Is it a Prentiss #23 ??

[GMO]

I recently acquired this vice and when researching it I quickly found where the vice experts are. They are right here on this site! I’m hoping for help identifying this vice and what condition it would be considered. I’m not going to be able to keep it and restore it if it’s worth restoring that is but I’d sure like to see someone get it that would. Is it a Prentiss? The only identifying marks that I can find are the letters P V CO under the handle. It weighs little over 200lbs and jaws are 7”
Please look at pics and share any info with me

 

[woody 73]

I am not a vise expert, but it sure looks like a Prentiss, I have a small Prentiss (about 105lbs) but it has the name Prentiss on its side in large letters. See if the following link helps you out.

The Prentiss Vise : Catalogue No. 46 : Prentiss Vise Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

52 p., illus., 27.2 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Sure looks like a No. 23 to me GMO. That area so heavily cratered right behind the rear lip of the swivel back jaw would have had Prentiss and the Number cast in there on the early vises. Nothing on the sides. I have the 6" version, a No. 22. Your vise has taken some serious abuse over the years but still has a glimmer of potential and looks to be all there except for what has been worn down or broken out of the tail. Ed.

 

[kctgb]

I have a vice that kinda looks like that. Mine came from a military base that closed down back in the 70’s. It’s painted battleship gray. I’ll have to take a picture of it in the morning and see if there’s anything written on it. Maybe the experts can give some information about it.

 

[GMO]

I am not a vise expert, but it sure looks like a Prentiss, I have a small Prentiss (about 105lbs) but it has the name Prentiss on its side in large letters. See if the following link helps you out.

The Prentiss Vise : Catalogue No. 46 : Prentiss Vise Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

52 p., illus., 27.2 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

Thanks! Now I kinda know where to look for more casting marks. It’s been beaten on pretty bad though. I probably won’t find any.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Looks like a Prentiss vise, right down to crack in the top of the slide (sadly).

 

[exmaxima1]

The plunger-type swivel clamp points to being made by Prentiss

 

[Shiftless]

Definitely Prentiss #23 (because it weighs 200+ pounds)

Look at the factory marks P V Co
That is Prentiss Vise Company and #23 because of the weight

 

[Shiftless]

Here is another one from the GJ files

 

[kctgb]

Never heard of this Vice company. This came from a coast guard station that closed in the early 70’s. The volunteer auxiliary took over one of the buildings for their office and repair garage. When the volunteer guys eventually died and no one took their place the town auctioned off what was left. This vice came from the the work bench in the repair garage. The name plate is badly damaged from hammering on it. Anyone ever heard of or seen this vice before.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Clearly a Columbian vise kctgb. A very well known vise maker. If you scratch the paint off that raised area right below the No. it will show the model. Model is probably easy to find just knowing how wide the jaws are too. Ed.