Patented & Distinctive Bit Braces, a Research Study
by
George Langford, Sc.D.

Updated February 4, 2006
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Osgood-patents brace probably made by the firm of Saxton & Osgood of Buffalo, New York.
Mr. Osgood obtained US Patent No. 344,130 for the ratchet mechanism and US Patent No. 361,368 for the chuck mechanism.
Brace with two Osgood patents - Mug shots
J. Lester Osgood invented both the jaws and the ratchet mechanism for this brace, which may have been made by the Amidon-related firm of Saxton & Osgood.  See Note 1 for my list of firms with which Charles H. Amidon was associated.  That note explains how the law firm of Wilhelm & Bonner as well as many common witness signatures helped me decipher these associations. 

The ratchet mechanism in the upper patent at right uses a sliding pawl with opposing and overlapping bevels; this brace works OK, but I'd be mighty careful not to apply much force with the pawl in the locking position, where the strength of the contact area between the pawl and wheel appears rather compromised.

The jaws have carefully designed grooves that meet up with projections in the spindle that retain the jaws when they are peened over during assembly.
Osgood's US Patent 344,130
Osgood's US Patent 344,130
Osgood drawings US No. 344,130
Osgood's, witnesses' and attorney's signatures
Ratchet patent above, jaws patent below.
Osgood patent title
Osgood's US Patent 361,368
Osgood drawings 361,368
Osgood 361,368 signatures