I bought this Disston No. 12 at a local antiques/junk shop. It is a 20" panel saw filed crosscut at 10 PPI. The original applewood handle is missing the top horn and is cracked (badly) in several places. All bolts are present and the medallion dates the saw 1896 - 1917. The nib is also intact and in good condition. The blade is slightly bent and lightly pitted but appears to have been sharpened very few times as it is about full width.
I tried my hand at making a replacement handle. Pictures are attached. I used 7/8" thick black walnut because I had it on hand. Since the original handle felt very comfortable in my hand (size and shape) I used it as a pattern for the new one. I embellished the new handle with a bit more wheat carving. The entire process of refurbishing of this saw took me about 8 hours. Much longer than I expected but well worth the time.
Comments? Opinions?
Thanks, Vince