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This important photograph illustrates
the widespread use in England of modern forms of both the hand saw and
jointer (or trying) plane by the early 18th century. Since the footstone
to the grave is dated 1747, obviously the tools illustrated pre-date its
construction. Goodman elsewhere in this text (pg. 125) notes the
development of rolled steel for saw production by 1650; the development
of the closed handle for saws probably accompanies the evolution of new
forms of hand saws after this date. Note the similarity of the hand
saw in the footstone with the colonial era saw in the Davistown Museum
collection. (A photograph of the colonial era saw will be posted
shortly.) The hand forged rivets of the handle holding the saw are
similar in both specimens.
Photo from: W.L. Goodman, 1964, The history of woodworking tools. David McKay Company, Inc., NY, NY, pg. 149. |
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This is a page from Joseph
Smith's 1816, Explanation or key, to the various manufactories of
Sheffield, with engravings of each article. It shows the different
styles of hand saws available from James Cam and other manufacturers at that time. Note the flat edge at the bottom
of the handle of the top three saws, as well as the stylistic details on
the open handled carcase and dovetailed saws. See the photographs
below of the hand saws in the Museum collection for comparison. |
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Early saws occassionally turn up
in New England collections, including this one on display in the Museum.
It is marked "Browne German Steel". |
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18th century hand saw. Note
the similarity of the handle in this saw to the handles in the illustration
reprinted from Smith's key to Sheffield manufactories. |
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This back saw is manufactured in
the 19th century; note the closed handle. The manufacturer's sign
"W_ & CK & GRIFFITHS CAST STEEL BOSTON WARRANTED" can be seen on
the rib of the saw. |
