A late 19th century cast iron breast drill with a lovely industrial feel. This is a large, weighty example with its original bevel gears, big drive wheel and two wooden handles, designed to be pressed against the chest or shoulder for extra power when drilling into thick timber. These early drills were the closest thing to a portable power tool before electricity, commonly used on farms, in workshops and for timber framing.
The green oval breast plate and aged cast iron frame have great character, and the patina is exactly what you would expect from a well-used Victorian tool. Please note the wheel no longer turns, so this is now best suited as a decorative piece, display item or collector’s example rather than a working tool.
A striking piece of industrial history that looks fantastic hung on a workshop wall or styled in a vintage interior.
Dimensions:
46 x 22 x 12cm