excellent graphic of No. 5 backsaw

Backsaws have two uses, to cut joints and to cut in a miterbox. Backsaws for joinery are smaller than saws meant to be used in a miterbox. Backsaws can be filed either crosscut or rip, depending on the sort of work being done. Miterbox saws naturally are filed crosscut.

Disston offered backsaws in lengths from 8 to 18 inches, with the 8 and 10 inch saws having a thinner gauge blade and two sawnuts on the handle. Saws 12 inches and over had three sawnuts, including the medallion. While not marketed as such, the 8 and 10 inch saws make respectable dovetail saws when filed with 14-point rip teeth. Disston also sold proper dovetail saws with 26-gauge steel, models 68, 70, and 71. There was an upgrade model No. 77 backsaw that did not need any set on the teeth. Disston also made miterbox saws with lengths from 20" to 32". The 1880's-era backsaw below has a blade-length of 18"

No. 4 Backsaw -- 8 inch
No. 4 backsaw 1880's

 

The earliest Disston backsaws had no medallion and the handle was shaped unlike those of later saws. This one has the beak at the top of the handle, which was not used on Disston handles for long. The lamb's tongue at the bottom of the handle was part of the design until the 1850's. This design element was featured on Disston No. 7 handsaws until 1928.

1840's Disston backsaw

 

1880's No. 4 backsaw handle Post-1918 12-inch backsaw handle
Photo courtesy of Ray Gardiner and his backsaw.net website.
 

Disston backsaw handles changed shape about 1918. That's when the so-called v-joint in the handle (the area of the hand hole just below mid-point, in front of the user's fingers) changed from a deep notch to a more subtle dip in the road. This was a style change, but it certainly did not have any impact on function. There were three model numbers for the basic Disston backsaw. The common No. 4, with a blue back (darkened and given a bit of rust resistance by coating heated steel with linseed oil), the No. 5, featuring a brass back, and the No. 7, which had a bright steel back. These three were offered from the early days of the company until 1928, when the whole line of Disston saws was redesigned. After 1928, the No. 4 featured a bright steel back. The No. 5 was also available until the 1940's. It may have disappeared permanently when brass became unavailable for consumer goods during WWII.

The No. 4 changed little, except for the handle becoming boxier and changing from applewood to beech sometime in the 1930's. Handles for miterbox saws started to change over to beech sometime before that, while still retaining a graceful shape until all the backsaw handles became plain and somewhat ugly by the late 1940's.

1930's No. 5 backsaw handle 1940's backsaw handle

 
No. 5 Backsaw No. 5 backsaw etch
This is a No. 5 backsaw from the 1930's. Many of these turn up in England and Australia, often with a Toronto etch. Disston made saws in Canada from 1910 until the 1950's, allowing the company to avoid a tariff on saws sold in the British Commonwealth. Brass-backed saws were more popular in England than they were in the States, so Disston made a large portion of them to sell overseas. The saw above came from Philadelphia and remained in the US.  

 
No. 4 Backsaw Etch The etch on the left is from an early 20th century backsaw. The one on the right is from the 1940's. Most older backsaws are not found with an etch. Perhaps the etches were done lightly because of the thinner gauge of the steel, thereby making them more subject to wear and disintegration from surface rusting. Just a theory. No. 4 Backsaw Etch

 
Backsaw spine These photos show changes in the stampings on Disston backsaws over time. This backsaw is one of the earliest and features eagles flanking the Disston name.
Backsaw spine This example is also from the pre-civil war era. This particular saw was probably made in the 1850's, but stamps on the spine of most early backsaws look like this.
Backsaw spine Disston and Son stamps appear on backsaws manufactured between 1865 and 1871, the time when Hamilton Disston was in partnership with his father.
Backsaw spine This logo is found on backsaws produced after 1871 until about the turn of the 20th century. During the 1870's and early 1880's, Hamilton Disston's four younger brothers joined in the family partnership. Disston and Sons became a corporation in 1886.
Backsaw spine This turn-of-the-century oddity shows up often. The backwards name stamp "Henry Disston and Snos" is too common to have been an April Fools Day prank. Disston must have used the faulty stamping die for a significant length of time, based on the number of them in existance.
Backsaw spine This logo is stamped on early 20th century backsaws and remained similar until 1955.

 
Early Backsaw

This unusual saw has an eagle medallion, putting in the 1840 to 1865 era, most likely 1850's. The handle is similar to the No. 8 half-back saw, another oddity.

The No. 8 half-back saw was a hybrid design. It was a bench saw designed for cabinetmakers and other woodworkers requiring the accuracy of a backsaw with the depth of cut and pointed toe of a short panel saw. The No. 8 model was made in lengths of 14 to 20 inches, according to all the catalogs quoted at the bottom of this webpage. The No. 8 is rarely found, despite being manufactured from the 1850's until the early 1920's. This one was made between 1871 and 1876, the H. Disston and Sons period when the saws had "split" or spanner-head nuts.

 No. 8 half-back saw
No. 8 Half-back saw handle

Here is a Cresson half-back saw, strikingly similar to the Disston model No. 8. Cresson was a Philadelphia saw manufacturer in business until bought out by Disston in 1862.

 Cresson half-backsaw
Cresson saw name stamp Cresson half-backsaw

 
No. 9 backsaw


The No. 9 backsaw may have been designed for cutting in tight spaces where the end of the spine would interfere with the work. You could call it a four-fifths backsaw. Another possiblity for the design is weight reduction. At the same time this saw was designed, Disston invented the D-8 skewback handsaw. The removal of steel from the toe of the saw reduces both weight and material used to manufacture the saw without compromising function. The handle design was patented by William Reagan in 1874 (US#157,634).

No. 9 backsaw handle

 

Disston made miterbox saws throughout the company's history. The model number, if it was shown on the particular saw's etch, was No. 4. Lengths for miterbox saws were 20"-32" and the widths were 4", 5", or 6". Disston did not sell the miterboxes, but sold their saws to Stanley, Millers Falls, Goodell-Pratt, and others to be marketed with those companies' miterboxes. The upper saw is a 26" long saw with 4" under the back. The monster below it is 30" long and fits a 6" miterbox.
No. 4 Miterbox saw - 4 inch
No. 4 Miterbox saw - 6 inch

Information taken from Disston 1876 catalog:

No. 4 Backsaw 1876 Catalog Illustration
No. 4. Disston and Sons, Apple Handle, Polished Edges, Blue Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$14.00 1.00 18.00 21.00 24.00 27.00 per dozen

No. 5. Disston and Sons, as No. 4, Brass Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$18.00 19.00 22.00 25.00 29.00 33.00 per dozen

No. 7. Disston and Sons, as No. 4, with Polished Steel Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$15.50 16.50 20.00 23.00 26.50 30.00 per dozen

No. 8 Half-back Saw 1876 catalog illustration
Gent's Half-Back Bench Saw

14 16 18 20 inches
$18.00 21.00 24.00 27.00 per dozen
Information taken from Disston 1890 catalog:

No. 4 Backsaw 1890 Catalog Illustration
Henry Disston and Sons' Cast-Steel Back Saw
No. 4. Disston and Sons Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Blue Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$13.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 per dozen

No. 4 Mitre Box Saw 1890 Catalog Illustration
Henry Disston and Sons' Steel Back Mitre Box Saw
No. 4. Disston and Sons Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Blue Back.

4 Inches Under Back

18 20 22 24 26 28 30 inches
$22.00 24.00 26.00 28.00 30.00 32.00 34.00 per dozen

1890 Jackson Backsaw Illustration
Jackson Cast-Steel Back Saw

8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 inches
$9.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 24.00 per dozen

No. 77 1890 Backsaw Illustration
No. 77 Backsaw, Disston and Sons' MECHANICS' OWN
To Run Without Set

8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 inches
$16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 25.00 28.00 31.00 34.00 37.00 40.00 per dozen

If you cannot be supplied through your dealer, write us.

Information taken from Disston 1906 catalog:

  DISSTON
CRUCIBLE CAST-STEEL BACK SAWS
Made with Rip Teeth when specially ordered.

No. 4 Backsaw 1906 Catalog Illustration
No. 4. Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Blued-back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$13.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 per dozen

No. 5. With Brass Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$18.00 19.00 21.00 23.00 26.00 30.00 per dozen

No. 7. With Polished Steel Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$14.00 15.00 17.00 19.00 21.00 23.00 per dozen

DISSTON
MITRE-BOX SAW, No. 4.

Made in Disston Quality only, as they require to be very accurate to give satisfactory service.
No. 4 Miter Box Saw 1906 Catalog Illustration

    Crucible Steel Blade, Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Steel Back.
    The following prices are for saws measured the full length of the blade. The peculiar shape of butt or heel in these saws makes the toothed edge about 2 inches shorter than the full length of the blade. Mitre-Box Saws are regularly made 11 points to the inch.

 

4 5 6  inches under back
20 inches $24.00   price per dozen
22 26.00 28.50 31.00 "
24 28.00 31.00 34.00 "
26 30.00 33.50 37.00 "
28 32.00 36.00 40.00 "
30 34.00 38.50 43.00 "
32 36.00 41.00 46.00 "

Information taken from Disston 1911 catalog:

  BACK SAWS
CRUCIBLE STEEL
DISSTON BACK SAW, No. 4
Made with Rip Teeth when specially ordered.

No. 4 Backsaw 1911 Catalog Illustration

No. 4. Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Blued-back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$13.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 per dozen

No. 5. With Brass Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$18.00 19.00 21.00 23.00 26.00 30.00 per dozen

No. 7. With Polished Steel Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$14.00 15.00 17.00 19.00 21.00 23.00 per dozen


MITRE-BOX SAW, No. 4

Made in Disston Quality only, as they require to be very accurate to give satisfactory service.
No. 4 Miter Box Saw 1911 Catalog Illustration

    Crucible Steel Blade, Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Steel Back.
    The following prices are for saws measured the full length of the blade. The peculiar shape of butt or heel in these saws makes the toothed edge about 2 inches shorter than the full length of the blade. Mitre-Box Saws are regularly made 11 points to the inch.

 

4 5 6  inches under back
20 inches $24.00   price per dozen
22 26.00 28.50 31.00 "
24 28.00 31.00 34.00 "
26 30.00 33.50 37.00 "
28 32.00 36.00 40.00 "
30 34.00 38.50 43.00 "
32 36.00 41.00 46.00 "

Packed one-third dozen in box.

Trade mark
Registered
U.S. Pat. Off.		 Jackson Backsaw 1911 Catalog Illustration
"Jackson" Backsaw, No. 1

Beech Handle, Polished, Blued Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$9.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

Davis Back Saw 1911 Catalog Illustration
"Davis" Back Saw, No. 0

Beech Handle, Polished Edge, 10 and 12-inch made with open Handle, 14-inch with closed Handle. All sizes made 12 point only.
10 12 14 inches
$8.00 9.00 10.00 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

No. 9 Improved Back Saw 1911 Catalog Illustration
Improved Back Saw, No. 9

10 12 14 16 18 inches
14.50 16.50 18.50 20.50 22.50 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

No. 77 1911 Backsaw Illustration
"MECHANICS' OWN" Back Saw, No. 77
To Run Without Set

8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 inches
$16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 25.00 28.00 31.00 34.00 37.00 40.00 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

Information taken from Disston 1914 catalog:

  BACK SAWS
CRUCIBLE STEEL
DISSTON BACK SAW, No. 4
Made with Rip Teeth when specially ordered.
No. 4 Backsaw 1914 Catalog Illustration

  No. 4. Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Blued-back.
8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$13.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 per dozen

No. 5. With Brass Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$18.00 19.00 21.00 23.00 26.00 30.00 per dozen

No. 7. With Polished Steel Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$14.00 15.00 17.00 19.00 21.00 23.00 per dozen

BACK SAWS FOR CUTTING METAL, No. 4 pattern, advance 25% on list of No. 4.
BACK SAWS FOR CUTTING KALOMINE, same price as No. 4.
Packed one-third dozen in box.

 
MITRE-BOX SAWS
    Made in Disston Quality only, their accuracy and efficiency is recognized by the prominent manufacturers of Mitre Boxes as Standard.
DISSTON MITRE-BOX SAW, No. 4
No. 4 Miter Box Saw 1914 Catalog Illustration

    Crucible Steel Blade, Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Blued Back.
    The following prices are for saws measured the full length of the blade. The peculiar shape of butt or heel in these saws makes the toothed edge about 2 inches shorter than the full length of the blade. Mitre-Box Saws are regularly made 11 points to the inch, 19 gauge in thickness.

4 5 6  inches under back
20 inches $24.00   price per dozen
22 26.00 28.50 31.00 "
24 28.00 31.00 34.00 "
26 30.00 33.50 37.00 "
28 32.00 36.00 40.00 "
30 34.00 38.50 43.00 "
32 36.00 41.00 46.00 "

Packed one-third dozen in box.

Information taken from Disston 1918 catalog:

  BACK SAWS
CRUCIBLE STEEL
DISSTON BACK SAW, No. 4
Made with Rip Teeth when specially ordered at the same price.
No. 4 Backsaw 1918 Catalog Illustration
No. 4. Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Brass Screws, Blued Back.

 
8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$13.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 per dozen

No. 5. With Brass Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$18.00 19.00 21.00 23.00 26.00 30.00 per dozen

No. 7. With Polished Steel Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$14.00 15.00 17.00 19.00 21.00 23.00 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

MITRE-BOX SAWS
    Made in Disston Quality only, their accuracy and efficiency is recognized as The Standard by the prominent manufacturers of Mitre Boxes.
DISSTON MITRE-BOX SAW, No. 4
No. 4 Miter Box Saw 1918 Catalog Illustration

    Crucible Steel Blade, Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Blued Back.
    The following prices are for saws measured the full length of the blade. The peculiar shape of butt or heel in these saws makes the toothed edge about 2 inches shorter than the full length of the blade. Mitre-Box Saws are regularly made 11 points to the inch, 19 gauge in thickness.

 
4 5 6  inches under back
20 inches $24.00   price per dozen
22 26.00 28.50 31.00 "
24 28.00 31.00 34.00 "
26 30.00 33.50 37.00 "
28 32.00 36.00 40.00 "
30 34.00 38.50 43.00 "
32 36.00 41.00 46.00 "

Packed one-third dozen in box.

No. 8 Half-Back Saw 1918 Catalog Illustration
Half-Back Bench Saw, No. 8
Brass Back

Apple Handle, Polished Edge, Brass Screws, Brass Back. Combining the advantages of a Hand Saw and a Back Saw.
14 16 18 20 inches
$18.00 21.00 24.00 27.00 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

No. 9 Improved Back Saw 1918 Catalog Illustration
Improved Back Saw, No. 9

10 12 14 16 18 inches
14.50 16.50 18.50 20.50 22.50 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

Trade mark
Registered
U.S. Patent Office.		 Jackson Backsaw 1918 Catalog Illustration
"Jackson" Backsaw, No. 1

Beech Handle, Polished, Blued Back.

8 10 12 14 16 18 inches
$9.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

Davis Back Saw 1918 Catalog Illustration
"Davis" Back Saw, No. 0

Beech Handle, Polished Edge, 10 and 12-inch made with open Handle, 14-inch with closed Handle. All sizes made 12 point only.
10 12 14 inches
$8.00 9.00 10.00 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

No. 14 Backsaw 1918 catalog illustration
Back Saw, No. 14

Nickel-Plated Lever Tightener and Wing Nut
Patented Jan. 27, 1914

Cherry Handle, Carved and Polished. Disston Crucible Steel blade. Warranted. One edge toothed 9 points for cutting with the grain; the other, 13 points, for cross-cutting. The slotted, heavy steel back, by means of the wing nut and lever tightener is quickly adjusted to cut any special depth required. Adapted for tenoning, shouldering, dovetailing, cog cutting, or any purpose where a definite depth of cut is desired.
8 x 3 10 x 3 12 x 3 1/2 14 x 3 3/4 16 x 4 3/8 inches
14.50 15.50 17.25 19.00 20.75 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

No. 77 1918 Backsaw Illustration
"MECHANICS' OWN" Back Saw, No. 77
To Run Without Set

These Saws are particularly adapted for fine cabinet work, sawing mitres, and where rapid and smooth cutting is required the use of a plane can he dispensed with, as they will cut a joint sufficiently smooth to glue without planing. Regularly made 8 points to the inch, except for about 1 1/4" at the front where the teeth are 12 points to the inch. In filing use a 4 1/2-inch slim taper file.
8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 inches
$16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 25.00 28.00 31.00 34.00 37.00 40.00 per dozen

Packed one-third dozen in box.

Information taken from Disston 1923 catalog:

 

No. 4 Back Saw 1923 Catalog Illustration

  Saw descriptions and prices are the same as the 1918 catalog.
The only difference is the illustration used for the No. 4 backsaw

 

Information taken from Disston 1924 and 1926 catalogs:

NO. 4 BACK SAW
No. 4 Back Saw 1924 Catalog Illustration
The Disston No. 4 Back Saw, while smaller in size, is similar in quality and pattern to the mitre box saw, but is square on both ends and can be used without a mitre box, for cutting fine joints on small work or stock of small dimensions.

The sizes range from 8 inches with narrow blades and fine teeth to 18 inches with the wider blades and coarser teeth -- the 12 inch, a popular size being 3 inches under back and with teeth 14 points to the inch.

NO. 4 MITRE BOX SAW
No. 4 Miter Box Saw 1924 Catalog Illustration

Accuracy is the prime essential of the mitre box saw, which is used for sawing mitres for all kinds of work -- picture frames, moulding, cabinet work,pattern making, etc. Disston Saws have long been recognized as the standard for this work by prominent makers of mitre boxes. Every one of these saws is tested in a mitre box, to insure [sic] accuracy, before it leaves the factory. Extra care is exercised in making these saws so they will run true and cut a smooth accurate joint.

To prevent the "butt" or "heel" from catching in the work when the saw is used in a mitre box, this type of saw is made so that the cutting edge is two inches shorter than the entire blade. Because of the nature of the work to be done, the blade is made quite thin (19 gauge or about 3/64 of an inch), but is reinforced for stiffness by having the upper edge inserted in a metal back. It is a fine toothed saw, being usually 11 points to the inch.

The blade is of Disston-made Steel, the handle of applewood, fastened with brass screws. The back is of blued steel. This saw is made in 20 to 32 inch lengths, the blade being 4, 5 and 6 inches wide under the back.
Information taken from Disston 1929 catalog:

Disston No. 4 Back Saw
1929 catalog illustration

Handiest of all small saws. Necessary for all fine joinery and cabinet work. The finest back saw made. Blade is of Disston Steel, with the Disston temper -- hard and tough. Teeth are shaped for fast, accurate cutting. Backs are extra heavy, of bright, polished steel. Handles are of beechwood,with the Disston weatherproofed finish; brass screws.

 
Length
of Blade		 Width Under
Back		 Points
to Inch
8" 2½" 16
10" 2½" 15
12" 3" 14
14" 3½" 13
16" 3 7/8" 12

Disston No. 4 Mitre Box Saw
No. 4 Miter Box Saw 1929 Catalog Illustration

The leading manufacturers of mitre boxes supply Disston Saws as standard equipment for them. Every Disston Mitre Box Saw is tested for accuracy. Every one will run true and cut a smooth, accurate joint. The blade is placed deep into the handle, and the back is extra heavy, preventing any twisting in the cut. All blades are made 11 points to the inch. Blade made of Disston Steel, with hard, tough Disston temper. Back of bright, polished steel. Beechwood handle, Disston weather-proofed finish; brass screws. The following sizes are most popular:

 
Length of Blade Width Under Back
20" 4"
26" 4"
28" 5"

 
Disston Mitre Box Saws are made in all required sizes; those 4 inches under back in 18 to 28-inch lengths; 5 inches under back, 26 to 32-inch lengths; 6 inches under back, 28, 30 and 32-inch lengths.

Information taken from Disston 1932 catalog:

No. 4 Backsaw 1932 Catalog Illustration
No. 4 Back Saw

The Disston No. 4 Back Saw has been improved with an extra heavy bright steel back to give greater stiffness to the blade and bold the teeth in the cut. The back and blade extend well into the handle, which brings the hand close to the work and gives perfect control when sawing. For cabinet work, cutting mitres, grooves, mortises, moldings and other small work requiring accuracy, the Disston No. 4 is the best back saw made. The Disston steel blade, which is hardened and tempered, has carefully filed, sharp teeth which will cut cross grain, rip or mitre. The shorter the blade, the finer the teeth. Beechwood handle. weatherproof finish; fastened to blade with brass screws, one of which is embossed.

 
Length
of Blade		 Width
under
Back		 Thickness
Gauge		 Points
to Inch		 Screws Weight
per dozen		 Price
per dozen
8 inches 2 1/4 inches 23 16 2 10 lbs. $28.45
10 2 1/2 22 15 2 13 lbs. 30.40
12 3 22 14 3 18 lbs. 34.20
14 3 1/2 22 13 3 22 lbs. 38.05
16 3 7/8 21 12 3 26 lbs. 42.85

Packed 1/3 dozen in box.

No. 4 Miter Box Saw 1932 Catalog Illustration
No. 4 Mitre-Box Saw

The Disston No. 4 Mitre-Box Saw is a high grade tool in every respect-the best mitering saw made. All lengths and widths are made 11 points to the inch. Blade rests deep in handle, which, in addition to the stiff back, supports the blade and assures a smooth, clean-cut mitre. Blade of Disston steel; heavy steel back; bright polished. Beechwood handle, weatherproof finish; brass screws, one embossed.

  Width of Blade, 4 inches under back
Length
of Blade		 Number
of Screws
in handle		 Weight
per dozen		 Price
per dozen
18 inches 3 32 1/2 lbs. $45.00
20 inches 3 36 3/4 lbs. 52.20
22 inches 3 40 1/2 lbs. 56.10
24 inches 3 45 1/4 lbs. 60.60
26 inches 3 48 lbs. 65.10

Width of Blade, 5 inches under back

Length
of Blade		 Number
of Screws
in handle		 Weight
per dozen		 Price
per dozen
28 inches 4 57 1/2 lbs. $75.90
30 inches 4 61 1/2 lbs. 83.10

Width of Blade, 6 inches under back

Length
of Blade		 Number
of Screws
in handle		 Weight
per dozen		 Price
per dozen
30 inches 4 65 3/4 lbs. 94.00

Packed, l/12 dozen in box.

Jackson Backsaw 1932 catalog Illustration
No. 1 Back Saw

The No. 1 Jackson Back Saw is used for mitering, tenoning, dovetailing and all small work. Blade of special steel; stiff, blued back; set and sharpened. Closed hardwood handle; varnished edges.
Length
of Blade		 Width
under
Back		 Thickness
Gauge		 Points
to Inch		 Screws Weight
per dozen		 Price
per dozen
8 inches 2 inches 22 12 2 8 1/3 lbs. $19.50
10 2 1/4 22 12 2 10 lbs. 21.60
12 2 3/4 22 12 3 12 3/4 lbs. 25.70
14 3 1/4 21 12 3 15 3/4 lbs. 30.00
16 3 3/4 21 11 3 22 lbs. 34.20

Packed 1/3 dozen in box.

Davis Backsaw 1932 catalog Illustration
No. 0 Back Saw

The No. 0 Davis Back Saw has special steel blade which is supported by a stiff, black-finished back. The teeth are carefully set and sharpened, 12 points to the inch. Hardwood handles with varnished edges. The 10-inch length has open handle, fastened to blade with two screws; 12-inch and 14-inch lengths have closed handles, fastened to blade with three screws.
Length
of Blade		 Width
under
Back		 Thickness
Gauge		 Points
to Inch		 Screws Weight
per dozen		 Price
per dozen
10 2 1/4 22 12 2 9 3/4 lbs. 17.70
12 2 3/4 22 12 3 12 1/2 lbs. 19.90
14 3 1/4 21 12 3 15 3/4 lbs. 21.60

Packed 1/3 dozen in box.

No. 14 Backsaw 1932 catalog Illustration
No. 14 Back Saw

The Disston No. 14 Back Saw is toothed on both edges; used for tenoning, dovetailing, patternmaking, etc. Depth of cut is regulated by heavy steel movable back. Blade of Disston steel -- one edge toothed 13 points for crosscutting; other edge, 9 points for ripping. Cherrywood handle, weatherproof finish; screw, cluster bolt and wing nut nickel-plated.
Length
of Blade		 Width
of Blade		 Weight
per dozen		 Price
per dozen
12 inches 3 1/2 inches 18 lbs. $37.50

Packed 1/3 dozen in box.

Information taken from Disston 1951 catalog:

Disston No. 4 Back Saw
No. 4 Backsaw 1951 Catalog Illustration

The blade is of Disston Steel, hard and tough, with teeth shaped for fast accurate cutting.
Back is extra heavy. Handle of hardwood, with Disston weatherproof finish.

 
Length of Blade Width Under Back Points to Inch
10 inches 2½ inches 13
12 inches 3 inches 13
14 inches 3½ inches 13
16 inches 3 3/4 inches 13

No. 4 Miter Box Saw 1951 Catalog Illustration
No. 4 Mitre-Box Saw

Every Disston Mitre Box Saw is tested for accuracy. It will run true and cut a smooth, accurate joint. All blades are made 11 points to the inch. Blade made of Disston Steel, with hard, tough Disston temper. Back of bright, polished steel. Hardwood handle, Disston weather-proofed finish.
The following sizes are most popular:

 
Length of Blade Width Under Back
26" 4"
28" 5"

 
Disston Mitre Box Saws are made in all required sizes; those 4 inches under back in 22, 24 and 26-inch lengths; 5 inches under back, 28 inches in length; 6 inches under back, 30 inches in length.

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