OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

265988 Matt Hanley <smlcosmi@g...> 2018‑06‑05 Atkins/Western Union saw
As a result of a recent fit of inventorying, cleaning, and sharpening the
various saws that have accumulated around here (a process that has been
dreamt about nearly as long as it's been put off), I've discovered an etch
that was previously unseeable. It's still pretty tough to make out, but I'm
99.44% sure it's an Atkins based on the words "Superior," "Warranted,"
"Sheffield Saw Works," and "Indianapolis" that I can detect when I hold the
saw just right to the light and squint my eyes.  Most prominent is "W. U.
Tel. Co." That appears in a larger, different font to the right in a
location that indicates it was not part of the original design, but yet was
clearly applied using the same method as the Atkins image.

I don't find any other examples in a bit of cursory research.  Given the
common example of Bell System braces made by Stanley, though, it made sense
that such a saw might exist.

Has anyone else encountered saws or other tools marked for Western Union?
Or have info on the history?

Recent Bios FAQ