Dating and valuing a G.H. Bishop Backsaw

[lexical]

I came across this really nice back saw at an antique mall. I wasn’t sure at the time it was worth the posted $20. But, seems like it might be a good saw for the handtool woodshop. Headed back today with the hopes its still there (with my luck it will be gone though)

This saw seems to be pre-1899 based on the medallion, see attache photo. Handle doesn’t look like beechwood. There is still a partially readable etching on the plate, but couldn’t make out much of what it says. I didn't have a tape-measure so don't know the length but probably 12”

Any resources to help date and type this saw? Im thinking this saw is worth $30-$50 as a collector??? The value to me though is having a nice backsaw for weekend projects.

 

[RTM]

If it's straight and not horribly pitted, yes worth $20. If it's comfortable in the hand, even more so. If you have to sharpen before use, be cautious, old teeth can be brittle.

There are books on dating saw mfgrs, but mine isn't here.

Hand Saw Makers of North America - Unknown Saw Makers Update Site

The publisher of the reference book Hand Saw Makers of North America seeks examples of previously unkown makers to include in an upcoming second edition.

sawmakers.com

Looks like these guys are trying to keep a running update. Have not checked it out yet.


From a very knowledgeable saw guy on Sawmill Creek "Dates were from 1882 to 1899 in Cincinnati, OH, and 1899 to 1920 in Lawrenceburg, IN. It was 1905 or '06 that the Wuest patent was assigned to Bishop"

Geo. H. Bishop & Company

Anyone know anything about the defunct Geo. H. Bishop & Company, Cincinnati, Ohio? I am considering buying a dovetail saw. The fellow tells me that this particular saw dates from the 1800's prior to Disston buying them out. This saw has the "flying bishop medalion". I'm looking for a good...

sawmillcreek.org

 

[four.cycle]

I'm not a saw expert.

Bishop / Geo. H. Bishop & Co., Lawrenceburg, IN / saws, hacksaw / patent 807227 Dec 12 1905 Frederick A. Wuest / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-vintage-hand-saw-thread.391858/page-2#post-10739285 and following posts /

This site is dedicated to the backsaw:

http://www.backsaw.net/ - saw collector site

 

[lexical]

Saw was still there and i picked it up for $20. After scraping away some old tape adhesive with my finger nails, its a No.7. The etching is in decent condition and the handle has a minor chunk out of the lower horn.

Thanks to all for the links!

I’ll post photos later.

 

[lexical]

Photos in case anyone is interested.

I realized the handle is in-fact Beech. Given its lower quality #7 with beech handle and steel back, not the better quality #8, I’m thinking of converting the handle to a pistol grip to better fit my hand. Any major reason i should not?

 

[RTM]

I’m thinking of converting the handle to a pistol grip to better fit my hand. Any major reason i should not

Only that you may have issues dealing with the vintage split nuts in the handle. My cheat code here is to use a wooden parallel clamp, drill a hole in one jaw larger than the nut. Clamp down to ease the pressure the wood is exerting on the screw. Works for removing or installing, but still low odds of success on 125 year old fasteners

Your saw, your choice, but if it doesn't fit your hand and you bought it to be a user...

There are places online that sell replacement split nuts but they definitely won't look as vintage, but they still look great on a saw.

 

[lexical]

Brass nuts came apart with no issues. I used the blade of my 5-way painter’s tool. It was just the right thinness and width. Changed from a standard grip handle pistol grit and now fits my hand much better. Cuts nice and straight even though it could use a good sharpening…

 

[RTM]

Brass nuts came apart with no issues. I used the blade of my 5-way painter’s tool. It was just the right thinness and width. Changed from a standard grip handle pistol grit and now fits my hand much better. Cuts nice and straight even though it could use a good sharpening…

Wait how did you get that done under 2 months? I'm confused.