New to this forum

[Fortkentdad]

Is there a "Antique, Vintage, or just plain Old Tools" section in your forum? Might be interesting corner.

[Jon]

That's a good idea, I've added that to my list. The current practice is for builds like that to go in our General Tool Talk subforum, like this one: .50 Cent Stanley Vise Rebuild

[Fortkentdad]

And I have a hand saw Dad gave me a while back. No story attached. And a level that has served well - no markings at all left on the level. The Saw says "MARRANTED SUPERIOR" (at least I think that's an 'M') Attachment 8301

....

Googled this up and found a reference at Online Reference of Disston Saws -- The Medallions

Not an M at all but a W.

Warran and Ted Superior were not brothers in the saw manufacturing business.

Warranted Superior medallions are found on secondary lines manufactured by Disston and other major saw makers with other brand names on the etch. Some smaller 19th century saw makers may have bought sawnuts and medallions from the bigger factories.

After 1900 or so the "small guys" were actually secondary lines of the "big guys." The small companies were bought up by bigger ones and some of their products were continued for a time. Harvey Peace is one example. Most American saws from the 20th century, regardless of brand name, were made in the works of Disston, Atkins, Bishop, or Simonds.

In the case of Disston, their replacement medallions were stamped Warranted Superior rather than "Disston." I would speculate their rationale was they didn't want their name on lesser-quality saws. Brand identity and loyalty in the U.S. was much stronger in the first half of the 20th century than it is today.


Another wood site has more at http://lumberjocks.com/Brit/blog/38689d

Thanks for the ask for the pictures - now I have a new interest to pursue. Just what I need another hobby.