Ed muses...
> Another thing that can be used for dating is the stamp versus etch.
> =A0I 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.
> =A0I wonder if there is a general date when the industry did this?
> =A0And why the change?? =A0There are probably other features that can
> help date a saw - handle shape??Horn shape?? number of nuts?? (could
> never match this list) =A0How much did the industry follow the
> leader?? When did Disston become the leader??

We're drifting a bit here, but I'll go with it...
:)
Good article on the transition from Sheffield being the epicenter of
handsaws (prior to 1850) and transitioning to America (and Disston):
http://www.wkfinetools.com/contrib/pbaker/amBacksaw/amBacksaw1.asp

Also a great article on the U.S. Patents improving the saw nuts &
Medallions: http://www.wkfinetools.com/contrib/pbaker/medallions-
castStamp/medallions-castStamp-1.asp I'm afraid that I don't know whose
site it is, but it is great (and I'm sure it is someone on the Porch.
Looks like Mr. Grandstaff has contributed there). I have to believe
these have been pointed to and discussed on the Porch before, but I was
away for a good while.

Darren Addy Kearney, NE

--Nothing is sure, except Death and Pentaxes.
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