Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Saw, Crosscut |
Caption |
Crosscut saw |
Description |
Crosscut saw with two handles. Maker's etching: "____ Tooth Saw, Patent Temper. Ground Thin On Back. Warranted. Manufactured to Order by Henry Disston and Sons". An early mark, but dated after 1871 when son Hamilton joined the company. Henry Disston started selling his own saws in 1840, operating out of a rented basement in Philadelphia. Despite setbacks during his first decade in business, such as fires and the confiscation of his machinery in a rent dispute, Disston built his company into the largest manufacturer of saws in the world. The name Disston became synonymous with quality, reliability, and service to customers. In 1855, Henry Disston made the first crucible saw steel in America. Disston made saw-steel was used to manufacture his hand saws, circular saws, and other metal products. The company changed its name to Disston and Son in 1865, when Henry Disston's eldest son Hamilton joined the business. He had apprenticed at the company in the late 1850's and early 1860's. During the Civil War he joined the Union Army against his father's wishes. Henry Disston relented and eventually encouraged other workers to volunteer. "Ham" Disston's war experience, volunteer work in the fire department, and hands-on work in the factory made him popular with the other employees. When Albert Disston completed his apprenticeship at the factory in 1871, the company became Disston and Sons. Three younger brothers: Horace, William, and Jacob, eventually worked for the company as well. By 1871 Disston made hammers, knives, levels, marking gauges, pliers, saw tools, saws and squares. Modern saw making's most notable improvements originated at the Disston Saw Works. Disston employed 8,000 workers and its facilities covered a sixty-six acre site in Northeast Philadelphia. Disston was an innovative manufacturer and marketer, leading the way with products other companies tried to imitate. The saws' consistently high quality kept the company strong for another three generations after Henry Disston's death. |
Catalog Number |
2012-0001-031 |
Search Terms |
Saws Crosscut saws Disston, Henry & Son, Philadephia |
Subjects |
Saws Crosscut saws |