any info on this saw?

[thetyreman]

I bought this a few months ago in a charity shop near me, have finally got round to cleaning it up and it says fitswilliam JT&S sheffield on it, also looks old guessing late 1800s? I have no idea,

the handle feels great, it's the most comfortable one I've used yet, all I did was clean it up with turps then applied some shellac. It cost me £7 incase you were wondering, seems like a bargain.

I've got some pics attached,



can anyone give me more information about it?

regards, Ben.

 

[AndyT]

Well, as I happen to be sitting here next to a copy of Simon Barley's invaluable book, perhaps I can prove again how useful it is and persuade a few more people to get copies?

J T & S is Joseph Tyzack and Sons, part of a big family with a complicated web of tool related businesses. Fitzwilliam was one of the made up names they used for "second quality" saws, though as you have found, what was second quality a century ago seems pretty good nowadays. There's an article by Simon on the TATHS site hereabout these brand names - Fitzwilliam Street was the address of one side of the Tyzack works in Sheffield.

Another clue is that the handle is what was known as a "London Pattern" - cut straight along the bottom, which Simon says is often found on those saws.

He also agrees with you about the date - an illustration of an etch matching your one is captioned as being about 1900.

All in all, a very nice saw, good for plenty of years yet, and astoundingly good value!

 

[thetyreman]

thanks for that Andy, very useful information!

 

[ED65]

I do like that handle style. FWIW I think it looks great treated as you've done it, just spruced up a bit.

It cost me £7 incase you were wondering, seems like a bargain.

I'd say so!

 

[ED65]

...though as you have found, what was second quality a century ago seems pretty good nowadays.

Indeed. It's much the same as with gents' saws, which were never intended for the serious workman but are perfectly decent quality, and despite Michael Dunbar's opinions to the contrary are more than good enough for most of us.

 

[thetyreman]

I do like that handle style. FWIW I think it looks great treated as you've done it, just spruced up a bit.

It cost me £7 incase you were wondering, seems like a bargain.

I'd say so!

thanks, yes I sharpend it up as well last night and it rips incredibly fast, a definite keeper.