Last weekend's finds

[Branson]

I didn't mean to spend any money last weekend, but my wife and the older boy wanted to go to the legendary dump, and I tagged along.  Wandering around, I looked down and saw a vintage General Electric induction motor.  1750 rpm, one horse.  The shaft was free...  So I had to ask how much.  The yardman said $5.  Could I leave it there?  Nope.  Wanted to wander some more, so I took it over to where the others were looking through the books.  I found three or four books, the most interesting of which was a 1903 book on Southwest Indians -- good text, good graphics.  Went back to the yardman and said I'd like to settle up for the motor and the books.  "$5 for the lot."  Still waiting, I found a vintage rotary grater with all its parts -- sort of a 1930s food processor.  How much?  "You're a good customer.  Why don't you just take it."

Sunday,  the younger boy just had to go to the flea market.  So off we went.   I found a pair of CeeTeeCo pliers for $.50, and an unmarked pair for $.25.  I needed two pairs tor some work on the house in Santa Rosa that day. 

And then... I found a seller with really good, clean tools!  Old tools.  There was a #400 miter machine that was interesting, since it had "Improved Model" cast into the base, but no manufacturer's name anywhere.  Any ideas anyone?  I didn't get it, but I did buy a #53 Stanley spokeshave, Sweat Heart marked.  Not much Japaning left, but otherwise fine condition, and 91-6 Utica adjustable.

By this time, the two of us had the combined financial resources of $5.  But passing by a stall on the way to the exit, I spied an old saw.  There was a piece of metal screwed into the handle where the lamb's tongue should be -- at first, I thought it was a factory modification for the weakest part of a handle, it was so well made.  The saw had belonged to the fellow's father, and he wanted $10 for it.  Sadly, I left it there and we drove back to Santa Rosa.
I told my wife about the saw.  She said, "I wouldn't be satisfied until I could say I had done everything I could.  Get the money from an ATM and go back."  I got back there about a half hour later, just as the fellow was packing to leave.  I got the saw.

The iron part was a repair when I looked more closely, but a really excellent and old repair.  The saw was made by Spear and Jackson back when they were still using split nuts.  The horns have some chips, but are still intact.  The blade's good, but missing the nib.  It's about the heaviest rip saw
I've ever seen -- four teeth to the inch!

I'll get some pictures as soon as I can.