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).
