Description
Vintage Spear & Jackson 14″ Mermaid Brand Brass Back Saw
Classic Sheffield Backsaw | Heavy Brass Spine & S&J Brass Medallion
The Spear & Jackson Mermaid Brand represents one of Sheffield’s most iconic toolmaking trademarks. Around 100 years ago, the mermaid branded S&J saws were their premium range. Measuring 14 inches along the blade, this heavy brass-backed tenon saw provides excellent momentum and natural weight for tracking accurate bench cuts.
The brass spine features crisp hand-stamped lettering alongside the famous Mermaid logo and “Extra Cast Steel” mark, but it has a few problems.
Key Features:
14-Inch Extra Cast Steel Blade: Offers a long, clean cutting stroke ideal for tenons, joinery, and large timber frames. The plate is straight, has around 11 tpi and the teeth are in good shape and still pretty sharp. Although there is some discoloration of the plate due to micropitting, there are almost no rust pits that can be seen or felt – the tool has obviously been looked after.
Heavy Brass Spine: Stamped with Mermaid Brand / Spear & Jackson Sheffield / Extra Cast Steel for rigidity and cutting weight. Weighs in at 0.9 kg – heavy for such a saw.
Original S&J Brass Medallion: Features the classic raised Spear & Jackson Sheffield medallion alongside brass fasteners.
Carved Hardwood Handle: Shaped with a comfortable open tote design and traditional top horn.
Condition Note:
This saw shows character and historic workshop use. It’s possible that this is a replacement handle from a Leapfrog saw and a previous owner added a small extra screw near the top lip of the handle mortise to assist stability as the Mermaid brand came with 4 screws as standard. However, the heavy brass back currently exhibits a slight wobble where it seats into the handle recess, so it will require a light re-seating or tightening by its next owner. Despite this wobble it is still useable and a very fine saw with an owner’s name engraved on the plate.
Overall, the steel blade remains straight with clean teeth, making it a very handsome restoration candidate, display piece or user.