Antique Hand Saw Identification: A Comprehensive Guide to Dating and Valuing Vintage Saws
Learn how to identify, date, and value antique hand saws using detailed characteristics of handles, medallions, blades, and manufacturer markings from major brands like Disston, HSB & Co, and more.
By Appraisily TeamLast updated November 1, 2023
Antique hand saws are not just tools of a bygone era; they’re historical artifacts that tell stories of craftsmanship, innovation, and American industrial history. For collectors, woodworkers, and antiquarians alike, proper identification of these vintage implements is crucial to understanding their historical context, authenticity, and value. Whether you’ve discovered an old saw in a family toolbox, at an estate sale, or are specifically building a collection, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the fascinating world of antique hand saw identification.
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<span>Why Identify Antique Hand Saws?</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Understanding the age, manufacturer, and type of an antique hand saw not only satisfies historical curiosity but also helps determine its value and potential use in woodworking projects. Proper identification reveals the craftsmanship, technological innovations, and industrial design elements of different eras.</div>
Antique Hand Saw Market Insights
1840s-1950s
Prime Collection Period
Most sought-after antique saws date from this period, with pre-1940 models commanding the highest prices
$30-$800+
Value Range
Market value for antique hand saws based on rarity, condition, manufacturer, and historical significance
300%
Restoration Impact
Proper restoration and preservation can increase the value of high-quality antique saws by up to 300%
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<span>Key Manufacturers of Antique Hand Saws</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Knowing the major manufacturers helps narrow down when and where your saw was made. Each company had distinctive features, quality standards, and production periods that aid in identification.</div>
Disston & Sons (1840-1950s)
The most renowned American saw manufacturer, Henry Disston established his Philadelphia company in 1840. Disston saws are the most commonly found and collected antique hand saws due to their exceptional quality, innovation, and the company’s market dominance for over a century. Their “Keystone” trademark became synonymous with quality saws.
Simonds Saw Company (1832-1960s)
Founded in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Simonds produced high-quality saws with distinctive handles and often featured their “S” logo. They were especially known for their superior steel and heat treatment processes.
E.C. Atkins & Company (1857-1950s)
Based in Indianapolis, Atkins saws featured the “AAA” or “Silver Steel” trademark and were known for their innovative “Perfection” handles with distinctive curvature and grip.
Warranted Superior Medallions
Many saws feature “Warranted Superior” medallions with an eagle design. These were used by numerous manufacturers, making precise identification more challenging without additional features.
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<span>Identifying by Medallion and Handle Features</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The medallion (the embossed metal plate on the handle) and the handle design are two of the most reliable ways to identify and date antique hand saws.</div>
Medallion Timeline Analysis
Medallions underwent distinct design changes that help establish manufacturing dates:
Disston Medallion Evolution
1840-1846
H. Disston Medallion
Early oval medallions marked "H. DISSTON" (no "& SON" or "& SONS")
1846-1865
H. Disston & Son
Addition of "& SON" (singular) after Hamilton Disston joined the firm
1865-1871
H. Disston & Sons
Changed to "& SONS" (plural) as more family members joined
1871-1890
Keystone Trademark Added
Introduction of the Keystone symbol representing Pennsylvania
1890-1917
Henry Disston & Sons
Full "HENRY DISSTON & SONS" name used
1917-1955
Henry Disston & Sons, Inc.
Addition of "INC." after incorporation of the company
Post-1928
D-Series Designation
Addition of "D-" prefix to model numbers (e.g., D-8, D-7)
Handle Evolution and Features
The handle (often called the “tote”) evolved significantly over time, providing valuable clues for dating:
Split-Nut Fasteners (Pre-1870s):
Flat-head screws split down the middle
Indicates early manufacture, highly desirable to collectors
Handle Shape:
Early handles (pre-1875): More defined and pronounced horns with elegant curves
Later handles (post-1900): Simpler, more functional designs
Handle Material:
Premium models: Apple, mahogany, or rosewood
Standard models: Beech or other less expensive hardwoods
Post-1940s: Increasingly plastic or composite materials
Number of Screws/Nuts:
Higher-end saws typically featured more nuts (4 or 5)
Economy models often had only 3 nuts
Distinctive features of a circa 1890s Disston No. 7 hand saw showing the characteristic medallion, apple wood handle, and blade etching
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<span>Blade Characteristics and Markings</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The saw blade itself contains numerous identification clues in its etch patterns, shape, and tooth configuration that can help determine both the manufacturer and the intended use of the saw.</div>
Etching and Logos
Most quality saw manufacturers would etch their logo, company name, and often the model number into the blade. These etchings can fade over time but can sometimes be enhanced by careful cleaning or by rubbing lightly with mineral oil and examining in strong directional light.
Tooth Pattern Identification
The tooth pattern indicates the saw’s intended purpose:
Rip Saws:
Fewer teeth per inch (TPI): Typically 4-7 TPI
Teeth filed straight across at 90° angle to the blade
Designed for cutting with the wood grain
Crosscut Saws:
More teeth per inch: Typically 8-12 TPI
Teeth filed at alternating angles (like little knives)
Designed for cutting across the wood grain
Panel Saws:
Shorter blades (20-24 inches vs. 26 inches for full-sized saws)
Usually higher TPI for finer cuts
Often more specialized for cabinetmaking
Blade Taper and Thickness
Higher quality saws feature:
Taper-ground blades that are thicker at the tooth edge than at the back
“Breasting” or a slight curve to the cutting edge
Consistent, well-formed teeth without skips or irregularities
Antique Hand Saw Value Ranges
Current market values based on condition, rarity, and manufacturer
Category
Price
Notes
Disston No. 7 or No. 8 (Pre-1900)
$100-$350
Premium models with apple/rosewood handles
Disston No. 12 or No. 16
$150-$450
Rare premium models in excellent condition
Split-nut era saws (Pre-1870s)
$200-$800+
Especially early models with clear etchings
Warranted Superior saws
$40-$150
Depending on condition and handle quality
Common Disston D-8 (Post-1928)
$30-$100
Most common antique saw model
Rare manufacturer models
$200-$600
Unusual models from Atkins, Simonds, etc.
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<span>Common Antique Hand Saw Models & Identifying Features</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Certain models stand out in the antique saw world for their prevalence, quality, or distinctive characteristics. Knowing these can help quickly identify what you have.</div>
Disston No. 7
Premium model with distinctive wide blade
Apple handle with 4 brass nuts on full-sized models
Produced from approximately 1870s to 1928
Later became the D-7 with slightly different features
Disston No. 8
One of the most popular high-end models
Apple handle with elegant curves and 4 brass nuts
Manufactured from around 1878 to 1928
Often has very clear etch with Disston name and Keystone logo
Disston D-8
The standard-bearer of hand saws from 1928 to the 1950s
Identified by the “D-8” designation (with hyphen)
Slightly simplified handle design from earlier No. 8
Most common antique Disston saw found today
Backsaw Models
Characterized by a reinforced back strip for rigidity
Commonly used for fine joinery (tenon saws, dovetail saws)
Often higher quality with finer teeth
Major types include miter saws, tenon saws, and dovetail saws
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<span>Condition Assessment for Valuation</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Condition dramatically affects the value of antique hand saws, with original features and minimal wear commanding premium prices. Here’s how to evaluate the condition of a vintage saw.</div>
Antique Hand Saw Condition Checklist
Evaluate your saw's condition using these criteria
Original handle without repairs or replacements
Clear, legible etch on the blade
No rust pitting or minimal surface rust only
Original fasteners (nuts/screws) matching the period
Handle without cracks or repairs
Blade without kinks, bends, or excessive pitting
Original handle finish (not recently refinished)
Complete, undamaged handle horns
No excessive saw plate narrowing from repeated sharpening
Restoration Considerations
When evaluating or purchasing an antique saw, consider the following regarding restoration:
Minimal Intervention Principle:
Less is often more with antique tools
Light cleaning is usually acceptable
Avoid aggressive rust removal that damages etchings
Value Impact of Restoration:
Original finishes and patina preserve value
Over-restoration can reduce collector value
Functional restoration might increase user value but decrease collector value
Acceptable Restoration Practices:
Gentle rust removal with fine steel wool (#0000) and oil
Careful cleaning of handles with appropriate wood cleaners
Sharpening is acceptable for user saws but may affect pure collector value
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<span>Dating Your Antique Hand Saw</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Precise dating often requires examining multiple features together. Here’s a systematic approach to narrowing down the age of your saw.</div>
Step 1: Examine the Medallion
The most reliable dating method is examining the medallion for manufacturer names and design elements that changed at known points in history.
Solid brass screws generally indicate post-1870s manufacture
Step 3: Analyze Handle Design
More elaborate handles with pronounced horns typically indicate 19th century manufacture
Simpler, more functional designs suggest 20th century production
Step 4: Look for Model Numbers
Letter prefixes (like “D-” in Disston saws) generally indicate post-1928 manufacture
Some numbers can place a saw in a specific production era
Step 5: Research Brand-Specific Catalogs
Many manufacturers issued catalogs that have been preserved and digitized, showing exactly what models were produced in specific years.
Common Questions About Antique Hand Saw Identification
What are the names of old hand saws?
Antique hand saws come in various types with specific names based on their design and function:
Panel Saws: Shorter versions of full-sized hand saws, typically 20-24 inches long
Rip Saws: Designed for cutting with the wood grain, featuring fewer teeth per inch
Crosscut Saws: Designed for cutting across the wood grain with more teeth per inch
Back Saws: Featuring a reinforced back edge for precision cutting (includes tenon saws, dovetail saws, and miter saws)
Compass Saws: Narrow-bladed saws for cutting curves and circles
Well-known manufacturers include Disston, Drabble and Sanderson, Groves, Tyzack, Simonds, Atkins, and Spear & Jackson.
How can I tell how old a hand saw is?
Dating an antique hand saw involves examining several key features:
Medallion markings: The manufacturer’s medallion on the handle often shows company name changes that can be dated (e.g., "H. Disston" vs. "H. Disston & Sons")
Fasteners: Split-nut fasteners typically indicate pre-1870s manufacture, while solid brass screws suggest later production
Handle design: Older saws (pre-1900) typically feature more pronounced, graceful horns and artistic curves compared to later, more functional designs
Model designations: For Disston saws, the "D-" prefix (like D-8) indicates post-1928 manufacture
Etch patterns: The style and content of etching on the blade changed over time and can help with dating
Consulting specialized references like those at the Disstonian Institute website can help narrow down the production period.
How to identify antique crosscut saws?
Antique crosscut saws can be identified by these distinctive features:
Tooth configuration: Crosscut saws have teeth filed at alternating angles to sever wood fibers when cutting across the grain
Teeth per inch (TPI): Typically 8-12 TPI, higher than rip saws (4-7 TPI)
Blade taper: Most vintage saws were straight taper, crescent taper, or flat ground
Handle attachment: One or two holes or a groove where removable handles attach on larger two-man crosscut saws
Tooth coverage: Vintage saws typically had teeth all the way to the ends of the blade, unlike many modern saws
Manufacturer markings: Look for etched logos, names, or medallions from companies like Disston, Simonds, or Atkins
For two-man crosscut saws, additional identifying features include distinctive tooth patterns (M-tooth, champion, perforated lance, etc.) and specialized folklore names like "misery whip."
What are the three types of hand saw?
While there are many specialized hand saw varieties, the three fundamental types are:
Rip Saws: Designed for cutting with the wood grain (ripping). Features:
Fewer teeth per inch (typically 4-7 TPI)
Teeth filed straight across at 90° to the blade
Often slightly larger teeth for aggressive cutting
Crosscut Saws: Designed for cutting across the wood grain. Features:
More teeth per inch (typically 8-12 TPI)
Teeth filed at alternating angles like a series of small knives
Produces a smoother cut across the grain
Hybrid/Universal Saws: A compromise design that works reasonably well for both ripping and crosscutting. Features:
Moderate tooth count (typically 7-9 TPI)
Tooth geometry between pure rip and crosscut designs
More common in modern saws than in antiques
Understanding these basic types helps woodworkers select the right saw for specific cutting tasks and helps collectors identify the intended purpose of antique saws in their collection.
What is the oldest hand saw?
The history of hand saws extends far beyond American and European antiques:
The earliest known hand saws date back to ancient Egypt around 3000-2000 BCE, with copper saws found in tombs
Ancient Japanese saws from the 5th century have been discovered, representing early forms of the pull-saw design still used in Japanese woodworking
The Romans developed iron saws with designs similar to modern Western hand saws
The oldest saws resembling modern hand saws emerged in the 15th-16th centuries in Europe
In America, sawmaking became an established industry in the late 18th century, with early manufacturers including William Rowland (1790s) and later Henry Disston (1840s)
The earliest hand saws were initially used more like files or rasps for making accessories rather than for cutting wood. True antique hand saws in American collections typically date from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century.
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<span>Collecting and Preserving Antique Hand Saws</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Whether you’re building a collection or preserving family heirlooms, proper care ensures these tools remain intact for future generations.</div>
Starting a Collection
Focus Areas:
Manufacturer-based collection (all Disston, all Simonds, etc.)
Era-based collection (pre-Civil War, Victorian period, etc.)
<span>Conclusion: The Rewarding World of Antique Hand Saws</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Identifying antique hand saws connects us with the rich history of craftsmanship and industrial development. Whether you’re a collector, woodworker, or history enthusiast, understanding these tools provides insight into how generations before us shaped their world.</div>
The journey of identifying and collecting antique hand saws offers multiple rewards: the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of accurate identification, the preservation of industrial heritage, and for many, the practical use of these tools that often outperform their modern counterparts.
By examining medallions, handles, etchings, and tooth patterns, you can unlock the stories these tools carry. Each saw bears witness to an era when craftsmanship was paramount and tools were built to last generations. Whether you’re rescuing a family heirloom or building a serious collection, the knowledge and appreciation of these remarkable implements connects us tangibly with our woodworking heritage.
Remember that condition, rarity, manufacturer, and historical significance all factor into both the collector value and the practical utility of antique hand saws. With careful research and attention to detail, you can accurately identify, preserve, and potentially even use these magnificent tools from America’s industrial golden age.
