This carpenter's clamp would have been used in confined spaces where a full turn of the brace cannot be achieved. It is fitted with a pawl mechanism - a hinged or pivoted device adapted to fit into a notch of a ratchet wheel to impart forward motion or prevent backward motion. This item would have been used on a rural property in constructing or maintaining infrastructure.This item is an example of a woodworking tool used in the first half of the 20th century prior to the widespread use of power tools.A metal ratchet brace with a wooden handle grip. It has a hinged mechanism device which fits into the notches of the ratchet wheel - a pawl. The drill bit is jammed and the chuck is rusted.woodworking tool brace-and-bit carpentry

Wrought iron Carpenter's Brace."12"woodworking braces, carpentry tools

Used in the 19th centuryAn all steel bit brace made of forged metal with a round knob on the turning handle and a screw to tighten the bit when attached. It was used in the late 19th Centurytools, carpentry tools, woodworking tools, steel

Used in the late 19th centuryA forged steel Bit brace with a large screw to secure the drill bit and a knob at the end of the turning handle. It was used in the late 19th century.on the knob - "10" is stampedsteel, tools, carpentry tools, woodworking tools, cutting tools

Used in the early 20th CenturyAn early 20th Century steel bit brace with a wooden knob on the handle.tools, carpentry tools, woodworking tools, steel