Athol 637 curious vise

[paris by night]

Hi guys. Found this curious vise. Fixed base is pretty rare here but fixed base with swivel jaw is something ultra rare. No found with this reference on the web.
This is a 5.5 large jaw. Not awesome size but very « exotic » for me. Super heavy construction for the size. The main axle is oversized. The sliding part very tick so not surprised this one have no break. The fixation piece to keep the axle in place is not the same as others.
42.5 kilos on the scale (92.60pound) so not a monster but not a toy.
The piece who maintain the swivel jaw is impossible to remove. Rust had do the job so need to unlock and clean this system.
Details on the athol mach and swivel utility are welcome !

 

[Fierljeppen]

Excellent find! That WWI era Athol 637 vise is a rare bird on this side of the pond as well. Athol had a reputation for being a strong and beefy vise, so it's no surprise to see it still in decent condition.

You should consider posting that vise in the "Vise Info Thread". Your vise isn't in the spreadsheet yet and you always get extra points for adding a vise to the spreadsheet. I've listed those sites below.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355753&page=59

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...YI7UKRpUd3aheAE86KBQRBGb9s/edit#gid=666157805

 

[KMScott]

Thanks Fierljeppen and paris by night for finding this rare swivel jaw, added to the spreadsheet.

 

[paris by night]

Thanks fierljeppen for the original catalog extrait. much appreciate. i was far to imagine it was from WW1 era ! i am curious to know what's the utility of the swivel jaw ? is it design for specific application ?

 

[Fierljeppen]

Prentiss originated the swivel jaw, so I'll let them explain it from the attached catalog scan.

 

[paris by night]

Beautiful. I will print and let all the catalog parts link to the vise
Thanks