WM McNiece Excelsior Saw Works Saw info needed

[swervncarz]

I picked this saw up today for $2. I'm having trouble finding out info on this maker. From what I see it seems to be a good quality saw. I'd like to know how old it is? Any history? I don't see anything on Ebay to find a value, is this a hard to come by saw? Blade measures 28 1/2", 4 1/2 tpi. Pics provided below. Any input greatly appreciated.

[rusty]

wkfinetools has a history page and some examples....

http://www.wkfinetools.com/hus-saws/mcniecew/mcniecew-index.asp


PS: One of the saw nuts is probably worth the $2.....

[mikeswrenches]

You don't show a picture of the other side of the saw nuts.  Are they split nuts?

Mike

[swervncarz]

Sorry, here's the other side

[mikeswrenches]

If I remember correctly, split nuts weren't used after about 1869.  I had asked this of an old collector of back saws and he had given me the above date.  I'm guessing it applies to other saws as well.

Mike

[rusty]

>split nuts weren't used after about 1869

The company name begins in 1863 in any case....

The company name changed sometime between 1909 and 1914, becoming Wm McNiece & Son....

(Excelsior Saw works is older then the company , having been started by someone else earlier)

[Branson]

If I remember correctly, split nuts weren't used after about 1869.  I had asked this of an old collector of back saws and he had given me the above date.  I'm guessing it applies to other saws as well.

Mike

Sounds about right, though I thought 1868.   Yes, it applies to other saws as well.  Also note the position of the handle -- it's set lower to the back of the blade, another common feature of saws of this period.

[scottg]

This saw is practically a living advertisement for "old saw".  It has all the classic features.
Split nuts and medallion set totally flush with the tote.
It has a stamped logo (not etched).
The tote is dropped in its angle of attack, in relation to the blade.

  Philada hosted many of the greatest sawmakers early on. It was only last year I finally found out why. Wiktor was doing the history of Cresson, another early Philadelphia sawmaker.
  The river runs above the city! So all you had to do was set up a flume and a water wheel, you could have free power anyplace you wanted! Big businesses could have big ones.
Small businesses could set up a small private wheel in any basement. 
    Free power, the most luxurious thing in the world before electricity.
     yours Scott
   

[swervncarz]

Thanks for all the info.....appreciate it

[Helleri]

I am wondering if the tapering of the blade at both ends are purposeful features of the manufacturer or accidental damage (and possible repair)?

[Branson]

I am wondering if the tapering of the blade at both ends are purposeful features of the manufacturer or accidental damage (and possible repair)?

Manufacturing features.  Especially the one at the tip -- standard practice for almost all saws of this period, earlier periods, and later periods.