Shapleigh Hardware Ratchet Brace 10 inch DE 100

This is a nice, clean, late 1800's patented ratchet hand brace, and it has a 10" swing. It is marked "PAT'D JULY.9.1895" on the steel chuck sleeve. It is also marked "DIAMOND EDGE DE100" and DIAMOND EDGE was a brand name used by Shapleigh Hardware Co..  Shapleigh Hardware was a tool distributor, this brace was most like made by PECK, STOW, & WILCOX CO. for Shapleigh Hardware Co..  This model has the twist lock type knurled controller for the ratchet system which can be locked for using the chuck to insert or remove auger bit. The ratchet system and chuck is in very good usable condition with nice heavy duty, spring loaded jaw inserts, good thread internally in great shape, however the knurled part of the chuck or the chuck sleeve is has wear such as scratches and dings, but all hardware is in usable condition. The head turns smoothly, has ball bearing spindle, and is capped with a very nice rosewood handle, and the crank handle matches it very well in condition and appearence.  The head handle rosewood has several small dings, but no crack, the steel face plate spindle are very good, some age darkening on the finish.  The crank handle has less wear, no cracks, look great.  The condition is very good overall, with little wear overall.  A quality made brace, still in great shape, nice looking too!