How to date Columbian 406 Vise?

[flyguy79]

Hi guys,

My Grandpa was an auto mechanic, and I've always wanted to have a vise in my shop like the one I remember beating on as a kid. I just found and bought an old Columbian 406 vise that seems to be in very nice shape. I was wondering if there was a way to tell the approximate date of manufacture. I've included a few pictures, including views with all the markings I could find. Could anyone help? Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

[AngryBeaver]

mid 1920's's to late 1940s/early1950's were the M's. Prior to the M's was the first generation that used prentiss style jaws. the M2's were sometime after the M;s from the late 40/early 50's to the late 70's when they went to a bolt on style jaw in the M3 line

 

[flyguy79]

Thanks, AngryBeaver, for such a quick reply. Is there a way to tell what it's worth? I gave $325 for it - seemed fair to me, but I have no point of reference.

 

[AngryBeaver]

not up on larger columbian swivel jaw resale amounts, but you can't touch a reed 6" swivel jaw for under 600 bucks, so I'd say you did well.

 

[flyguy79]

Wow - that's great. Not sure I'll use the swivel jaw, but I did think it was pretty cool - I'd never seen one like that.

 

[RustyRelicRevival]

Great info. I have this same #406. I always wanted to date it. Time to get it out of it's whole