This heavy-duty brace has a ball bearing, Pat. Pend. chuck that will grip both auger bits and twist drills quite securely.  The chuck shell has taken a few dings and gouges, but it functions just fine for round-shanked bits between 5/32 inch and 1/2 inch and any carpenters tapered-square shank auger bits. 

The rosewood handles are excellent.  The mechanism is in good condition.  Nickel finishes are 98%.  The chuck shell and ratchet selector are black oxide finished.

The jaws wouldn't close evenly, so I reworked the back ends as shown at left.  One still has to jiggle the bit during tightening to get it to run straight.  Once adjusted, the grip is firm and true.