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Inherited Reed vice

kckndrgn

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I got this vice from my mom after my dad passed. I know nothing about it other than I remember user it as a kid growing up.
Looks like a No. 104 on one side and patent dates of 1812 on the other.
I'm just looking for information about the vice.
Thanks in advance. fe3a01fca884c62be21f998012ba41c6.jpg5eb51e471c1a2958a41de6434bf2485a.jpg

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1982fxr

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Reed is considered by many the best vise company ever. The 4 in 104 probably means 4" wide jaw.

Not sure about the 1812 maybe a casting number? It's not a date...
 

Shiftless

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Reed is considered by many the best vise company ever. The 4 in 104 probably means 4" wide jaw.

Not sure about the 1812 maybe a casting number? It's not a date...

Reed is certainly top notch, I have 3 of 'em in my little collection. But the date certainly refers to one of their patents.
 

thehorse13

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1812 is the original patent. The 1914 patent next to it is for the rounded handle knob process. While not pictured, I bet your handle has round ends.

It's a top quality vise that will outlive you if treated right. Are you going to restore it or just clean it up for occasional use?
 

twertsy

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1812 is the original patent. The 1914 patent next to it is for the rounded handle knob process. While not pictured, I bet your handle has round ends.

It's a top quality vise that will outlive you if treated right. Are you going to restore it or just clean it up for occasional use?

Where is that patent? It's not in the 1812 patent list?
 

ndnchf

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I have one that is very similar. It had a broken foot and was repaired many years ago. I've been using it for over 30 years now.
 

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kckndrgn

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Thanks all, such a wealth of knowledge here. I plan on cleaning it up a bit and continuing to use the vice.
Yes it does have the rounded handles.

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thehorse13

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Well I can't find it on the site here but I know I saw it at some point. So far, no luck on the actual .gov patent site.

Do you know something that I don't? lol :D
 
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meatsis

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I think you guys will be searching for a while. Reed has been in business since 1896. The patent dates on that vise are from 1912 and 1914.
 

twertsy

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kckndrgn

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Yes, looking at the vice again this morning, the crud around the 1912 makes it look like 1812.

Planning on just cleaning up a bit of the surface rust, maybe disassemble and clean/lube everything.
 

Shiftless

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Thanks for clearing up that patent date marking issue.
What do you like to use as a surface sealant for rust prevention after you clean it up? Many of us like boiled linseed oil but there are other choices.
 
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kckndrgn

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I'm digging through the "Vise Repair 101" thread. I'm open to suggestions. I have BLO for my woodworking that I do.
 

SweetD

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I'm digging through the "Vise Repair 101" thread. I'm open to suggestions. I have BLO for my woodworking that I do.

That's what I would do - dis-assemble, clean, grease the screw, and coat with BLO or something that will give it some protection, re-apply from time to time.

The patina on that vise is nice!
 

ndnchf

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I looked at my old 104 and the patent dates look like 1812 and 1814. I suppose it's just the way the mold was made.
 

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Shiftless

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Reeds of that era used a font where the nines had a pretty long and upward curving tail making it look a lot like an eight by the time paint, rust, wear and tear and simply time took their tolls.

Here is a close up of that area on an even earlier model 31 Reed that I pulled out of a dumpster earlier this week.
 

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kckndrgn

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Yup, after cleaning it up a bit, I can see that it's a 19 and not an 18.

Got the vice apart and ready to be cleaned up. If I get a chance this weekend I'll work on it, if not, it will be next week.
 

Jp267

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Interesting was wondering how to date them after I picked up my first one a few weeks ago. Thanks!

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Jp267

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Also for those in the know the one I have is a 205 1/2 with a replacement handle. Is it possible to change it to an original handle. Does anyone sell parts on eBay. Haven't had a chance to check yet. Or should I just leave it. 62cffc3ab21667adf33b2f1252f36c26.jpg

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Oops forgot about the vise repair thread. Sorry!
 

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