An Unusual Old Saw

Hello,

I'm always keeping a watchful eye open for Disston Victory saws with the pre 1928 tote. Looks to be a D-115? What is the ppi for the one in the photo. Great looking saw, thanks for blog, always enjoyed.

Doug

I really enjoy old tools but am relatively new to it. You mentioned the "nib" of a saw in this blog. Can you explain whet it is? If it's that protrusion I see near the top front of several of my old saws, can you tell me what it its purpose?

It is the protrusion at the top of the saw near the toe.
I have no idea what it's for. There is much speculation but no confirming contemporary documentation.

Actually, a post on Dan's Shop, and his post about a find provides an 80 year vintage documentation of the usage of the saw nib for cleaning sawdust and splinters from the cut on large pieces. http://dans-woodshop.blogspot.com/2009/03/mystery-of-nib-is-solved.html

A 20th century cigarette cards theory on the nib, (which by the way makes no sense if you think about it) comes over 50 years after saw styles changed and the nib disappears from most saws.
It's one of many theories that have been postulated, but there is no documentation from the early 19th century, when these saws were manufactured, by anyone who might be considered an authority.

Thanks Joel & Trevor!

Could that small saw be a salesman's sample?

It is not a salesman sample. As I say in the body of the text these saws are found in small tool boxes that were sold to the gentry for the occasional house repair done by house staff.
It's also a handy size for anyone needing a portable saw.