A brace is no good without bits. Modern bits are expensive and lack “history”. So I made a wild ass bid on some “old” bits on e-bay. I think I did OK:
The photo’s not great but the bits seem OK. I’ve got duplicates of a few sizes. There are a few odd ducks (three adjustable spade bits on top left). Some look ready to go right now. A few could use sharpening (not that I know how to sharpen a 100 year old bit). Some have a bit of patina but none have pitting rust. One is slightly bent but only a little. I’ve heard they can be straightened.
I’m stashing them away until winter. Summer’s a busy time for me. Some cold frozen weekend I’m going to sit down with a file (or whatever) and a glass of whiskey. I’ll patiently see if I can sharpen what needs sharpening. If it works out I’ve pretty much got all the “bit and brace” a man needs. If not, at least I had fun shopping and it wasn’t too expensive.