Craftsman Breast Drill 2-Speed Millers Falls

This is a very nice, clean, 2 speed hand crank breast drill marked "CRAFTSMAN MADE IN U.S.A. 1071" on the main gear plate metal handle extension, and is also marked on the main gear plate decal "CRAFTSTMAN". Sears Craftsman was the retailer, but Millers Falls with the manufacture of this drill.  This is about the best I have seen of the 1950's era 2 speed breast drills.  It measures about 16.5" long overall, with a super nice heavy duty, spring loaded 3-jaw chuck.  This one has over 95% of red/black paint on it (most missing paint on the black casting. The rosewood stained hardwood handles have a nice finish still intact on both handles. The wear is minor on the handles, they look nice, solid with good metal threads and center shafts. The breast plate can be moved from one locating hole to the other to change the position of the end plate to your liking, can be set at 90 degrees to the position in the pictures. This is a two speed model, so the crank wheel can be moved for the other mounting hole in the frame, for a slower more torque speed than in the picture position. There is a spring loaded pin that holds the crank wheel in place. All the gears are in very good condition, engage nicely, turn smoothly. This model also has the idler roller bearing feature between the frame and chuck is smooth ball bearing operation. The chuck has been clean and oiled and is in great shape overall. The breast plate, has very little wear, is clean and no cracks or damage. A very well made, nice looking tool, by a well known maker! It will be hard to find a nicer one!  (Remember to put a few drops of clean oil in the oil holes provided on the main drive shaft.)