Identify This Vise!

[77irish77]

I recently purchased this Prentiss Vice at an auction my work was having. I have done some research on Prentiss and cannot find one that looks like it.

It is pretty large I would say it has a 10"+ throw. It has a knob on the R/H side that houses a detent that allows you to swivel it. Smooth jaws and no other obvious markings.....looks VERY old.

Looks like this thing has some history and I would love to restore it, but want to know more about it.

 

[77irish77]

Bump to show pics attached.

 

[bmwpower]

It's a sheet metal vise. Take a look in the VISE thread. There are a couple for sure.

That movable jaw makes it pretty unique. Can't imagine why you would want a movable jaw on a sheet metal vise, but...

 

[77irish77]

It's a sheet metal vise. Take a look in the VISE thread. There are a couple for sure.

That movable jaw makes it pretty unique. Can't imagine why you would want a movable jaw on a sheet metal vise, but...

That was my thought...That and the huge jaw opening doesnt lend itself to a sheet metal vise. I cant find a model number on this thing anywhere and would love to know the date of manufacture.

 

[bczygan]

Very cool vise! What did you have to give for it , if I might ask?

 

[bl00]

It looks a lot like this Prentiss woodworkers vise from the 1890's.

 

[77irish77]

Very cool vise! What did you have to give for it , if I might ask?

I knew someone would ask.haha It was the ugliest vice in the lot and is currently attached to an even uglier homemade bench full of roloc sanding discs....I gave $15 for the lot!!!!

 

[77irish77]

It looks a lot like this Prentiss woodworkers vise from the 1890's.

WOW! I think you found it!!! That is amazing! Any idea on worth?

 

[SweetD]

That's cool - where does it say 'Prentiss' on it?

Avid Prentiss fan here...and I've not seen that particular model before...

Dave

 

[77irish77]

It has about 20 coats of paint on it, but if you look at the top picture you can see faint lettering that I took a scotchbrite to. It says "Prentiss. N.Y.". Hopefully a blasting will uncover more lettering.

 

[bmwpower]

It looks a lot like this Prentiss woodworkers vise from the 1890's.

Bingo. Didn't realize how big the opening was until now.