Eyed a very old Henry Disston hand saw the other day. A very old one.
No pix, but based on the Disston Institute on the web, it seems to come from the 1840's.
It seems to be a Disston # 7-9. (I really can't be sure which.)
It has a set-back handle with no ornamentation in the form of engraving and no owner's marks. Both of the horns show slight damage.
It has four spanner screws. The recessed medallion reads: HENRY DISSTON /PHILA. The eagle is of the "optimist" type inside a ring of tiny dots.
It has a straightback blade with 6 teeth per inch. The blade is straight and no teeth are missing.
The cutting surface is 23" long and does not show evidence of excessive sharpening. There is a nib near the tip, and from there, the blade slopes at a 45 degree angle toward the cutting surface.
The blade shows no etch, moderate rust, and even some pitting. And a few paint splatters.
I realize that I have a one-in-10,000 garage sale hand saws and want to do it justice. Most of all, I want to do no harm.
What do I have here, and what should I do with it?
