Interesting handsaw

[Lyle]

I bought this saw recently. I liked the shape of the handle mainly, then the brass back with makers marks. I like the handle shape, it just fits my hand nicely.
I will try and research the makers later. Found this, like mine but with steel back. What would be first, a steel back or brass? http://www.wkfinetools.com/hUK/Grove...lSaw-8inch.asp
The marks indicate this saw was made for A. MACKIE EDINBURGH.?? Would this have been a distributor or an individual? Found out this is a shop for cutlery and optical whih was in Melbourne St Edinburgh!

You cannot see them in these photos but there appears to be a name on the handle.
Would these be normally there or would they probably be the owners name marked?
The handle has what looks like thumb recesses, but I suspect they are not original? No they appear to be original from the above link.

To restore for use or display.??

Looking at the condition is this a saw that could be restored for use? The blade is really thin and has a small amount of bends along the length. The teeth seem very uneven in cut, but none missing (broken off) and no set that I can see. Very fine pitch = 16TPI.

Any help or opinion appreciated.

Attachment 337356Attachment 337355Attachment 337353Attachment 337354

Thanks
Lyle.

[hiroller]

Hi Lyle,

You'll probably get more traction in the Handtool Unpowered section.
The saw is very restorable. There are plenty of threads here on how to go about it.
All you need to do is keep us updated!

[pmcgee]

http://www.wkfinetools.com/hUK/Grove...oves-index.asp

[Lyle]

Thanks for the link. I had already found it. But any idea on how to date this saw.

It was made to A. Mackie in Edinburgh. I have searched for that company, but only found a little info.
How do I find out when A. Mackie was in business, at least that will give me a date span ie opened in xxxx until yyyy.

A photo of the establishment found on the internet.

Attachment 337584

Any helpful links/suggestions???

Lyle.

[pmcgee]

RayG is on here. His site www.backsaw.net is the universal destination for backsaw research.

Groves made MANY saws ... split-nuts and the stamped details will narrow to a certain range ...

I'm **wildly** guessing 1880-1920 roughly.

Cheers,
Paul

[auscab]

I bought this saw recently. I liked the shape of the handle mainly, then the brass back with makers marks. I like the handle shape, it just fits my hand nicely.

To restore for use or display.??

Looking at the condition is this a saw that could be restored for use? The blade is really thin and has a small amount of bends along the length. The teeth seem very uneven in cut, but none missing (broken off) and no set that I can see. Very fine pitch = 16TPI.

Any help or opinion appreciated.

Attachment 337356Attachment 337355Attachment 337353Attachment 337354

Thanks
Lyle.

Nice Saw Lyle , I bought a few of the same make about a year or two back , One arrived set and sharp from Canada , what a beauty it is to use! fine and quick to cut as well, very nice . I have to do a bit of research before I touch the others with a file. I would say definitely use it if you need a saw to use.

Just Don't give it to a saw shop though , what ever you do.. general saw sharpeners wreck nice saws more than they do a good job.
a bit of reading and patience and do it yourself is best , unless you are friends with someone who is good at it and will teach you.

Rob