looking at it very closely, I see a section where it might be a few thousanths off, but it could also be that the teeth are mis-set there. I'm not sure what shape the teeth are in.I may put it back in working order. It came to me from my grandfather, so the sentimental value outweighs a small financial benefit.
My partner coauthored Handsaw Makers of Britain and it lists a Joseph & John Taylor in Sheffield operating from 1841 to 1847. I've forwarded your questions to him and he may be able to come up with something.
I doubt he'll be interested in trying to give you an appraisal. The best way to establish value is to put it in an auction where a lot of saw collectors have gathered. Condition is the primary issue in value and your saw is isn't in the greatest condition but could certainly be put into usable condition. I am sure your saw's wouldn't come close to matching the retail value of a similar new one from Lie-Nielsen.
I had a brief discussion with Don about your saw. He said your saw is a Taylor Brothers saw and the trademark you describe was first used about 1856, or that's the earliest advertisement he knows of that shows the trademark. Taylor Brothers are a respected maker and he thinks the trademark only appeared on their best lines of saws. They're not all that collectible however, and he guesses the value of your saw is in the $20 range given its condition. He did say that, if the blade is in good condition, he thought it would be worth the effort to rework it to usable condition.
Thank you for the information.As I mentioned in a reply to another post just now, I probably will try to restore the saw to working order. It was my grandfather's and very likely came to him from further back in the family.Are there any sources for the nuts other than old saws?
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