Columbian Vise - Age Guesstimate?

[SixSpeed]

Hey Guys,

Just picked up a Columbian 604-M2 for a friend for Christmas. I am not too up on the evolution of these vises, I was wondering if anyone can take a guess on the year? I know he will ask. Just finished giving it a little TLC. First three photos are the sale photos.

One side:

Columbian
Cleveland, Ohio

Opposite Side:

604-M2 (Looks Hand Stamped)
Made in U.S.A.

Thanks for any help

 

[notlob]

Columbian 604 M2 is listed in this mid-70's catalog:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7105958&postcount=370

 

[SixSpeed]

Columbian 604 M2 is listed in this mid-70's catalog:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7105958&postcount=370

Thanks for that, hadn't seen that in my searches. Neat to look at! The main difference I see (if the photo is accurate), is that it doesn't say "Cleveland, Ohio" under "Columbian"

 

[1982fxr]

Weren’t those still on the Colombian page like a year ago ?

 

[SixSpeed]

Weren’t those still on the Colombian page like a year ago ?

Kind of

They switches to the M3 series I thought in the 80s, and I think they ran that up till recently, maybe they still make it not sure.

 

[drivesitfar]

SS: I was going to say 70's too, but it might be as early as the late 60's too.

that is a well built vise and a good vise if you need one. vises are not to be confused with a press or anvil and they are just a steady 3rd hand and not an ALL IN ONE tool like so many of the past owners of these old vises thought they were. hence all the broken and welded ones.

 

[bubinga]

It's a beauty!

 

[SP3]

The (now disappeared?) 604 M3 of the last couple decades has bolt-on jaw faces of much smaller area than the M2's pinned, T-insert type. I got an M2 a couple years ago in similar condition to the last photo for $50. I almost felt bad. Almost.

 

[SP3]

https://www.trick-tools.com/604M3-Columbian-Machinist-Vise-10203_7451