Selection of hand cross cut and felling saws
Peter Gray, Newcastle, but originally from the Huntly area has provided several images of hand cross cut and felling saws that he has collected over the years. Peter’s father Sandy originally worked over 50 years ago in a sawmill (Eddie Mearns sawmill?) in Old Rayne and also over at Castle Fraser.
Peter says:
“I picked up another good saw from a man at Perth yesterday, on the way up to see dad at Huntly. Shows what you said about there being a name on them. I think this would be original, the man said it was stored covered in grease hence still being bright metal. Not many like this now!
The handles weren’t included they are from one of my others. He said the arrow mark was army but I’m thinking it’s more likely Forestry Commission?”
Possibly a saw in one of the best conditions you are likely to find! Again another saw maker and this time Francis Wood and Sons of Sheffield. Not sure of the significance of the aeroplane trademark but could have been a wartime manufacturer of parts of aircraft. The crown teeth pattern is separated by very narrow gullets which are again narrower than their American counterparts.
The year and number stamp with the Government arrow are interesting. The year 1953 was the time of the massive windblow in northeast Scotland and certainly the demand for saws would have been very significant. Perhaps the number is a manufacturing serial number but could be something else. The broad arrow symbol is punched in much more crudely and could signify any Government department as well as the armed forces. Forestry Commission tended to move away from the broad arrow symbol as surplus supplies from government wartime stores were used up and the FC or FCS symbol was much more common from the late 1950s onwards.
Please see PDF for wider view of saw.
Download Large Version (496kB)
Groups: Tools, equipment and clothing