Patented & Distinctive Bit Braces
A Research Study
by George Langford, Sc.D.
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Brace B&D-41
Price: SOLD.
Stanley No.921-14IN brace with four patent dates.
This brace has four patent dates stamped on the head casting.
About half the nickel plating remains.  The jaws are proper replacements, exact as to type.
The brace is mechanically sound and works smoothly.  Use only for square-shank bits !
This is the largest available size of this model.  The rosewood handles are in good condition.
Stanley No.921-14IN brace
Patent dates
 The head is stamped:
PATENTED
OCT.14'02-APR.26'04-FEB.27'06-JUNE 5'06

The corresponding USPTO numbers are:
711,169 - 758,329 - 813,586 - 822,714
and are linked to Google Patents.
The first of these patents is for a ratchet screwdriver whose mechanism only superficially resembles the actual mechanism of the brace.  The second patent is for a similar but superceded ratchet mechanism.  The third patent covers the present mechanism exactly. 

The fourth patent is for a subsequent mechanism that might be placed inside the shell of a future ratchet ... maybe.
The images and drawings below help to elucidate how this robust-looking ratchet mechanism works.
Parts of ratchet mechanism
Exploded view of the ratchet parts
The two ratchet pawls (Fig.7 at right, below) look just like the final product.
The two keys, 4a & 4c,(below, left) and 4b (below, right) do the actual driving, one for each direction.
Cross section of ratchet mechanism in US Patent 813,586
 		Ratchet pawl from US Patent 813,586
The drawings above were excerpted from US Patent 813,586.
The mechanism reassembles with the selector sleeve going onto the spindle first, then the pawls inside that, and finally the spring - not in the order shown in the exploded view at left.
"Stanley" trademark
 Model No. 921 - 14 inch size

The markings at left are on either side of the upper arm of the bow.