by
George Langford, Sc.D.
Updated December 18, 2016
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| Spofford's-patent braces |
These patented braces were made for a
long time - between 1859 and the 1950's, first by John S. Fray and his
associates, and then, after he died, by the Stanley Works. I have a
study of the progression of patents and maker's marks on Spofford braces
for much of this period on another page. They are nearly
indestructible, except by the ignorant folks who attempt to use them to
drill holes with large, round-shanked bits, for which even a wrench
cannot keep the bit from slipping in the chuck. |
| Patentee/ Manufacturer | Representative
Images (right-click & view image) | Examples Found by GB | Patents | Patent
Dates (chronological order) | Directory
of American Toolmakers: active years |
| Nelson Spofford/ Fray & Pigg |
 |
188 | 25,984 |
November 1, 1859 |
1859-1869 (Fray & Pigg Co. per Sandy Moss) |
| Nelson Spofford; John S. Fray/ John S. Fray Co. |
 |
73 | 219,574 225,768 |
September 16, 1879 March 23, 1880 |
|
| Nelson Spofford/ Stanley Works-Fray-made parts Sweetheart era |
 |
40 | 237,780 |
February 15, 1881 |
1859-1916 (John S. Fray) 1920-onwards (the Stanley Company, per Sandy Moss) |