picked this brace up at the auction last night (11/16/11) needs some TLC but the brass is good and the wood needs some caressing . the marking is partially worn off can make out
_ _ _ RHAMS SHEFFIELD any help with id would be appreciated bob w.
This is the better grade of wooden brace of the 19th Century, having the brass plates to reinforce the more breakable areas of the stock. I'd hate to call it common, so let's say that this pattern of brace or bit-stock was the standard for the first half of the 19th Century, and made long after. I did find several known makers, but none that matched "...rhams." It will use center bits, augur bits, quill and spoon bits, and even gimlet bits were made for these. Because of the push button release, it was the primary choice of professional wood workers -- quick to change bits, no messing around with screws and such.
These are great tools. Mine is the cheaper model with no reinforcement plates, and I've been using it for 30 years or so. Mine has no maker identification whatsoever, and it seems that many examples didn't.
The most likely solution for the name would be Abrhams. It hasn't shown up in any search I could come up with. It seems we need to find a listing of 19th Century Sheffield tool makers. There's such a list, though I don't have it -- Roberts Check List of 19th Century Sheffield Joiner Tool Makers.
I'd use a 50/50 solution of turpentine and linseed. Brush it on, and as soon as the wood has absorbed that, add another coat, and repeat until it won't take any more. Don't put one coat on and let it sit over night! The turps thin the oil and help it penetrate deep into the wood, which is what you want. Once the wood has had its fill of the solution, then let it sit while the linseed oxidizes.
You got a good one!