🦢 Antique James Swan Auger Bit Set — Original Wooden Case — 13 Piece Set For Sale

A seriously cool piece of old-school American toolmaking.This is an antique James Swan Co. No. 40 Superior Cast Steel Twist Auger Bit Set, manufactured in Seymour, Connecticut, and still housed in its original fitted wooden case.James Swan was one of America's important early tool manufacturers, with roots dating to 1810. The company became particularly well known for its woodworking and boring tools, and these auger bits were made for use with a traditional hand brace, long before anyone was reaching for a cordless drill.The original paper label identifies this set as:No. 3432½Swan's No. 40Superior Cast SteelSwan Twist Auger BitsOne Set — 13 BitsAll 13 bit positions are filled. The original Swan bits bear James Swan markings on their shanks. The No. 6 bit does not have the same Swan marking and appears to have been replaced at some point during the set's working life. I can't say exactly when.And that's part of what I like about this set. This wasn't something somebody bought to decorate a shelf. These were tools. They were used. One apparently wore out or disappeared and was replaced. The wooden case was carried around and opened and closed countless times. More than a century later, the whole thing is still together.Condition: Everything is being sold exactly as I found it. I have not cleaned, polished, restored or repaired anything. The bits show age, use and patina. The wooden case has scuffs, marks and general wear.The wooden end pieces appear to be secured with small nails/pins and may pull free with some careful pressure, but I have deliberately not attempted to remove them or otherwise disassemble the case. I’ll leave that decision to the next owner.A terrific piece of American woodworking history that's survived remarkably intact.