Qualitytools
Well-known member
Outlawmws, thanks for the leads and information, much appreciated!
I found the Craftsman in "Craftsman/Sears, Vise ID by Catalog" post 5 and 6. Very useful information, thanks again!
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Picked up this new Wilton C0 today with some homemade magnetic jaws for $200
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Members, I have the opportunity to get a couple of vises (shown here) however, I am not sure what they are worth. They appear to have little wear on them so I wanted to hear from those experts in Vises on their worth, quality and anything else you can tell me about them please. Thanks!
Great Score QT!
The Morgan would be good on a solid bench or on a pedestal, I'd suggest putting the Craftsman on either a rolling toolbox, for more portable use or setup on a WorkMate if you have one, .
I think most prentiss vises are older than we realize. Ive done a bit of research on it, and from what I can tell the ones with just the model on the back of the jaw are oldest, 1880s-1900. The script writing seem to be 1900-1910/1920. The semi circle are 1920-1930. I think around 1930 they changed the number system to the 52X/51X. And that stayed until 1948? when parker bought them, changed it again and put meridian CT on the side. I believe the bull dog was introduced in 1886 from an old patent out there I can't find right now, and those vises with the big brass badges may have been a 50th anniversary thing, circa mid 1930s, but thats pure speculation.
OK G-man Morgan class is in session:
Chicago '29-'47-Early were grey, later blue
Aurora '47-'70
Milwaukee '70 to present
I'm sorry I don't know what I'm looking at here. It's half a page
To add YES they are still in business. I've been there personally.

Happy birthday bro ... go UW Huskies!
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Jrobb Wow nice! Thanks for posting the pictures! If I was to visit the place I would feel like the Kidds in Willy wonka & the chocolate factory but these morgan vises would be sweeter than chocolate
But seriously at least from the photos the office building and the plant do not look that big! Alas are gone the days of huge American foundries, vise and other American iron factories.
Happy birthday bro ... go UW Huskies!
I purchased an American Scale #79 a few weeks ago ($120) and am a broken shell of a man for my efforts (just being melodramatic), so I am working towards smaller vises.
Today my aching back sighed in relief when I pick up this Athol No. 4 clamp-on vise with 1 1/2" jaws ($15). It's far from perfect; one jaw is chipped in the top corner and the bar for the main screw is bent, but overall this is an amazing vise. It is by far the nicest miniature vise I've ever encountered.
Pictured on top of the American Scale 79 for effect.
Brian.
Last week was Prentiss week which is why I started thinking about them again. Found a 22 (6" swivel jaw swivel base 168 lb) for 125. Came out of a WI papermill. Had a real hard time removing the swivel pin. Heat, heat, Jack bolt while heating, hammering, air hammering, swearing, more heat, vise grips on slide hammer, and even more heat, couldn't get it out. Made a vat of acetone/ATF mix and let it soak 24 hours. Jack bolt and a hammer and it popped loose. Swivel lever isn't original, someone modified it and it is easier to lift up. Then later that week I found an almost pristine 526 (5" jaw) paid 100, not a steal but very good IMO. Its been cleaned up waiting paint. Slide is near perfect, no hammering. Pictured in it's totally naked state.
Found this Starrett
Jrobb Man you are on a roll. Great scores!
Funny thing is I haven't purchased anything in quite a while then 2 in a week (I just remembered the 2C I picked up a few months back). I only hunt big game now, 5"+ unless it's something rare or just something a can't pass up. My designated vise area is now too full so the herd must be thinned.
Elsinore
What is the model number of the Starrett?
4.5 " Shop king I picked up on the cheap 90% done and a 3.5 bullet finished up . I love truing up the jaws on the surface grinder. hehe
It is a 015. Looks pretty much unused.
You have so much more luck on your side of the state compared to what I see. If I take a look at CL on your side of the state I figure I am just looking at jrobb's sloppy seconds!! haha