Mid-Century All-Metal Electric Sabre Saw, c. 1950s–1960s
La Rue Tool & Supply Co
The Piece
A mid-century all-metal electric sabre saw, also known as a jigsaw, with a compact silver-toned metal body, rear vented motor housing, top toggle switch, metal shoe plate, corded operation, and yellow cutting blade. The tool carries visible workshop wear throughout, including surface scuffs, oxidation, scratches, finish loss, and age-related patina.
Its sculptural body and industrial profile make it as much a display object as a working tool. The form is compact, mechanical, and satisfyingly overbuilt in the way mid-century power tools often were before everything became plastic and spiritually disposable.
History
Electric sabre saws became popular in the mid-20th century as portable woodworking tools for curved cuts, detail work, and general shop use. Unlike larger circular saws, the sabre saw used a narrow reciprocating blade, giving woodworkers and home repair users more control for interior cuts and shaped work.
This example likely dates to the 1950s–1960s based on its all-metal housing, corded construction, simple toggle switch, vented rear motor casing, and compact utilitarian design. The exact maker is not confirmed from the visible photographs, though the form is consistent with American mid-century sabre saws sold by companies such as Sears/Craftsman and other workshop tool manufacturers of the period.
Product Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Object | Electric sabre saw / jigsaw |
| Period | Mid-century, c. 1950s–1960s |
| Material | Metal body, metal shoe plate, corded electrical components |
| Color | Silver / gray metal finish with black cord |
| Condition | Vintage condition with surface wear, scratches, oxidation, scuffs, finish loss, dust, and general workshop patina |
| Function | Untested unless otherwise noted |
| Use | Decorative display or workshop use at buyer’s discretion after professional inspection |
| Dimensions | Add final measurements |
Why It Belongs In Your Home
This piece belongs in a collected workshop, studio, garage wall, tool display, or industrial shelving setup. Its all-metal construction gives it weight and presence, while the worn silver finish and mechanical silhouette bring an authentic maker’s-shop quality that modern tools rarely carry.
Style it with antique hardware, old planes, clamps, drafting tools, machinist pieces, or restoration supplies. It has the kind of visual honesty that only comes from being used, stored, dragged around, and somehow surviving long enough to become interesting.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
