Posted 7 years ago
KAMERA
(1 item)
Found this in an old toolbox. Engraved Goodell-Pratt Company TOOLSMITHS Greenfield, Mass. U.S.A.
It measures about 7 1/8” long closed and9 1/2” open. I am wondering if there is any source of bits for this. Also, age and rarity.
I have a similar push drill & all the bits in its wooden box -- manufacturer unknown as it is not embossed. Unknown age
Not exactly sure what it would or could be used for
As daveomeilia says you have an old push drill. To be more specific, you have a No.1 automatic push drill, circa 1931 and after. The knurled end is the chuck, that holds the drill bits. Be careful when screwing, and unscrewing chuck, as they have very fine threads, and tend to gall if they are corroded.
http://oldtoolheaven.com/related/goodell-pratt-push-drills.htm
I have just figured it out. It is a leather punch marking tool and the bits have small letters & numbers on the tips.
Goodell first started business in Antrim New Hampshire. Their old buildings are still there. As the business grew they merged or purchased other mills. That is why yours has the two names. William Pratt bought into Goodell in 1895. The push drills are considered highly collectable. Chicago Cutlery brought out Goodell in 1983.
You can buy original bits from sites like ebay, and after market bits from companies like Garrett-Wade, to name a couple of sources. PS: Change my 1931 date to 1901 and after. In any case, you have an old classic drill from the past, and Very Nice find.