Tillotson handsaw, crisp mark

Hello all,

I bought this saw mainly for the crispness of the mark on it and because I have wanted a Tillotson for a long time, but the ones that I have seen have been mainly backsaws which have gone for prices that I did not want to pay.

BSSM does have an identical mark on p. 589 and dated circa 1870 but mine is possibly a little better overall in that there is no corrosion obscuring the main mark. Also the eagle on the medallion is slightly different with an 1869 patent mark . The "Extra Quality" is a little further away to the rear of the main mark.

The question that still haunts me about the handle and medallion on this and other like export saws is:- "Where was it put on. Britain or America" ?

I am not averse to it being either country, but what I cannot understand is that if this pattern handle was made in Britain, why did it not catch on here as a handle, particularly for cheaper/mid range saws as it must be a cheaper handle to make without the lambs tongue.

Any ideas?

Fred

 

Fred, looks like no one had any comments here, so I will give you my understanding of this saw. First, Tillotson was out of business by 1859-60. I think the handle and the medallion on this saw looks like American and is a replacement to the older blade. As confirmed by Simon, Tillotson’s dating in BSSM is not accurate, so I wouldn’t go by these dates.
BTW, I am working for a while already on Tillotson section for the website and I wonder if I can use your pictures to illustrate this issue – American handle and medallion. Let me know please. Of course I would give you credit for pictures.

 

Wiktor, I can't produce a beautiful saw for this thread but I do have a little special something that you may be interested in - I don't know much about this but I know that it superlative quality and older than most of the other stuff you see.

 

Thanks for the information Wiktor,

Particularly about the dating discrepancy in BSSM.

Anything that I put on here can be used in circumstances such as you , Simon and hopefully others intend to use it.

An attribution would be nice, but is not necessary.

I normally supply Simon with much larger file images than I post on this site. If you want a decent sized image, message me with a contact email ad I will send some.

Fred

 

No dramas Ray, I need a bit of guidance with these computer thingies.

T. Tillotson & Co. Patent Crystallized Cast Steel.

 

Dusty, Thanks for the pictures. I answered to you in your "conversation", but it looks like you are not checking it. Please contact me via email at wkuc48@gmail.com.