Mystery Vise

[mike_paxton]

This vise with 5" jaws doesn't show a Mfg name on it.

It has the rear pivoting adjustable jaw, when pin in back is removed.

In taking off and cleaning up the rear adjustable jaw, there was a name of H. J. Weiss.

Has anyone found a similar name underneath their rear adjustable jaw vise, that might lead me to whether this is a Prentiss, a Parker or something else.

Hopefully the pics will help.

Mike

P.S. Info on this forum definitely helped in getting access to the rear adjustable vise.

 

[bobcatdan]

It looks a like pentiess, but that is simply my opinion.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Prentiss.

Look for the letters PVC stamped on the bottom of the dynamic jaw.

 

[exmaxima1]

Prentiss Model 20 or 21

 

[bigcaddy]

It's an older model Prentiss. The name is gone forever since it was marked right behind the swivel jaw. Do you see where the grinder really went to town behind that curved notch? That's where is was marked. It's was probably marked P.V. Co NY. No.21

 

[tool_scrounge]

Prentiss #3 or #4 since it is not a swivel base

Link to Prentiss ad:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3633211&postcount=3

 

[drivesitfar]

here's a picture of my Prentiss #4 that needs a jaw replaced and a vise nut, but i think mine is a 6 inch wide jaw. also a picture of one with new jaws on it so you can see what they should look like.

anyway I agree is looks like a Prentiss vise and if you can remove the material covering the jaws without abusing your vise that might help give us more information if you really care. it looks like it was a worker and welding it to the stand didn't do the vise any favors, but most guys 100 years ago bought these to bang on a lot.

 

[exmaxima1]

Prentiss #3 or #4 since it is not a swivel base

Link to Prentiss ad:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3633211&postcount=3

Touche'

 

[mike_paxton]

Thanks for info and confirming the vise's Prentiss origin, including it being a #3 or #4, since no swivel base.

Yes, vise has had a hard prior life, as was in machine shop for years, then private owner who did a lot of welding.

BTW, I did take off the dynamic rear jaw and couldn't find any initials under it that still exist. However, when you look on the rounded portion of the main vise where the dynamic jaw is located over, you can see the initials " H. J. Weiss " It is also found along the side sections as well. That is only marking info on mine that still exist and probably only survived as it was hiding on the main casting under the dynamic jaw portion.

Wondered if " H. J. Weiss " had anything to do with being the originator of the design in this dynamic jaw and does his name show up in any other Prentiss dynamic jaw vises as well?

Again, thanks for all the info, it was much appreciated.

Mike

 

[mike_paxton]

Thought I'd document the H. J. Weiss found on my Prentiss #3 or #4, as thought it might also be found on some of the same Prentiss Vises as well.

On pic one, you will see the H. J. Weiss by slidding back the dynamic rear jaw.

On pic two, with dynamic rear jaw fully removed, you will see that H. J. Weiss appears in three locations, with one in middle around the circle section, than on each of the two sides.

Last pic is close up of one of the H. J. Weiss names.

 

[wrenchguy]

Thought I'd document the H. J. Weiss found on my Prentiss #3 or #4, as thought it might also be found on some of the same Prentiss Vises as well.

On pic one, you will see the H. J. Weiss by slidding back the dynamic rear jaw.

On pic two, with dynamic rear jaw fully removed, you will see that H. J. Weiss appears in three locations, with one in middle around the circle section, than on each of the two sides.

Last pic is close up of one of the H. J. Weiss names.

i'd say that is owner marked, nice job. to rule out this thought google the name and see if any patent info comes up.

 

[mike_paxton]

Couple of patents around 1904/1905 by Henry J Weiss of Birmingham Alabama.

One was Threadless nut and bolt.
Publication # US 795242 A

Other was Sliding-door hanger.
Publication # US 795241 A

Whether either is related to Prentiss Vise or to the dynamic jaw operation, is mystery.

Kind of curious whether his name appears in any other older Prentiss vises in same location as shown in mine.