Prentiss vise No 5, serial number?

I just picked up a Prentiss No 5 for a song. Where do I find the serial number? I want to restore it, does anyone know what the original colors would have been. It has a fixed base and a swivel jaw, but the pin is missing. Anyone have a photo of a pin that they could post? Thanks

1) Welcome to GJ

2) Post a picture of your vise, or multiple pictures.

3) Do a search on Prentiss vises here on the forum, there is a lot of info.

Dave

Pictures

I have found some letters on the front that may be the serial number. Does anyone know where to find any serial number info?

Ttt.

Hi, mluetch,

I've 'restored'.....actually 'cleaned up and refinished'.....a number of old Prentiss vises, over the years, and have found stamped 'matching numbers' on the main casting and the swivelling jaw of swivelling-jaw vises, but, I really don't think the Prentiss Co. ever put 'serial numbers' as such, on their vises.

The raised numbers in the casting refer to the 'model number', a Prentiss model no. 5 being listed as '6" jaw, stationary base, adjustable (swivelling) back jaw, opening to 9", weighing 146lbs, and with a list price of $50.00 in 1920.

The 'stationary base with adjustable jaw' version went out of production sometime in the '20s'. They are relatively uncommon, compared to the 'swivel base' version.

cheers

Carla

The raised letters I found on this vise are on the dynamic jaw, under the hole for the screw/handle assembly. Anyone?

mluetch said:

The raised letters I found on this vise are on the dynamic jaw, under the hole for the screw/handle assembly. Anyone?

Click to expand...

ok, whats the question?

I just obtained a Prentiss #5 vise at ~60 cents a pound.<a href="http://profmason.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/prentiss5big.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19102" title="prentiss5big" src="http://profmason.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/prentiss5big.jpg" alt="" width="653" height="490" /></a>

It is a #5 fixed mechanics vise with a 5" stationary Jaw and 8" capacity.

<a href="http://profmason.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/prentiss5staticjaw.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19103" title="prentiss5staticjaw" src="http://profmason.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/prentiss5staticjaw.jpg" alt="" width="653" height="490" /></a>
<p>The approximate dimensions are <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">22"x9"x11"</span></strong></span> and it weighs 77 pounds. The best reference I could find shows that Prentiss made a #5 between 1922-23. <a href="http://profmason.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/prentiss5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19101" title="prentiss5" src="http://profmason.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/prentiss5.jpg" alt="" width="415" height="280" /></a>
I had planned to clean this up with some paint remover and then hit it with the sand blaster if it still needs more. Does anyone know the vintage of these fixed static jaw vises? This one also says "Bull Dog" as many of the other prentiss vises. Any other suggestions on clean up beyond paint stripper, some wire brushing and a coat of oil?

It also just occurred to me to ask if the replaceable jaw inserts are available anywhere, (something that just happens to fit) or should I fabricate them?

Cheers
mmason

They are not readily available at any retailer but one member on here does make some great replacements and his stock is expanding daily.

KMScott is his name and i'm pretty sure he sells his stuff on ebay as well as here or direct. I'm pretty sure he just started to make some Prentiss jaws so look him up. You can find him in the "Vises" thread or member directory.

Thanks for the lead I found them on ebay as you suggested. They also have a website and carry the pivot pin for the swivel head #5. http://wiltonviseparts.net/prentiss-vise-jaws/

Thanks again!

Carla said:

Hi, mluetch,

I've 'restored'.....actually 'cleaned up and refinished'.....a number of old Prentiss vises, over the years, and have found stamped 'matching numbers' on the main casting and the swivelling jaw of swivelling-jaw vises, but, I really don't think the Prentiss Co. ever put 'serial numbers' as such, on their vises.

The raised numbers in the casting refer to the 'model number', a Prentiss model no. 5 being listed as '6" jaw, stationary base, adjustable (swivelling) back jaw, opening to 9", weighing 146lbs, and with a list price of $50.00 in 1920.

The 'stationary base with adjustable jaw' version went out of production sometime in the '20s'. They are relatively uncommon, compared to the 'swivel base' version.

cheers

Carla

Click to expand...

Carla, thanks so much for the info on this vise, been looking everywhere! Doing a plant closure here in CA and was given a pristine #5