An ironic rust hunt

[Randy Klein]

I've been on the hunt for a 2100-2101 series braces for quite some time and have struck out. I finally broke down and got one on ebay a few days ago. I told my wife that since I just bought one I'll probably find one this weekend.

Lo and behold, I haven't even received my ebay shipment yet and today I came home with:



North Bros 2101, 8 in, Bell
Stanley 2101A, 10 in, Bell
Stanely 901, 12 in, Sweetheart, Pat 6-25-18
Stanley No. 78, minus the fence and depth stop.

However, I'm having a hard time finding any info about the 901. Does anyone know anything about them? I got it on a whim since it looked real sturdy and clean.

Also, anyone know where I can find the parts to complete the 78?

This week, I'll have to buy a Stanley No.1 and a panther saw off ebay to see if my irony holds true next weekend...

[Gary Herrmann]

Nice score. Hang on to that 8" North Bros 2101. The ones I've seen on the bay have gone for quite a bit.

[Randy Klein]

I just flipped the 901 brace over and saw this engraving (it says "182"):
93329

Now I'm even more intrigued on the history.

[Jerome Hanby]

I'm in the same boat with a Stanley No 78. Will the parts currently available from Stanley work?

[Phillip Pattee]

For the Stanely 78's, try the St. James Bay Tool Co. http://www.stjamesbaytoolco.com/. They make replacement parts for Stanley planes. Click the tools tab and you should see another link for replacement parts.

Nice gloat!

[James Mittlefehldt]

Just looking at the 1939 catalogue and it does not list a 901, it does list a 921 which looks similar to yours but supposedly has a concealed ratchet mechanism.

Curiouser and curiouser.

[Randy Klein]

Just looking at the 1939 catalogue and it does not list a 901, it does list a 921 which looks similar to yours but supposedly has a concealed ratchet mechanism.

Curiouser and curiouser.

I'll take more detailed pics of the 901 tonight and post. It does have a nifty ratchet mechanism though.

[Steven Mark Burgin]

I bought a 921 and a 901 from Sandy Moss and the only difference I found was the chuck. The price guides I have seen list them for the same price also both are great braces.

[Randy Klein]

I'll take more detailed pics of the 901 tonight and post. It does have a nifty ratchet mechanism though.

I posted this question over at Woodnet as well. The responses there are that the 901 dates from 1911-1935, when it became the 921. Here are more detailed pics as promised.

[Randy Klein]

continued...