Peck, Stow, & Wilcox Carpenters Ratchet Brace 12 inch

This is a very nice, clean, late 1800's patented ratchet hand brace, and it has a 12" swing. It is marked with 2 patent dates, one is "PAT.FEB.11.1879" (stamping is a little lite, but can be seen), and the other is "PAT. FEB.10.1884". It is also marked "P.S.& W. CO. NO. 0101" basically a number used by P.S.& W. (PECK, STOW, & WILCOX), These early patents we believe to be for the unique flip lever ratchet control system. With both spring loaded levers are in the position shown in the pictures, it is in the locked position, flip one or the other for forward or reverse ratchet, the system is very dependable, and works great on this brace as well. The chuck is in good condition with nice heavy duty, spring loaded 2 jaw inserts, in good+ condition, the knurled part of the chuck or the chuck sleeve is steel with very little wear, a few scratches on the knurled area, very good jaws, and they hold the bits very well! The head turns smoothly, capped with a very nice rosewood handle, and the crank handle matches it very well in both condition and appearance, only minor wear noted, some small dings and scratches, looks very nice, no crack or damage. The condition is very good overall, with little wear overall. The sweep handle is also rosewood, and in very nice condition. In really good working condition overall. A quality made brace, still in great shape, nice looking too!