John

Very interesting site.  The author came up with a saw with a pretty unique etch
in pretty remarkable condition and it was a lesson in why they make chocolate
and vanilla ice cream.

He says this   

"Now if this was a common saw with a common etch, I would have no compunction in
sanding the saw plate. Of course I would do my best to keep the etch, but if it
wasn’t possible it wouldn’t be the end of the world. However this isn’t a common
saw. For all I know, this could be the only surviving saw from Cowell and
Chapman bearing this historic etch. While it is in my custody I won’t be doing
anything except cleaning and polishing it so that the next owner can hopefully
get as much pleasure from owning it as I do. I did decide to refinish the handle
though because the finish was wearing very thin in places and the bottom horn
had a tiny chip that was annoying me.”

Now us Muricans would consider razor blading the tiny spots of rust and putting
some oil on the handle, but check what this guy did for his conservative
conservation with future owners in mind

Ed Minch