What were these old saws like when new? Time capsule Atkins 65

Discussion in 'Saw Pictures and Measurements' started by Dusty Shed Dweller, Nov 20, 2019.

  1. Dusty Shed Dweller

    Dusty Shed Dweller Most Valued Member

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    146
    Ever wondered what it was like to go to a hardware store about 1920 and pick out a brand new saw? What was the packaging like? How much did it cost? And for the saw geeks out there, what was the original spec filing, how did they leave the factory? A rare time-capsule find in the States (thank you Mari!) gives us a few ideas.
    The saw in question is an Atkins 65 "ship point" rip saw. The original shipping box was designed to hold 4 saws, being for individual resale at the store;

    upload_2019-11-21_6-50-3.png

    Inside the saw is wrapped in an elegantly folded sheet of oiled paper;
    upload_2019-11-21_6-52-15.png

    This is what a flawless "Damaskeen" finish looks like;

    upload_2019-11-21_6-54-40.png

    Atkins "perfection handle" in apple. Never been used.

    upload_2019-11-21_6-56-8.png

    And for the geeks, the technical stuff;

    The toothline has an even breasted curve, dropping 1/8" at either end w.r.t. to the centre of the plate over 26". The jointing is flawless. The teeth are very stubby (shallow gullets) for the toothing, and appear to have around 1-2 degrees of rake. Only the top 1/4 of the teeth are set, and the set is very even.

    upload_2019-11-21_6-57-41.png

    Heel end - note the half tooth treatment, it is a 5 and half point saw after all;

    upload_2019-11-21_6-56-55.png


    I suspect this saw survived as it was left over stock that just sat on the shelf gathering dust. Boat building was winding down by the time this saw was manufactured (post ca. 1913 going by the embossed handle, and it does appear in the 1919 catalogue) and it is a very short, fine toothed saw, probably more suited to interior fit out work rather than rough and tumble boat building work such as framing or decking.
     
  2. Dusty Shed Dweller

    Dusty Shed Dweller Most Valued Member

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    146
    By the way, these saws cost $24.50 a dozen in 1919, although I don't know what that equates to in today's money.
     
  3. ray

    ray Administrator Staff Member

    Messages:
    671
    What a great find, it makes you wonder what some of the 18th century saws looked and felt like when new.

    Most of the "Ships Saws" I've seen, have a sharpish point, at least in the catalog pictures.

    As far as the value in todays money https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1919

    So that's $24.50 * 15 = $ 367.5 or around $30 each which seems cheap, but looking at bunnings saw prices, it's not that far off the current retail price of a Spear & Jackson or Bahco but the plastic handles and induction hardened teeth are the price we pay for progress.
     
  4. Underthedirt

    Underthedirt Most Valued Member

    Messages:
    225
    Hi Dusty, That particular saw could not have found a better home.
    It's in unbelievable condition & the box & lining paper are extra rare survivors in their own right.
    Thanks for sharing the details on this one, its a beauty.

    Regards

    Mari