Request for Info: Columbian 605M Vise I Bought Today

[Doug Deaton]

I’ve been looking all over the place for a used American made vise and today I found two Columbian vises at two different locations. Against my better judgment, I decided to buy them both. I hit the jackpot….or at least I think I did. Hopefully, someone here can provide some information about the vises. Mods, I hope it’s OK that I started a separate thread for each vise.
I paid $50 for this Columbian No. 605M. The side reads:

THE COLUMBIAN HDWE CO.
CLEVELAND. O.
MADE IN USA

It’s covered in a combination of grease, dirt, and light surface rust but it still works. There are no cracks or breaks but one of the jaw inserts is missing a pin/screw and someone welded the edge of the insert. It appears that the weld can be easily removed with a file and some careful handsaw work. I would like to try restoring this one and actually use it.

I have no idea how old this vise is and I know nothing about this particular model. Can anyone offer any information about this vise? Did I mess up or did I do good?

[ajchien]

I'd say you did good. I wouldn't worry about the weld and the missing pin until you needed to replace the jaws .. Unless you wanted to do a restoration on the vise.

[jeffmoss26]

Very cool! and made in Cleveland too!