Early Millers Falls bit brace

[jpaz]

I admire early production tools of the late 1890s and early 1900s that were noteworthy for the quality and excellence of their fit and finish - those that employed the finest materials - the best quality steel and exotic wood such as Brazilian rosewood and Lignum vitae - with the metal components exquisitely finished and highly polished (as was the wood) and plated with thick nickel. To me, the following bit brace exemplifies those properties. I am sure most participants on this Forum own tools of similar excellence.

The Barber Ratchet Brace (and its Improved iteration) was produced by the Millers Falls Company from 1874 until 1955. It's production longevity and popularity is testament to its excellent design, elegant appearance, simplicity of operation and reliability.


Millers Falls Barber Ratchet Brace Produced circa. 1880
No. 33 - 8 inch sweep
Barber chuck
Amidon spring-less jaws
Dolin ratchet device

CONFIGURATION & FEATURES


Brazilian rosewood wrist handle


Lignum Vitae head


Lignum Vitae head decorative beading edge


Barber chuck with William P. Dolin's ratchet device


Amidon spring-less chuck jaws
(closed)


Amidon spring-less chuck jaws
(open)

MARKINGS & STAMPINGS
around chuck shell circumference
PAT'D JAN. 14 1868 XXXXX  MILLERS  FALLS  CO. (Charles Amidon's improved jaws patent)
PAT'D JAN. 17 1871 XXXXX MILLERS FALLS MASS. (William P. Dolin's ratchet device patent)
As follows:












No. 33 - stamping on lower sweep arm

This brace was produced in the following sweep sizes:

    Model No. 30 ..... 14 inch
    Model No. 31 ..... 12 inch
    Model No. 32 ..... 10 inch
    Model No. 33 ...,.. 8 inch
    Model No. 34 ...... 6 inch

An 'A' suffix following the model number indicated a steel clad, ball bearing head (1912-1935).

James

[john k]

I have found a few Millers Falls braces but the nickel remaining has been mighty scarce.   That is beautiful, can actually read the print around the chuck, too often someone used pliers on it.   Have you found Georges basement which is all about drills?   

[jpaz]

I have found a few Millers Falls braces but the nickel remaining has been mighty scarce.   That is beautiful, can actually read the print around the chuck, too often someone used pliers on it.   Have you found Georges basement which is all about drills?

Thanks John. Yes I spend a lot of time in George's wonderful basement.

James

[bonneyman]

I don't know a thing about bit braces, but, that tool is a beauty!

[jpaz]

I don't know a thing about bit braces, but, that tool is a beauty!

Thank you, bonneyman.

James