There are two sizes of saws shown here, both manufactured by E.C. Atkins, a prominent American saw manufacturer from about 1850 to 1940. The smaller of the two shows a "sole agents" stamp, indicating that Atkins was the only retailer of this saw. It was common at that time to assign the patent to a company for a royalty. It seems that the patentee did not ascribe to this practice. The curious aspect is that although the first patent (#598,729) is well marked into the frames, it is obvious that both of these saws are a melding of the last two patents issued. As is often the case with inventions, revisions sometimes overtake an innovative concept, and the final product reflects what has been learned in the attempt to commercially produce the item for the marketplace.

D.S. Orr

• Building a Mission-style Rocking Chair
   
• Make an Automaton
   
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