On Aug 2, 2010, at 1:57 PM, CheekyGeek wrote:

> If we
> have a range of printed catalogs or advertisements we can note when
> certain features changed and then come up with authoritative "type
> studies".

Another thing that can be used for dating is the stamp versus etch.  I  
can't find it right now, but I remember seeing that Disston started  
etching just after the civil war, so if your Disston is stamped or  
etched with the name on the blade, then you have a clue.  I wonder if  
there is a general date when the industry did this?  And why the  
change??  There are probably other features that can help date a saw -  
handle shape??Horn shape?? number of nuts?? (could never match this  
list)  How much did the industry follow the leader?? When did Disston  
become the leader??

Ed Minch

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