B64-680. RATCHETING BRACE AND BITS. Russell Jennings No. 40 IOB. The Russell Jennings Company was founded on the manufacture of auger bits, beginning with its founders' 1855 patent for a revolutionary double twist bit, but it didn't get into the brace business until after the turn of the century. In 1915, Arthur Jennings patented a bit design with a slotted end to the shaft that could only be used in a special chuck also covered by the patent, and the company produced a series of braces using this design, although the Jennings company had enough sense to modify the chuck design to also accept the more common tanged bits. This is a complete, and incredibly rare, brace and bit set with the No. 40 ratcheting brace, one of the versions that used the "universal" chuck design, in the 10" sweep. It includes a complete set of 13 auger bits, along with two countersinks, two screwdriver bits, a bit extension, and a expanding bit, all with shafts based on the 1914 patent design. The brace and bits are all in immaculate condition with only a few hints of rust. The wooden box is worn but intact, noting a split in the lid, with an intact decal and 95% complete labels pasted into the inner lid. Destined to be the centerpiece of a serious brace collection, and it will be a long time before you see anything like it. From the collection of Ray Schmidt. Condition: Fine, Estimate: 1000-2000