I will let bsmith chime in but I would expect that the saws are new ones. They are still made and are readily available on the market. http://www.benmeadows.com/two-man-crosscut-saw-without-handles-55l-x-5-516w_s_150357/

Maintainence is the same as it always was, clean the sap with mineral spirits (or some other cleaner) and protect them with a preservative like oil, tallow, wax, corrosion inhibitor, etc. Just make sure the surface is smooth, not tacky. Otherwise it makes it harder to pull through the tree. A file to sharpen every day and you are good to go. Much easier to maintain than a chainsaw, but more effort to use - most of the time. When you have to carry it a long way for a few cuts, the crosscut can be lots easier over the day. Or if the gas is bad, plug wire breaks, etc. Sometimes KISS is best.

You are absolutely right about volunteers, they keep much of this country going.

Respectfully,

Jerry