Recently on holiday in NZ and bought this saw:initially thought it was a Disston #112 but it is a Simonds 4.5 26 inch 8 ppi lightly breasted. good etch straight blade and lovely carved apple handle. On removing handle found a very high level of polish on the blade. Cant find any info on this saw. Cheers Tony
Hi Tony, A good looking saw, and Simonds made some of the best. The 4-1/2 was one of Simonds' premier saws, was the second most expensive saw in the Simonds 1910 catalog, and described as; " Special Crucible Steel, Warranted, Carved and Highly Polished Apple Handle, Skew Back, Four Screws. These saws are in quality and finish of steel and handle the most modern Hand Saws on the market, and are subject to the broadest Simonds Warranty" Not listed in the 1919 catalog, so your saw likely dates from around 1901-1918
Tony I think I recognise this saw I can testify that it is indeed a very good example. Just for information the Simonds No.4 1/2 is in the 1907 catalogue and the 1912 catalogue, but has disappeared by 1916, which is the next catalogue I have. Regards Paul