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Turn the tool over and two of the same marks are in the brass and one in the wood.
The EAIA Directory of American Tool Makers describes this mark but the mark may be quite rare because W. & C. Johnson saws are not exactly common. See the computerized interpretation of the mark; actual size is 5/16 x 1 inch.
The other points of interest concern the handle. I believe the wood is yellow birch. Check the contoured design of the top portion.
There is no other in the collection that is close to it.
There are two nibs at the top. In my article on 19th-century backsaws, I stated that it seemed like Henry Disston introduced the double nib, c. 1846, on special and top-of-the-line saws and continued to do so up to the end of the split-nut period in 1876. Richardson is the only other maker to use the double nib that I have seen. All double nibs to this point come to a point at the top also; early on when the single nib was used, it was heavier and the top was rounded. The nibs on this saw are heavier and rounded, and this just may be the first use of the double nib. It certainly is the earliest I’ve found. If this isn’t enough, let me run this by you. Just a guess, the saw was marked as shown because it was used in the Johnson factory in making their product. The saw was not likely to leave the premises as we see it today and very likely not intended to sell over the counter. I’ll wager the young apprentice H. Disston used this saw when the Johnsons employed him. As always, if you have information to further knowledge on the 19th-century American backsaws or hand saws, please share.
Philip
W. Baker
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