Spear and Jackson wartime saw

[John Bohane]

I recently acquired a Spear and Jackson (Sheffield) saw that has imprinted on the handle "Wartime Handle and Screws"
Can anyone tell me about this item

[fletty]

Hi John,
During the Second World War (1939 - 1945), British industry needed to keep manufacturing essential tools for the war effort but there wasn't the time, nor justification, to do all of the niceties such as finishing the outside of castings or using good timber or non ferrous metals for saw handles. I did my apprenticeship in the 70's on a Ward 2D 'wartime finish' lathe. All of the necessary bits such as guides and slides were accurately finished but the external surfaces of the castings weren't dressed. My guess is that the saw was made beween 1942 and 1946 as I haven't seen 'wartime finish' before nor after these dates.
Fletty

[RayG]

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum, Spear and Jackson have bee making saws for over 200 years, and generally the older the better the quality.

If you could post a picture, that would help identify it further.

Not familiar with the "Wartime handle and screws" but I think Fletty has answered this already.

Regards
Ray

[pmcgee]

Old Spear & Jackson Saw information.

s&j 1b.jpg s&j 1a.jpg s&j 1c.jpg

[Vann]

A bit like the "WARFINISH" planes Record produced during the same period - no chrome/nickel plating (Record had been nickel plating most of their screws, as well as the lever-cap), handles made of English Beech instead of imported Rosewood.

Cheers, Vann

[pmcgee]

The Disston Crucible - 1918