Originally Posted on Facebook: Aug 16, 2020

A Carpenter's Brace - Isaac Sargent

The below photo shows what is generally referred to as a brace. Held with the palm while the other hand sweeps the handle in a circular motion to bore holes with drill bits. This one belonged to Isaac Sargent.

My father has had this is the basement for many years, he pulled it out when I posted about Isaac's obituary

There is no makers mark, or a date but is very much like what is referred to as a Sheffield Brace as they were manufactured in abundance in Sheffield, England in the 19th century. Since we know Isaac came to Canada in 1869 and that this is an English style brace, he likely brought it with him which dates the tool to that time frame.

Isaac apprenticed in England as a carpenter and you can imagine that he might have purchased this or been given it in order to undertake his apprenticeship. Have a look at the 1861 English census page I have below. It shows Isaac at the age of 20 living in his master's household with 'carpenter ap' as his occupation (Isaac is at the very top of the page).

This is a link to a Lee Valley Tools newsletter describing the tool's history.

https://www.leevalley.com/.../woodworking/5/3/collection.htmm