{"product_id":"antique-penny-brace-with-7-1-2-inch-sweep-c-1890-1915-woodworking-tool-in-steel-beech","title":"Antique Penny Brace with 7-1\/2 Inch Sweep, c. 1890-1915 | Woodworking Tool in Steel \u0026 Beech","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the craftsman … an antique 7-1\/2-inch penny brace, dating to around 1890–1915. Measuring approximately 11-1\/2 inches in length, it has a large turned wooden head (likely beech), a spherical center grip, and a simple socket chuck secured by a broad thumbscrew.  Functional yet decorative, the combination of aged steel and richly grained wood would display beautifully in a gentleman’s workshop, library, or home office. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePenny braces were simple, inexpensive hand braces used with square-tanged bits for boring holes in wood before powered drills became commonplace. The round head was held firmly against the user’s palm while the center grip was turned, rotating the bit into the wood.  The name refers to the relatively low cost of these braces compared with more elaborate ratcheting models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced in the UK, the brace may in fact be continental, and possibly German, in origin. Its compact iron sweep, spherical center grip, turned wooden head, and simple thumbscrew chuck closely match documented German penny braces of this era, and it bears a particularly close resemblance to a documented example by German maker William Friedrich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 11-1\/2” Length x 7-1\/2” Sweep x 2-3\/4” Head\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 5.1 oz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition notes: Very good antique condition overall. Steel frame and chuck remain intact and structurally sound, with dark, even age-related oxidation. Thumbscrew turns and tightens as intended.  Wooden head and spherical center grip retain rich grain and surface wear consistent with age and use. Head shows one split of about 1-1\/4” (see photos); this appears to be of some age and completely stable.  Tool has been gently cleaned and waxed to remove surface grime and preserve aged surface and patina. No maker’s mark visible, although a very faint stamp (initials?) appears on thumbscrew. See photos for more detail and contact shop with any questions prior to purchase. Other items in photos not included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: due to size, this item will not be gift boxed. We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15. Orders over $100 ship free via USPS Priority Mail — any shipping charges for orders over $100 will be refunded after checkout. We pack with safety and care using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSorry, no returns or cancellations.  Please view all photos for more detail and feel free to contact the shop with any questions prior to purchase.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pickess \u0026 Parr","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44481638432855,"sku":null,"price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0598\/9302\/2807\/files\/PSX_20261011_093106.jpg?v=1792189422","url":"https:\/\/www.pickessandparr.com\/products\/antique-penny-brace-with-7-1-2-inch-sweep-c-1890-1915-woodworking-tool-in-steel-beech","provider":"Pickess \u0026 Parr | Vintage Objects for Gentlemen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}