Fretsaw

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The fretsaw is similar in appearance to a hacksaw or coping saw. Its major difference is its size and intended use. It usually has a much larger (deeper) A-frame allowing it to be used like a handheld version of a scrollsaw. Blades used are usually extra-fine (up to 32 tpi), which make the saw capable of cutting intricate curves.

The name "fretsaw" could refer to one of its original functions: Cutting the very narrow slots across the neck of a guitar or mandolin to insert the thin metal strips known as frets, or to cut the decorative ornamentation that usually accompanied such instruments. (Today the typical fretsaw as used to cut the 'frets' is done with a fine pull-saw)

Of similar appearance and intended use is the bow saw. It's only major difference being a string used to tension the blade, giving the saw the appearance of a large violin bow. (The string would have probably been cheaper horse hair, rather than a violins bowstring, or for a violin manufacturer the string may have been un-usable violin bowstrings). The tensioning principle of the bowsaw incorporates the rotation of a wooden dowel with a notch. In rotations of 180 degrees the string gets shorter with each half turn of the dowel, the tension is locked in place by the notch in the dowel, acting like a clothes peg when locked onto the main supporting beam of the saw.