Does this vise look broken?

[Summersteel]

I have a line on this vise, and I've been thinking about getting it. But today, I went to look at it with the intent of making an offer, and I noticed what looks like a possible repair on the static jaw. On the left side of the static jaw (as looked at from the handle end) next to the upper pin for the pipe jaws is what looks like a drip on the metal. The other side by the upper pin also looks rough. The backside of the static jaw is somewhat smooth, but may have been skillfully contoured if it was repaired. I should have taken more pics, and may be able to get some more tomorrow, but I was wondering if it was obvious to others that it's been broken in the past. The jaws come together OK, but are about 1/16" off on the top, which also makes me suspect something isn't right.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks.

 

[MayerMR]

Yes, it looks terrible. Well me where it's at and I'll go throw it away for you

Seriously though, it looks fine to me. If I knew where it was I probably would snap it up. Great vise.

 

[Summersteel]

What it something like this worth?

 

[crguy]

What it something like this worth?

To you, it's worth whatever you're willing to pay for it. What difference does it make what someone else thinks it's worth?

 

[Summersteel]

To you, it's worth whatever you're willing to pay for it. What difference does it make what someone else thinks it's worth?

That's a fair statement. I guess I'm wondering if this is a highly desirable or rare vise, or a great user. Or is it a POS that's prone to breaking or has other flaws?

 

[woody 73]

In the following example the vise is not broken but...it is missing the other half. To the seller it is worth $140.00 dollars; what do you think it is worth ?

https://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/d/main-body-of-rockland-anvil/6556892652.html

 

[Shiftless]

In the following example the vise is not broken but...it is missing the other half. To the seller it is worth $140.00 dollars; what do you think it is worth ?

https://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/d/main-body-of-rockland-anvil/6556892652.html

That is going to be a tough sell for the guy in Columbus.
But for the benefit of vise newbies, that is half of a Rock Island vise. Very high quality brand.

Summersteel:
The vise you are considering is a Reed 1 C which is a very desirable vise. If that was in my neighborhood, even in its current condition, I would gladly pay $100
Based on your rather poor photos it doesn’t look like it is broken or has been repaired. But as always, check out equipment thoroughly in person before you hand over your cash.

 

[MayerMR]

That's a fair statement. I guess I'm wondering if this is a highly desirable or rare vise, or a great user. Or is it a POS that's prone to breaking or has other flaws?

You're going to get all kinds of answers to that kind of question. I have a Reed 1C, it was broken in the past and poorly repaired. I paid $40 for it. Here is a restoration thread I did on it a couple of weeks ago or so.

I personally think, after having restored one, that the Reed 1C is one of the finest vises I've ever had the pleasure of coming across. If it were me standing in front of that vise, knowing what I know now, I would easily give the man $150 for it if he wouldn't come down any more than that. After $150 I'd maybe start to hesitate. For one, it's missing of the two lockdowns. That vise probably has the "cats paw" lock down and from what I've seen/heard, they are tough to find.

I'll put it this way; if you pass on it, please PM me the contact info of the guy who's got it.

S/F,

-Matt

 

[Maui]

Woody,

I purchased that same rock island vise about 5 years ago, but mine came with both halves.

Maui