This
group of braces called Barber Ratchet Braces
listed in 1878 catalog was assigned model
No. 3X and consisted of 3 braces: No. 31 - 12
inch sweep, No. 32 - 10
inch sweep, and No. 33 - 8
inch sweep. In the next available catalog from 1986
this model was renamed to Barber's Improved Ratchet Brace
and consisted of one additional brace, No. 30 - 14
inch sweep. The catalog "B" - 1903 lists this
series with one additional brace, No. 34 - 6 inch sweep.
This set of braces was manufactured into late 1950s
under the same name and numbering convention.
-
No. 30 - 14
inch sweep
-
No. 31 - 12
inch sweep
-
No. 32 - 10
inch sweep
-
No. 33 - 8
inch sweep
-
No. 34 - 6
inch sweep
|
The 1878 catalog
describes this brace as follows:
"This is the perfection of a Bit
Brace, having a regular Barber Chuck, with forged steel jaws,
and also Dolan's Patent Ratchet Attachment, to be used in places
where there is not room to revolve the sweep. A slight
back and forth motion will drive the bit in and out. All
working parts are made of steel, and the whole Brace if
beautifully finished."
The braces presented here are only partial sample of large array
of these important tools produced by Millers Falls Company.
The accompanying description of each brace is taken from
available catalogs.
