Fray and Pigg Brace

Here's about the most basic of braces, the knob is a separate part as is the wing nut on the simple  Spofford patent type chuck/clamp. That's it, and it all works perfectly a hundred or more years later.  The cast in 8 on the bottom of the knob refers to the swing. Fray and Pigg braces were apparently made starting in 1859, The John Fray company was purchased by Stanley in 1909. More here.