B66-640 RATCHETING BRACE AND BITS IN ORIGINAL BOX. Russell Jennings No. 40. The Russell Jennings Company was founded on the manufacture of auger bits, beginning with its founder's 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 company had enough sense to modify the chuck design to also accept the more common tanged bits. This is a complete, and very 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 an 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 label. Destined to be the centerpiece of a serious brace collection. From the collection of Jim and Christa Schoenky. Fine 600-1000