Goodell-Pratt Spiral Screwdriver Ca. 1908 Reverseable Ratchet

This is a very rare tool manufactured in the 1908-20's era in Greenfield Mass! This is the improved model from the original 1890 patented model, featuring ratchet movement in both directions in both the closed and opened spiral positions. Controlled by a selector switch on the larger main shaft. This slot bit screwdriver is 15.3" long fully extended, 9.8" long closed and locked in a stationary position, without the bit in the chuck. This one is in good useable condition, with one 1/4" wide slot bit included. The middle brass ferrule shaft is marked "GOODELL-PRATT CO. TOOLSMITHS GREENFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PATENT MAY.12.1908". Goodell Bros., the original patent holder, became Goodell-Pratt Co. in 1899. This is a unique design with a good solid wood handle, that has some wear, dings on the butt end mostly and some scratches noted, but still looks nice. The ratchet and spiral features are in nice shape, very little wear, smooth operation. The bit is removable, held in place very tightly with a good collet type screw chuck. Overall a very nice clean tool! One of the first we have seen of this type, in this nice of condition! Rare!