Saw id? W&S Heeley sheffield

[frankederveen]

Hi,

A little while ago I picked up an older back saw at a yard sale; originally to learn saw sharpening. It now performs much better than I was expecting. Comfortable handle (for me) and cuts really well.

Any idea who made it or how old it might be?

I think it might have been these chaps but I'm not sure. They are the only W & S that stood out:

Wheatcroft (& Sons), John (Joiners' tool, saw, skate, edge tool & file manfr.).
Residing at 28 Arundel Street; b. Heeley, in 1833.
Recorded in: Whites History & Directory of Sheffield - 1833.

Thanks,
Frank

 

[AndyT]

There's a useful article in an old TATHS newsletter (No 106) by international saw history expert Simon Barley in which he distinguishes 'real' saw makers from the spurious names, invented purely as brands, which appear stamped or etched on saws.

The actual makers were listed as companies in trade directories. The invented brands, if registered as trademarks, appear only in the lists published by the Sheffield Cutlers' Company. (Not available on-line afaik)

He lists "W&S Heeley" as being one of the made-up names and I should think your suggestion of who might have made saws with that mark is plausible.

All this information and more should be in his book on the history of saw making, which has been 'nearly ready' for quite a few years now!

 

[frankederveen]

Thanks Andy,

So nothing special then, not withstanding that; It's a great user. I find myself grabbing for this little saw more often than one of my LN saws. That is probably due to slightly more set on the other saws. I seem to remember sharpening this one before I had my saw set.

Regards,
Frank