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Quick change Brace Bits

jessesandy

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2016
Messages
3,606
Location
Upper California
I've been trying to find info on this brace/bit for a while. The lever at the end of the brace engages with the notch in the bit to hold it in place.

Just had a break through while posting this!!!
I think the markings say GLASGOW.
Other marking I can't make out MA_A_ESON

braceandbit.jpg
braceandbitclose.jpg

Thanks, all:beer:
 
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Dave455

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Joined
Mar 19, 2013
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5,845
Location
Sussex, England
Yes, as others have pointed out, it's a Mathieson!

They were one of the great British tool makers of the Victorian era, together with firms such as Norris and Preston.

They were predominantly a plane maker, though like most firms of that era they made a huge variety of other tools, as you have found! I have seen another Mathieson brace, but it was a different pattern.

These things are old. I can recall my Grandfather talking about Mathieson planes. He bought a lot of tools in the 20's and 30's but even then Mathieson tools were regarded as antiques. Their planes were first class. Unlike post war planes, most of which need a degree of 'fettling' to get hem right, Mathieson planes were correct from new. That costs, of course, and none of these tools were cheap!

I wouldn't like to try and date your brace, but it could be a lot older than you think. Most Mathieson tools I've seen date from the last quarter of the 19th Century, but sometimes you find one a lot older, but not a lot different. I once smoothed the edge of a plank with a Mathieson plane a friend was using. It was in superb condition, and cut beautifully. As far as my friend was concerned it was just a decent plane, and he had no idea how old it was!

I don't know what your plans are for this tool, but personally I would, very carefully, restore it and keep it. Bear in mind, that even when the Titanic was fitted out, this would have been an old tool!
 
OP
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jessesandy

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2016
Messages
3,606
Location
Upper California
Thanks! No plans at the moment, but now I want to find an empty shoe box to keep it in.
The bit is still pretty sharp and almost looks unused. Can't see any signs of sharpening.
I found some other good news on the internet.
There is a notch in the tip of the release lever.
I thought it was damage but it turns out part was made with a little heart shape decoration.
Somewhere, there has got to be a story (about a girl) that that explains why.
 
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