Antique & Collectible
Drills / Braces / Boring Tools / Auger Bits & Related

Millers Falls No. 1 Drill   Cute little cast iron drill for fine work.  No issues. It will make for a good user!

Good + . . . . . $60.00         SOLD!!

Millers Falls # 2 Hand Drill  Millers Falls offered a number of different model hand drills.  The # 2 is considered by many to be the finest hand drill ever offered.  Collectors and users are especially interested in this early version with Rosewood handle and the crank gear guide to keep it running tight and straight.  This one comes with the original bits seen.  Light wear.  Chuck is fine.  Side handle present.  Very Nice!

Fine . . . . .  $120.00      SOLD!!

Millers Falls # 2 Hand Drill  The  Millers Falls #2 eggbeater style hand drill is is the best known and most popular hand drill out there.  They were made over a long span and there have been type studies done on them.  This one is designated a 2 on the crank.  It is one of the earliest versions with the gear guide later ones do not have, and rosewood handle. It has seen little use and includes the bits seen.  The chuck is fine.  Runs smooth and is tight.  All original noting most of the finish on the main crank is gone as it had been over painted and that removed.  Lightly cleaned.  Nice!

Fine  . . . . . . $125.00    SOLD!!

Millers Falls No. 2 Hand Drill   Box is tattered & taped, the drill itself in near mint.  The faded decal on the handle is near complete.  Minor losses to the paint.  Little used.  No issues. The hand down / hands on favorite of users!

Fine . . . . . $175.00         SOLD!!

Millers Falls # 2 Hand Drill  The Millers Falls #2 eggbeater style hand drill is considered by many to be the finest hand drill made and is the top choice amongst users. They were made over a long span and have had type studies done on them that one can find online. This one is designated a No. 2 on the crank.  It has seen lite use. The 3 jaw chuck is fine.  Runs smooth and handle is tight to the frame.   Lightly cleaned, there is no need for a rebuild or whatever they say they do to the ones selling for 150 + on eBay.  Nice!

Good +. . . . .  $50.00       SOLD!!

Millers Falls No. 2A Hand Drill  NOS in tattered box.  Clean & Nice!!  

Fine  . . . . . $125.00     SOLD!!

Millers Falls #2A Hand Drill  The Millers Falls #2 series of hand drills are very popular and considered by many the finest hand drill made.  This example looks to have seen little use and includes the fluted bits shown.  There is no side handle.   Ready to go!

Fine  . . . . . . .$60.00       SOLD!

Millers Falls #85 Breast Drill Top of the line.  Like new!!

Fine . . . . . .$125.00       SOLD!

Ruger Egg Beater Drill Bill Ruger only made this design drill for a short period, but each of these has subtle differences. The pics show the differences. The bottom one is missing its end cap.

The middle one is blued and appears to have never been painted with the typical red paint Bill Ruger used. Restored? Not sure. I am no expert and do not know all the fine points, but it sure looks right, and great.

The paint on the top one is so bright I am going to go out on a limb here and say it was redone.

Good +  Top . . . . .  $395.00          SOLD!!

Fine  Middle. . . . .  $450.00           SOLD!!

Good  Bottom . . . . .  $250.00       SOLD!!

Ruger Egg Beater Drill The overall condition is very good noting the typical paint loss on the gear wheel.  Will clean to be even nicer and carefully repainted would look awesome.

Good +. . . . .  $295.00      SOLD!!

Ruger Pistol Grip Hand Drill  Bill Ruger went into the tool and drill making business to help keep his floundering gun making company afloat.  He turned out a nice product that has become quite collectible.  Here is a version of his pistol grip drill.  His other drills are probably scarcer, but given this ones design it is the most easily recognized and most collectible.

Good . . . . .  $395.00      SOLD!!

Ruger Pistol Grip Hand Drill  This hand drill was made by the gun manufacturing outfit Ruger Corp. of Bridgeport CT. These unusual hand drills date from the 40's - 50's and are pretty hard to find. I have read that the founder of the company was a tool designer prior to venturing into firearm manufacture. This is a pretty nice example and will clean to be much nicer.

Good   . . . . . . .$250.00       SOLD!

Ruger Archimedean Drill / Driver The overall condition of this Archimedean drill / driver is very good.  They were offered in at least two sizes and spring loaded or not.  This is the larger size and is not spring loaded. 

Good +. . . . .  $275.00     SOLD!!

Ruger Pistol Drill The overall condition this pistol drill is very good noting the typical paint loss on the top gear wheel.  This pistol grip drill will clean to be nicer and carefully repainted would look awesome. The blueing on the grip is very good, and the latch door on the bottom operates as it should.   This style drill is the most famous tool Ruger made as well as the most desirable and sought after given the firearm form, but it is also probably the most readily found. 

Good +. . . . .  $395.00       SOLD!!

Ruger # 1010 Bit Brace / Drill Bill Ruger was issued a patent for his brace on Nov. 9, 1948.  Patent #151,719   The overall condition of this unusual Ruger brace is very good.  The Ruger bit brace is probably the hardest to find of the 4 tools listed.  I have heard Ruger also made a breast drill that is even scarcer and harder to find.  This example is marked # 1010 Ruger Corp Southport Conn.  This design brace can also be found marked Artisan and Seymour Smith, but this one is all Ruger.   The history and an analysis of the design can be found on a site called Georges Basement.  Here is the link  
https://www.georgesbasement.com/braces/RugerD151719/Ruger-D151719-braces.htm

Good +. . . . .  $395.00       SOLD!!

Artisan 2310 12" Bit Brace  This sale is for the 12" ARTISAN Bit Brace pictured. Artisan and Seymour Smith braces are near identical to Ruger marked versions of bit braces and there are connections.  Ruger, the famous gun maker, produced the 1010 Bit Brace. Was there a direct connection, or did Seymour Smith buy the rights after Ruger changed back to gun making after their short foray in to tool making. That info is out there. There is a lot of info on the internet about the connection between Ruger braces,  Artisan and Seymour - Smith including who made what, when, and for who.

Good . . . . . $125.00       SOLD!!

2 Seymour Smith No. 2310 10" Bit Braces in Display Box - NOS  After Bill Ruger moved on from his short lived foray into the tool / drill production arena, Seymour Smith produced their 2310 brace as part of their own line using Ruger's design / patent ideas.

The cardboard display box measures 15" x 8" x 9". The display box has some moisture warp issues but is still sturdy and will be an excellent display. Both bit braces are new old stock and in great shape. It is a great design and very smooth working ratchet system. Note the condition of the name stamps on the end of the pads. Top of the line.

Fine . . . . . $450.00           SOLD!!

Primitive Hand Drill Smooth running primitive drill for fine work.  No issues. Great cast crank handle and fine wood pad handle with embellishment lines.  It will make for a great addition to the collection, or a good user!

Good + . . . . . $75.00          SOLD!!

Stanley # 982 Corner Brace  The overall condition is nice.   Nice handle.

Good +. . . . .  $40.00

Iron Brace w/ Ebony Head & Heart Button  The overall condition is nice.   Nice Ebony pad w/ brass button.  Note the heart shaped button to release the bits. Very nice!!

Good +. . . . .  $60.00       SOLD!!

Phillips #2 Spring Hammer  This is a hand crank Jack Hammer.  The idea was patented on October 24 1911.  It comes w/ one star bit.  It is operational.  I drilled a hole in mortar with it easily.   Brick was slower.  Busted up dry thinset like it was nothing.  I did not try it on my concrete driveway.  Sounds just like the real thing when you get it going.  The patent was easy enough to find, and several references to it could be found in trade literature from the time, but I could find no reference to other current or known examples.  A rare thing I imagine.   No hammer collection would be complete without it.    Nice!

Good +  . . . . . . $95.00     SOLD!!

Patent Pending "Pat.  P' D' G" Folding Ratchet Brace   Here is an oddball brace, from its multi-joint folding feature, its unusual barrel type ratchet mechanism, all the way to how the fellow chose to write out his patent pending announcement, "Pat. P' D' G", this folding ratchet brace is strange.  It is not pictured in Pearson's book on braces, and the few other informed dealers / collectors I have shown it to have never seen it before either.   

When set up in standard operating mode it has a 10" sweep.  It has the ability to be set up in a number of other configurations with the simple push of one of the 4 different locking lever at each joint.  (each one works) Each joint has the ability to lock in an intermediate position besides straight or with the 90 degree fold. Thing is it is unworkable in any configuration other than the standard brace form and would be called a wrist breaking wobble brace instead of wimble brace if you tried to use it.  It would make sense if you could turn it into a wimble brace, but that is not an option.  It is over 30" long when folded out straight, but is basically non operable in that configuration as well. 

The ratchet works fine---left, right, and locked with the lever straight up. The chuck is unmarked.  The jaws are OK.  The pad looks to be cocobolo or rosewood. (It is not bent or damaged as the perspective of one pic makes it look)  The handle is set up to revolve on built-in bushings.  It is nice.  The overall condition is nice with no rust or pitting to speak of.   Where you going to find another!! 

Good + . . . . .  $1700.00        SOLD!!

McClellan Corner Brace This fellow had a number of different patents for some pretty innovative ideas having to do with braces.  He used Millers Falls chucks as he use to work for them, but they were not offered by them.   Works properly. 

Good . . . . . $50.00         SOLD!!

Derlon 1892 Patent Brace  The patent was issued on August 23rd 1892 and is clearly marked on the frame.  The Patentee was French. 

The nickel plating is well over 90% and it will clean up to look even better.  An opportunity to add to or upgrade the collection of rare patented braces.  A  rare and unusual bit brace in outstanding condition.   Nice!  

Fine . . . . . .$295.00       SOLD!!

Mathieson Brace  This is pretty nice.  It has a Rosewood pad, and nicely done steel bulbous handle.  The chuck mechanism works well, and the maker name location are still readable on the head.   Nice.

Fine  . . . . . .$80.00       SOLD!!

William Marples Framed Ultimatum  Ebony Brace  A beautiful brace. Very nice!!  Head is tight and nice. Ring is good.  No looseness or other issues.  Stamps are all good and readable. Graphic and Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $495.00         SOLD!!

Atkins / Bennett & Bloedel Patent Brace / Drill  Patented on October 10, 1905, Patent No. 801,566. This unusual brace with axillary crank handle was manufactured by L.M. & K. (Lancaster Machine and Knife) located in Lancaster NY, near Buffalo. This example is faintly marked Atkins, the saw maker, on the chuck, who sold this and other tools under their name.

Super nice condition with near perfect nickel.  The wood pad and handle are both nice as well. Chuck shows some wear, and the ratchet feature is OK. Graphic and Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $295.00         SOLD!!

English Ebony Fill Metallic Frame Patent Brace   This is a well made ebony brace in very nice condition.  In addition to the phrase "Metallic Frame Patent Brace" it also says Warranted, and has a logo of a Lion and Unicorn on either side of a shield.  Minor chips in the pad, otherwise very nice!! 

Excellent. . . . . .$395.00          SOLD!!

English Bit Brace   A nice Beech brace with brass infill and a button lock feature.  The maker name and location are stamped on the end. You can make out Flather and Sheffield, but another word is near done.  All in all a nice piece.

Good  . . . . .$125.00          SOLD

Henry Brown / Sheffield Patented Brass Plated Beech Brace   The ID tag is on the top of the Rosewood or other exotic hardwood pad.  It is a nice brace that is marked Henry Brown Patentee. The patent was for the spring loaded bit holder.  It is functional.  Nice!!

Good  . . . . . $ 60.00    SOLD!!

Mathieson Brass Frame Beech Brace w/ Ebony Head and Ivory Button  Nice.  The head is clearly marked Mathieson on one side, and has the owners initials in script on the other.  The spring loaded bit button works properly.  The Ebony head is nice w/ one tight crack.  Nice!!

Good + . . . . . $60.00    SOLD!!

Pump Augers / Pipe Auger / Pod Augers  These were purchased by the collector from Iron Horse auctions back in the 80's.  The collector was quite proud of them.  There are 8 different versions or sizes of these large, heavy, and rare auger drills.Several have side mounted cutters attached that could be sharpened or replaced. There is no extension handle.

These were mostly used by early settlers to make water pipes before the time of iron pipes. You can read about the process on the internet using a Google search.  I was reading one story where the early California settlers used a set of these to bring down the largest of the virgin Redwoods or Sequoias down by Calaveras back in the early days when they could not think of any other way to bring down a 300+ ft. tall tree that was over 25' in Dia. and a couple few thousand years old.  It took them 20 some days to destroy what had taken 2,000 or more years to grow, just so they could say they did it. Boys with their toys and too much time on their hands. All appear to be usable. Nice and different!!

Good +  . . . . . .$150.00          SOLD!!

Archimedean / Spiral Push Drills & Screw Drivers  Nice. As a lot, or individually. For use or the collection.

Good  . . . . . $65.00  / Lot   or $15.00 Ea.          SOLD!!

Primitive Bit Brace   A nice brace with a swivel lock feature.  There is some bug / worm holes in the handle. 

Good  . . . . .$40.00          SOLD!

Yankee / North Brothers #1555A Breast Drill   This Yankee / North Brothers #1555A breast drill is NOS and looks to have never been fully assembled.  The main wheel is wrapped in its original wax paper with a newspaper from 1962 over that.  The 1555 has the 5 speed transmission that is the top of the line for all breast drills.  You do not find them like this anymore. 

Excellent + . . . . .$120.00           SOLD

Primitive Bronze Breast Drill Drills like this are very hard to find.  They are usually associated with very early American production before mass production was the norm.  Note the handle design. Hang it or use it for that authentic touch to that project.

Good + . . . . .$140.00           SOLD!

Rare Combination Breast Drill & Brace  This style breast drill / brace was offered by a few different companies, but this one I believe is a Millers Falls.  Firs time I treid one of these out I almost broke my wrist when the crank cams around.  Guess you are supposed to remove it for that operation, thus explaining why you oftentimes find half of these.

Excellent . . . . .$125.00          SOLD

Breast Drill Valve / Cylinder Facing or Surfacing Combination This unusual example of a quality drill is in very nice condition.  To change operation you move the lever to one of three positions thus changing the operation from a standard drill to a back and forth motion to surface cylinders or reface valves in automotive work.  The patent info and the name are cast into the handle and the 1910 date is clear, but I can not make out the other info given.

Very Good+. . . . .$175.00         SOLD

S. McClellan Combination Folding Breast Drill  This is a very unusual breast drill that has more features than anyone person could ever need when drilling a hole.  It folds it has a chain, it has different speeds, and it is very rare.  Mr. McClellan was a prolific inventor of drills and used MF parts for many of his basic ideas.  (He worked for them at one time)  This one has been carefully restored(painted) by the previous owner collector, and is ready for the shelf, or if your battery one is run down, for use.

Very Good . . . . .$250.00           SOLD

McClellan Patent Folding Breast Drill w/ Chain Drill Attachment   This is a very unusual breast drill that has more features than most people drilling a hole would ever need . The most unusual feature is that it folds in the middle to either side.   It also has a provision to be used as a chain drill.   It is also a 2 speed and has a ratcheting feature.

Mr. McClellan was a prolific inventor of drills, both breast and corner, and used MF parts for many of his basic ideas. (He worked for them at one time) This appears to be all original and correct right down to the chain drill.  The crank is marked with his name and the phrase SOUND BEACH on one side and patent date on the other.  Sound Beach was the location of another maker of breast drills, Adams.  Perhaps they worked together for a time.  More research is needed. 

Ready for the shelf or if your battery one runs down, for use.  Can you imagine!

Fine . . . . . .$150.00          SOLD!

19th Century European Breast Drill   As much a work of art as a tool.  Some great decorative features for such a utilitarian tool.  Very Nice! 

Good + . . . . .  $125.00      SOLD!!

Stanley Defiance #1247 Breast Drill in Box  The box calls it off as a Defiance #1247 Breast Drill.  A rare Stanley breast drill to find in the box. 

Fine  . . . . . . . $35.00      SOLD!!

Rare Patented July 2nd 1907 Take-Down Brace  This brace was patented in 1907 by C. J. Haeberli & H. E. O. Schmidt.  It was a great idea and perhaps if they had introduced it 50 years earlier these enterprising fellows might have become rich and famous with this invention of theirs.  As it was, it is a bit late as these things go, and I am sure the guy with thoughts of buying one of them new fangled electric drills didn't give this design a second thought when confronted with the choice. 

In operation you back off the knurled nut at the brace end and the large L shaped arm pulls off.  Then the head str ightens out and you tighten another nut and you have a standard brace for normal work.  Ron Pearsons book on the subject, " The American Patented Brace 1829-1924 " gives this brace the highest rating for scarcity, with fewer than 5 examples known.  The condition is super, and it shows little evidence of use, and certainly no abuse.  Everything is proper and original.  A tough piece to find.  I have never had another.

Excellent . . . . .$450.00       SOLD

Barton Brothers Sheffield Brace This Beech brace is in pretty nice condition noting the small chip in the Rosewood pad.

Good  . . . . .$140.00       SOLD!

Morrison Patent Brace This unusual corner brace is in nice condition.  The thin bar across the top is marked Challenge and the patent date from 1898.  It has a nice even patina. The design is such that the speed is enhanced, but it also serves as a dirt repository, and it is a little gummed up right now and needs a lube to realize its full potential.  A rare brace not often seen.

Top Good + . . . . .$395.00       SOLD!