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The Saw of Josiah Bakewell

This is very interesting saw and the meaning of information embedded is difficult to underestimate.  We know that Josiah Bakewell was part of the founding team of Wheeler, Madden & Bakewell - Monhagen Saw Works.

Directory of American Toolmakers lists Bakewell & Co in its records.  It suggests that "Josiah may have formed this company after leaving Wheeler, Madden & Bakewell."   However, no specific source of this information is provided or document referenced.  We know from other sources that Bakewell left the company for health reasons and shortly after, in 1861, he died.  Would this be feasible for a man of failing health to start new business?  We can only speculate about this.

The most surprising and mysterious to me is an information on the blade stamp and label screw.  The blade stamp shows Bakewell & Co. and the two letters separated by the star - J * B.  Does these stand for Josiah Bakewell?  Is this an indication of person who made this specific saw?  This would be logical assumption.  However, no other examples of saws from this are that I have seen have markings like that.

The label screw is even more surprising.   It shows the following: Bakewell & Co M W & B. (six point star in the center) and Middletown. N. Y.  Are these the initials of Wheeler, Madden & Bakewell?  But the saw was made by Bakewell & Co...  Was it made before Bakewell joined forces with Wheeler and Madden or after Josiah's retirement from the company?  Is the info in EAIA's DAT correct?

One source, Hand-Saw Makers of North America by Erwin L Schaffer, states that Bakewell & Co was merely a brand name used by Wheeler, Madden & Bakewell - Monhagen Saw Works.  This could be the most probable explanation with one caveat however.  The Price List published  in 1860 by Wheeler, Madden & Bakewell lists various saw models with brand names used by this company or made for others, but never lists a single saw made under the brand of Bakewell & Co.

To solve this puzzle more information is needed and I will be looking for it.  I also would like to ask our visitors to share any information about this saw or Bakewell& Co.  We would be glad to post this information with full credit to provider.  Email:  Frank Brickhouse

Catalog:  Not Available

Model:  There is no model designation on this saw.

Blade Length	TPI/Mark  /Type	Nib	Design Type	Blade Mark/Type	Handle	Screws/ Medallion	Note
21 3/4"	5/No/ Rip Saw	No	Straight Back	Yes/ Stamp	Beech	3/1

The Blade

Excellent condition for its age. Very small amount of pitting and only small amount of stain.  Light cleaning and oiling made the blade presentable.

Condition of the toe.

Blade Marking - Stamp:

25
Bakewell & Co
J * B
Middletown
N. Y.
Warranted Spring Steel

The Label Screw - Medallion:

Bakewell & Co
M W & B.
(six point star in the center)
Middletown. N. Y.

The Handle:

Two screws are missing. Wood loss to outside of lower part of the handle. Wood loss to both horn ends.  Very small amount of original finish left.  Cleaned and waxed.

Handle Fastening:

 

Classic English shape of the handle and four screws attaching it to the blade.