old, well used YANKEE hand drill

I don't know how to "date" these things, but am guessing this is a pretty early example of a YANKEE hand drill. Probably 8 or 9" long, it is very nicely made of plated metal (mostly brass?) and the plating has worn away over the years on some moving parts. To use it, one loosens the ring immediately under the handle which allows it to slide open, revealing various sized drill bits stored inside. Choose the correct bit and clip it into the other end of the tool, then put its point where you want the small hole to go and push the (springloaded) handle in and out, which causes the drill bit to twist back and forth due to a mechanism hidden within the stem of the handle.

This tool is *only* meant to be a drill, having just the back and forth twisting mechanism. Other (later?) variations of this tool would add a ratcheting mechanism to allow the tool to rotate 'one way' only, so to also be usable as a mechanical screwdriver.

On its stem, it is stamped YANKEE -- WORTH BROS. MFG. CO. -- PHILA. PA. U.S.A. -- and a patent number. On the stem inside the handle is a small hole labeled OIL. All these stampings are difficult to see/read.