The “Greenfield” miter box shown in the accompanying photo gallery conforms identically to Henry Goodell’s 1909 patent application. As it is the only example of this type of miter box this author has ever seen that’s about all that may accurately be said about its age and provenance. This specimen has no identifying tags though there is evidence of at least two glued-on paper labels having once been present.
In terms of its usefulness as a working tool, it is a very simple, bare bones miter box. It accepts a backsaw having a 4-inch depth of cut and at least a 24-inch length. The swing arm will lock at any angle and has the usual set of detents for the most common miter cuts.
The two-piece saw guides are a unique feature. Instead of being cylinders they have T-slots milled into them to permit vertical travel while sawing. Depth of cut is controlled by a nut that is adjustable within the T-slot.
The bed measures 18″ wide by 4″ deep. The backstop is 3″ high.
Its frame is cast as a single piece, so it is a solid and fairly rugged job site tool. If you’re going to cut door and window trim all day then this would be a handy medium sized miter box. You could cut the occasional bit of relatively small crown molding with it if you had to but as there is no provision for stock holding or clamping fixtures you would just have to take your time and be careful. As with most miter boxes if you are after picture frame quality miters then it will pay to have a shooting board within reach.
As miter boxes go, this type was inexpensive back in the day and remains so now. Indeed, it almost seems to have been forgotten. That is unfortunate. It’s a solid, dependable, basic tool.
A Langdon Mitre Box Reference 