Blacksmith Vice Question

[mike60510]

I have what I think is an old blacksmith vice complete with a hand rank and fan to stoke a fire. I don't have the original "firebox" that fits at the discharge of the fan (wish I did). The vice has no markings as to the manufacturer. It was my grandfathers and I have no idea how old it may be. I know he worked on the railroad but who knows where he got it from

But, my question is: The vice includes a short cylindrical section that is approximately 2" below the bottom of the clamping area. The cylindrical section is connected by gears to the vice crank. Through a slip mechanism on the vice crank, you can rotate the cylindrical section.

Does anyone know what the cylindrical section was used for?

See pics attached.

 

[5lima30]

You may want to visit iforgeiron.com. It is a website dedicated to blacksmithing and iron working with a lot of expertise in those areas. YMMV.

 

[kbs2244]

If that is the only vice your grandfather had, your grandmother was a lucky lady.

BTW
I have no idea what the hole in the vise is for.