Here's real "head-scratcher"!

[lawrence_n]

I've been handling and using military items for nigh on 51 yrs. and I've never seen or heard of one of these. It's an English military "roll-up" saw, complete with tooth file, saw set, 2 X 2pc. "T" handles and it's proper pouch with nests for each of the pieces. The blade is marked "ncis Wood & Son, '44 and the broad arrow. I'm assuming "Francis Wood & Son" but the "Fra" is hidden under one of the connectors. It shows no signs that it's ever been used! The teeth are wicked sharp and there's about 42" of actual cutting surface. If any of you gentleman know anything about these, especially an idea of the value, I'd really appreciate it.

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[browningautorifle]

It's just exactly what it says, the original "Chain" saw. Meant for compact carry and occasional use. Value is what you can get for it.

[Peter Laidler]

These were a part of the CES for most AFV's until well into the 80's as well as part of the pioneer stores. In fact they were quite good if you worked as a good pair and the chain was sharp. Came in a canvas pouch with press studs to keep it closed

[browningautorifle]

I think they (something like them) were also in the survival stores for CF aircraft, like the C130s. Probably still are.

[henry r]

hi, on that auction site, they seem to go for roughly around the A$100. no idea what that is in CDN.

most seem to be in a flat leather pouch but there was one in a leather box pouch with a canadian broad arrow.

[lawrence_n]

Thanks all. I found out that it is indeed Francis Wood & Son, and they've made these things since WWI. The early ones came with a leather pouch with 2 snap fasteners. From the ones I saw on Ebay UK, most were used and/or incomplete. They were issued to sappers and civilian air raid patrols for cutting timbers. I figure (from what I've seen thus far) that it's worth $100 - $150. CDN, given that it's unused and pretty much complete. Once again, thank you for your input gentlemen.

[CINDERS]

Here is my 1917 dated Francis Wood & Son Pioneer saw also has the Crows foot mark, missing the file, the tooth setter is by the same maker also dated 1917 the pouch is by D.W ORR & Co 1918 the teeth are exceedingly sharp and this saw still has the original grease remnants rather messy to handle by all purposes appears as unused as the teeth are not marked and have a deep blue pattenation. I had a look at the '44 dated saw and there is no way the other 4 handles would fit in the pouch with the saw, which if I am thinking makes my saw components period correct, there are 2 belt straps on the back of the pouch.

[lawrence_n]

Cinders, I'm sure that your saw is period correct from what I've seen thus far. The pouch that came with mine is more substantial. It's standard OD canvas with the metal hook system for the web belt, but it has the provision to be threaded onto a belt as well. It has the tongue and buckle closing system.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Just FYI, I've used a civlian saw that was very similar and it worked surprisingly well on small limbs.

[lawrence_n]

Just FYI, I've used a civlian saw that was very similar and it worked surprisingly well on small limbs.

You're preaching to the choir on that one! Many moons ago, I bought a "saw-in-a-can" at a local outdoors store. That little thing did absolutely sterling work when my buddy and I had to clean up some deadfall on a hunting trail we use. When we got into the groove, that saw just flew through some pretty substantial trees. I'm talking 10" and less, though to be fair, a lot of it was soft wood and only a couple of birch logs. I was impressed and it's an integral part of my kit when I'm in the outdoors.