Millers Falls No. 980 Hand Drill & Pexto 110 Bit Brace, Early 20th C.

A working pair of American hand-powered drilling tools from the golden age of carpentry. The Millers Falls No. 980 egg-beater style hand drill features the maker's signature open-frame design with a red-painted spoked drive wheel, cast iron gearing, and turned hardwood main handle and side knob. The frame bears the stamped legend "MILLERS FALLS CO. / MADE IN U.S.A. / MILLERS FALLS, MASS / No. 980." Alongside it, a Peck, Stow & Wilcox (Pexto) No. 110 ratcheting bit brace with chromed steel sweep, knurled chuck, and wooden head and grip — stamped "MADE IN PEXTO U.S.A." along the bow.

Both tools represent the New England industrial tradition that built American shop class for three generations. Millers Falls, founded 1868 in western Massachusetts, was among the most respected names in hand tools through the mid-20th century. Pexto, headquartered in Southington, Connecticut, produced sheet-metal and woodworking tools from 1870 onward. Together this pair covers both the bit-and-auger work of the brace and the smaller twist-drill work of the egg-beater — a complete pre-electric drilling kit.

CONDITION

Good throughout with honest signs of shop use. The Millers Falls hand drill retains substantial original red paint on the drive wheel with expected flaking and wear; gears mesh and turn smoothly. The Pexto brace shows surface oxidation and finish wear to the metal; ratchet and chuck function. Wooden handles on both tools show patina and minor dings consistent with working life.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Millers Falls No. 980 Hand Drill: 15" × 7¾"
• Pexto No. 110 Bit Brace: 16" × 5" × 6½"
• Construction: Cast iron, steel, hardwood
• Markings: "MILLERS FALLS CO. / MADE IN U.S.A. / No. 980"; "MADE IN PEXTO U.S.A."