Bower Sheffield England Brass Plated Brace

13 3/4 in long with a 4 1/2 in sweep. The head is probably rosewood. The push button latch is strong. All screws appear to be original. THE HEAD HAS SIGNIFICANT PLAY IN IT. SEE LAST TWO PHOTOS. However, it's unnoticeable when you're actually using the brace.

Bower may have been active in the mid 1800s, but the firm is not listed in Tweedale's Directory of Sheffield Tool Manufacturers.

Push-button braces were made to be used with bits with a notched tang. Russell-Jennings style auger bits will also work with these braces since there is enough friction to hold the bits in place.