This is a ratcheting handle by Goodell-Pratt, possibly a number 85 produced form 1907 till at least 1931, by then under control of the Millers Falls. Looks like the wooden handle is missing, The patent shown covers the chuck.
Goodell-Pratt was in business from 1895 to 1931, they were a manufacturer of mostly hand tools including drills and braces of all types. The Goodell company was started in 1888 by three Goodell brothers who had received their start at the Miller's Falls company. In 1895 William Pratt- of a three-generation toolmaking family- bought into the company and by 1899 the company name had been changed to Goodell-Pratt. The company was very successful and various other tool companies were acquired over the years, by the late twenties their catalog featured about 1500 different tools. The Depression brought them down, the company closed in 1931, being bought by Miller's Falls. Full history at Oldtoolheaven.
3 comments:
Thanks for the comment. Your comments always help me appreciate these tools more.
The ratchet worked perfectly when I tried it, I guess I should have called the handle a "knob". I didn't buy the brace, I have a barely functional right angle adapter for my electric drill that I'm already using very infrequently...
Has that right angle adapter ever almost broken your wrist like mine has? I have the Dewalt one with no side handle and the torque transfer around the corner is pretty impressive.
yes, a nasty device, especially when using a large spade bit...
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