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View Full Version : SBiggin & Sons back saw info



Jeff Myer
04-10-2009, 5:40 PM
I just picked up this back saw the other day and was wondering if anyone had any information on the maker, age or potential collector value. My intent is just to clean it up, sharpen and use it but do not want to be messing with something that has value untouched. I suppose that the silver paint may have already negated any value as an antique but this thing seems pretty old and figured I'd ask before showing it off after a good clean-up and getting flamed for it.

http://www.myermountain.com/images/IMG_0175.jpg
http://www.myermountain.com/images/IMG_0180.jpg
http://www.myermountain.com/images/IMG_0178.jpg
http://www.myermountain.com/images/IMG_0179.jpg

Any comments or feedback appreciated. Oh by the way, this and a small Stanley Handyman ratcheting screwdriver for $5 for potential gloat content.

george wilson
04-10-2009, 9:23 PM
Take the silver paint off. It has a nice looking handle.Can you splice a piece of wood on the top horn,and sculpt it in? Looks like it might be apple wood. I can't tell from the photo. Usually the old british saws are beech.

Very similar to my Groves in various details.I'd definitely fix it up.

Ray Gardiner
04-10-2009, 10:02 PM
Hi Jeff,

I replied over at woodnet, but I didn't comment on value or your question on cleaning. In short, I would treat it as a user, saws of that era (1851-56) are among the nicest you could ever wish to own.

I would do a full restoration and return it to good useable condition, the aim should be to restore the saw to the condition that a good craftsman would maintain his tools, don't go crazy with refinishing or polishing, just a good clean and sharpen. and as George has recommended, get rid of that silver paint and maybe have a look at repairing the damaged horn.

Having said all that, that handle shape is very reminiscent of the Groves that George posted here a while back.


Regards
Ray

Jeff Myer
04-10-2009, 10:10 PM
I am glad for the results of the research on this saw. I was looking forward to adding this to my users. It will be a good project for me to bring back. I particularly like the feel of the handle and the weight of the saw.

I rehabbed a Millers Falls back saw that is much more modern...perhaps from the 60's or 70's and although the tool now works well, the handle is not comfortable at all and the light weight does not feel right to me. Anyway, when I've made some progress with the saw I will post more pictures.

Dan Forman
04-11-2009, 2:37 AM
I have one very much like yours. I couldn't find out much about the maker, but he sure did make nicely shaped handles. I haven't been able to use mine yet, as the handle is loose, and I don't have a split nut driver, but I do want to get it restored.

Because the maker is pretty much unknown, I doubt if it has much collector value, but it's well worth restoring. Looks like yours have a little more blade depth than mine. And mine was considerably more expensive than yours!

If memory serves, Ray was right on the money as far as the age of our saws.

Dan