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Antique Goodell-Pratt Hand & Breast Drill — Greenfield, Massachusetts — 1896 Patent
Offered for sale is an antique Goodell-Pratt Company hand-crank drill, made in Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA. This classic American woodworking tool features a large open-spoke red drive wheel, geared hand-crank mechanism, turned hardwood handles, and an original Goodell-Pratt three-jaw drill chuck.
This appears to be an example of the desirable Goodell-Pratt No. 5½B two-speed hand and breast drill, although the exact model has not been conclusively verified.
Manufacturer's Markings
The crank arm is clearly stamped:
GOODELL PRATT COMPANY
TOOLSMITHS
GREENFIELD, MASS.
U.S.A.
PAT. MAR. 31, 1896
The metal chuck also bears Goodell-Pratt identification, Greenfield, Massachusetts markings, and an 1895 patent date.
The March 31, 1896 date identifies the patent associated with the drill's design, not necessarily its actual manufacturing date.
Features and Construction
Original-style large red-painted, open-spoke geared drive wheel
Heavy cast-metal frame and geared drive mechanism
Hand-operated crank with dark wooden rotating knob
Turned hardwood main handle
Goodell-Pratt marked knurled metal three-jaw chuck
Steel gearing and metal components with aged patina
American-made construction
Distinctive early hand-drill design associated with Goodell-Pratt's two-speed breast drills
Condition
Antique used condition, with substantial original character and age-related wear.
The red drive wheel retains areas of its old painted finish, with visible crazing, chipping, and paint loss. Metal surfaces show oxidation, discoloration, and general wear consistent with the tool's age.
The hardwood handles show scratches, scuffs, finish wear, and handling marks. The chuck retains its manufacturer markings and shows surface oxidation and wear.
The drill has not been represented as restored or refinished.
Mechanical operation and drilling performance have not been verified. The tool is being offered in its present condition, as photographed.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. You will receive the actual drill pictured.
Historical and Collector Interest
Goodell-Pratt was a respected American manufacturer of precision hand tools, drills, and woodworking equipment in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Its hand-operated drills are collected for their mechanical design, American manufacturing history, and quality of construction.
This example would make an interesting addition to a vintage hand-tool collection, woodworking shop display, or collection of early American industrial equipment.
More Vintage Hand Drills Available
We have a large assortment of hand drills up for sale. Please see other listings.
About the Seller
I'm Steven Zawalick. I've been on since 1998. I'm a retired engineer and own a small business. I pride myself in being honest and packing things well. Yes, I take offers! Thank you for looking at this listing and please add me to your favorite sellers. Now that I've retired, I'll be selling more and more items.
Shipping
FREE SHIPPING within the United States!
This antique tool will be carefully packaged to protect its wooden handles, metal gearing, and chuck during shipment.
