Here we have an Antique Unmarked "TAYLOR PATENT" Iron & Brass Auger Bit Brace, with 1 Center Point & 1 Tapered Bit. This bit brace is not marked by a maker. However this is unmistakably a "TAYLOR PATENT' Brace. According to Ronald Pearson’s
book “The American Patented Brace 1829-1924” the
earliest ‘surviving’ American patent brace is
listed for Jeremy Taylor of Hebron, Connecticut (Hebron is a suburb of
Hartford). This patent was awarded on June 30, 1836 (No. 5115) and was
subsequently manufactured by several companies over a fairly long period of
time. This
brace features a spring lever-operated chuck where the lever is depressed to
release a notched tang bit from the chuck. Most of the examples of this brace, that were marked, were made by the firm of
Increase Wilson ("I. Wilson") who made tools in New London,
Connecticut from 1818 through 1866 at least. When marked, it usually appeared as: 'WILSON
MF'G. CO. NEW LONDON, CONN.'
This 8" sweep brace is in Very Good 'used tool' condition with a short, tight, hairline crack on the top pad (see pics). The wood and brass surfaces have a very nice aged patina. The 3" top pad handle spins just as it should with no 'slop'. It has a brass ferrule and a brass fastening screw marked 'B' '2'. The brace chuck has a working 'push' spring lever to hold bits in place. This brace comes with a 1-1/2" center point spur auger bit, and a tapered bit made by various makers. The tangs have multiple filed notches from use in multiple braces over the years. The brace is approx. 12" long. Please review the pics to confirm the condition of this brace !! This is a great example to add to your collection !!