This is a rough type study of the Bishop #10 adjustable backsaw. Patented twice by Fred Wuest. First patent was #607107 (July 12, 1898) and the second was #809485 (Jan 9, 1906). The first patent was assigned to George H. Bishop & Co Lawrenceburg Indiana. Bishop was based in Cincinatti Ohio. Started business in 1882 to 1899 in Cincinatti and then from 1899 to 1920 in Lawrenceburg. In 1920 Bishop was merged with the Ohlen & Sons Saw Mfg. of Columbus Ohio.
Note that all the different types are still basically the same saw. Only small details are different. They all function the same. The first patent used a saw plate sharpened on both edges. They indicate that it was preferred on side be rip and the other crosscut. There are also teeth on the end referred to as the "rack". These unsharpened teeth engage the back preventing the blade to slip. The second patent shows a screw that would engage the rack and make fine adjustments. This feature has not been seen (yet). The majority of saws seen are type #3 with a Jan 6, 1906 patent date stamped on the back. Disston also made a similar saw. Patented by William Smith #1085503 (Jan. 27, 1914). To get around the Wuest patent, they changed the blade by eliminating the rack and put a thumbscrew to secure the blade. Made in similar sizes as the Bishops.
Type #1 (bottom) and #3 (top)
Type 1 and 3.jpg Type 1 Handle.jpg
The type 1 saw was made for E.C. Simmonds. Originally the back and blade were both blued. There are no markings on the back. The handle has three notable features. On the left side there is a wheat carving that starts at the bottom and goes up. It is also over the locking lever. (Later types only have on stalk on the grip, starting in the middle and then going to the top and bottom). Next feature is the locking lever. It has a tab that sticks out. Later types used a flat style. Last is a stamping at the bottom of the handle the reads "Patent Applied For". No other indications that Bishop made this saw. A similar saw was shown in a Keen Kutter catalog as the No. 97.
Type #2. Leaving this available. There should be some saws made under the first patent with the Bishop name before the 1906 patent.
Type #3. There is now a name stamp on the back, two lines, Geo. H. Bishop & Co and Pat. Jan. 9 - 06. There is also an etching on the blade but usually this is worn off. On the right side of the handle, towards the bottom is the patent date of 9-06. Note this saw has the flat lever for locking the blade.
Type #3 handle
Type 3 Handle.jpg
Type #4 handle
Type 4 Handle.jpg
Type #4 has a larger font on the back and no patent on the handle.
Comparison of types #3 & #4 backs
Type 3 and 4 Back Stamps.jpg
Types #5 and #6 Main differences are in the back markings. The #5 does not have the Bishop name on the back. The #6 now includes the Lawrenceburg address.
#5 (bottom #6 Top
Type 5 and 6.jpg
Some handles in this time period have replaced the short screw where the back slides in, with a two piece design like a regular saw nut.
Here are a few handles showing damaged areas.
Broken Handles 1.jpgBroken Handles 2.jpg
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Originally Posted by steven c newman
