c1876-1887 Disston & Sons Mitre Box Back Saw with Cast Iron Guide Base Assembly

Maker: H. Disston & Sons (Philadelphia, PA) Type: Industrial mitre back saw and pivoting guide box assembly Material: Tempered steel saw blade, carved applewood or beechwood handle, brass hardware, cast iron base, wood deck lining Markings: Inset brass handle medallion stamped with the Disston scales logo and text reading "H. Disston & Sons - Philada" Age Classification: Manufactured between 1876 and 1887 based on the specific "H. Disston & Sons - Philada" lettering structure, block typography, and dual-border keystone scale emblem variant Design Features: Reinforced heavy steel spine plate along the top of the saw blade, dual vertical cast iron indexing guide posts, a thumb-lever swivel adjustment arm for locking specific cutting angles, and a solid wood mounting board base Condition: Hardwood saw handle is fully secure with functional brass split-nut screws, showing minor surface scuffs, worn lacquer finish, and light wood grain aging Steel saw blade is straight with a complete row of cutting teeth, displaying a widespread dark patina, carbon staining, and localized pitting clusters Front tip of the saw blade has a prominent patch of heavy orange surface rust scaling Pivot mechanism, indexing guide posts, and adjustment levers are mechanically intact but show moderate oxidation and grease accumulation Base wood insert boards are secure but show deep weathering, circular weathering patterns, and wood grain splintering around the miter throat slot