Images(5)

1936-1614 (W), Brace; 1936-1695 (W), Bit, 1936-1699 (W), Bit

Brace or Bitstock

Date1700-1800

OriginAmerica or Europe

MediumWood, steel, brass and iron

DimensionsOverall (without pad): 13 3/16 × 5 1/16 × 2 15/16 in (33.5 × 12.8 × 7.5cm)

Credit LineBequest of Stephen C. Wolcott

Object number1936-1614 (W)

DescriptionWooden brace with a "C" shaped crank terminating in squared ends and topped by a lathe-turned spinning head, set above a brass washer. Its bottom ends in a square-bored socket meant to accept fixed drill bits mounted in self-sprung pads.Label TextHand drills based on a “C” shaped crank, with a spinning knob at the top and a bit at the bottom, were commonly used to bore smaller holes during the 18th century. This example retains a few changeable pads, two of which retain their bits.Mark(s)Brace and pads all marked with an incised "W W". "1697," possibly a date, is incised inside the curve of the brace at the top.ProvenanceFrom the collection of Stephen C. Wolcott (1876-1934) of Gloucester, Virginia.