My Grandfather's Wilton

[nesw20]

my parents were going through my grandparent's estate recently, and i asked them to poke around to see if my grandfather had a bench vise. they said it looked old and junky, but i asked for more information anyway....

it sounded like they were just going to toss it if i hadn't asked, since none of my aunts or uncles knew what it was, either.

today i got it set up and cleaned up, and i think i've decided to keep the paint in original condition, just clean. here's how it cleaned up:

it even had this tag with it:

 

[Jrican]

It looks just like the grey background of the forum!

 

[DodgeMech]

my parents were going through my grandparent's estate recently, and i asked them to poke around to see if my grandfather had a bench vise. they said it looked old and junky, but i asked for more information anyway....

it sounded like they were just going to toss it if i hadn't asked, since none of my aunts or uncles knew what it was, either.

today i got it set up and cleaned up, and i think i've decided to keep the paint in original condition, just clean. here's how it cleaned up:

it even had this tag with it:

save the pic from your gmail, upload to photobucket, image shack, or whatever, then use the img tag to post it

 

[nesw20]

how embarrassing... never had that problem before. anyway, fixed with pics!

 

[3baygarage]

Awesome save! Very nice to see the decal and tag.

 

[zkling]

Very nice, and good family history. Enjoy it.

 

[Jrican]

That might be too nice to use!

 

[ADSR]

wow! That's as mint as an unrestored one gets!

 

[orchidlane]

Great Find, your Grandfather had good taste in vises, its to nice to use, put it on a shelf with a picture of your grandfather next to it.,

 

[nesw20]

Awesome save! Very nice to see the decal and tag.

Very nice, and good family history. Enjoy it.

That might be too nice to use!

wow! That's as mint as an unrestored one gets!

Great Find, your Grandfather had good taste in vises, its to nice to use, put it on a shelf with a picture of your grandfather next to it.,

thanks guys! i will put it to use, but it's not going to be heavy/abusive use. i definitely want to take care of this because of its sentimentality. my grandfather was a mechanical engineer and was interested in all kinds of machines and equipment, and he certainly loved to have nice things at the house!

i do want to preserve it in its current condition (as far as paint and patina and such) so what do you guys think about me putting on a coat of clear? any harm that could come of that?

 

[Metalmole]

That's cool about your grandfathers vise, a keeper indeed....

 

[ecotec]

I would just save the tag and press it into service. As long as you do not abuse it, you can use it your whole life and then pass it down to future generations. That has always been my take on vintage. I find the best stuff that I can for the least amount of money possible and treat it respectfully.

 

[bluebolt]

Wow that decal and tag make this one of the best unrestored Wilton's I have ever seen!

 

[thesilverone]

definitely old and junky......great find!

 

[oldldh]

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!


And so did your GranDad...

 

[Fretters]

That's definitely a lovely, original condition vice.

i do want to preserve it in its current condition (as far as paint and patina and such) so what do you guys think about me putting on a coat of clear? any harm that could come of that?

Personally, I wouldn't. It wouldn't be long before it got chipped or suchlike. If you want to coat it with something for protection, either wax, linseed oil or just wipe over with an oily rag on occasion. All of those, especially the oils, are easy to keep replenishing.

 

[nesw20]

well, finally got around to looking at the date stamp...

 

[spacedoutbob]

Very nice, Wilton makes great vises. I have a old 4" Wilton and a 6" Reed. It's old, but works like new.

Bob

 

[franzdom]

I would use it too, what a great find!

 

[MN4x4]

Nice score!!!

You got both a great vice and a great story. Be sure to document it for your kids. Hopefully one of them will have a thing for vices...

 

[DWise]

That should be mine, that date is my birthday.