Antique bit brace with a compression type chuck system

[phillie]

I sell a lot..or should I say sell a few and give away most...old bit / auger braces. I have never seen this type of chuck before. I was surprised that it actually works quite well. The guy that I got it from had a lot of items his grandfather brought back from Germany so it may be German. There are no markings on it. Has anyone seen one before or have any information on it? Thanks

[Branson]

That's a new one to me.  Never saw this system before.

[lzenglish]

Very Interesting Chuck! If it had a spring on it between the 2 collars, I would call it an early form of "Quick Change Chuck", but I dont' see a spring, SO, what holds the lower collar in place?
I have never seen one like this before, so thanks for sharing it!

Wayne

[gibsontool]

Interesting and unusual, what  holds the bit in place ?

[Branson]

Interesting and unusual, what  holds the bit in place ?

Looks like it's just held by compression/friction against the tapered square end of the bit.  A real quick-release.

[phillie]

You are right Branson...and it works remarkably well as long as the taper is the right size. I would love if I or someone could find it in a catalog to see who made it.  Thanks for all of your comments.

[lzenglish]

I think Branson has the correct name for it in "Compression Chuck". I have not found an exact match yet, but check out the 1865 patent #48346, by Nobels, and you will see another "Compression type Chuck, that works on the same principal.

Wayne

[phillie]

I put this on e-bay and asked for information. This is what I got back:

"The brace is called the Lightning Brace and was mfg'd by The Hamden Mfg. Co located in Wallingford, Conn. The brace had a cherry head and handle and was polished, not plated. It was made in Nos. 01, 02, and 03 with a sweep of 12, 10 and 8 inches respectively. It was made to retail at a low price. Your example is in nice condition as some are loose due to the single rivet that holds the chuck mechanism. Hope this helps you,"

I could not verify their information. Anyone have anything on this company. Thanks