Monarch vises

[william.m.hamilton2]

Hey all- I have my sights set on getting a monarch. I have read everything I can find on here, seen some pictures. Now, can we get a thread all about these old guys? Does anyone know or have an old ad showing numbers and sizes? Can anyone say a definitive original colour? Does anyone have actual production dates? Thanks all!

Will

 

[bigcaddy]

Monarch are pretty hard to come by so good luck on your search. If you don't mind shelling out lots of money, they can be had but its not gonna be cheap.

Monarch was the lower cost line of the Prentiss vise co. Since the Prentiss Co. went under/vanished in the late 1950s, thats about as new as they get.

 

[Outlawmws]

Here is one ad:

 

[Outlawmws]

and AFAIK, Prentiss was of the "Henry Ford" persuasion: Any color you want, as long as it's semi gloss black...

 

[1982fxr]

I have a real old one and there are a few bits of black left on it...

 

[okeesignguy]

Hi all...I stumbled across this page while researching my vice...
It is a Monarch No 217...
Anybody here have any info on it...year made, value etc...???
Thanx!

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[Outlawmws]

The ad just above has the particulars for your vise. The ad is close to 100 years old, probably older, so that gives you a rough approximation.

The fixed base vises like your were made well past that, so it could be from whenever Prentice stopped the 2XX series of Monarch. Its certainly at least as old as the first half of the last century.

If you note the old school swivel vise pattern just below in that ad, that was a turn of the last century way to get a swivel vise, and stopped shortly after, so that sets the approximate era of the ad. I'm not sure when the Monarch models started.

 

[okeesignguy]

The ad just above has the particulars for your vise. The ad is close to 100 years old, probably older, so that gives you a rough approximation.

The fixed base vises like your were made well past that, so it could be from whenever Prentice stopped the 2XX series of Monarch. Its certainly at least as old as the first half of the last century.

If you note the old school swivel vise pattern just below in that ad, that was a turn of the last century way to get a swivel vise, and stopped shortly after, so that sets the approximate era of the ad. I'm not sure when the Monarch models started.

Thanx very much for your reply and this info...
I saw where there is a possible date code on the bottom of the moveable piece...
Here you see a pic of that code...I'm thinking maybe Jan 1948...???
What's the value of it do you think...??? $100 maybe...???
Thanx again!

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[1982fxr]

if the jaws are over 4 inches wide I'd drop 100 on it...

 

[Outlawmws]

The 217 is 4-1/2" 1982;

Value depends on a number of variables: condition (all we got was a silhouette pic), area, how bad the buyer wants/needs a 4-1/2" vise...

All things on the positive side: Possibly north of 100, but I've bought similar vises for $20 as well. The top dollar buyers will be fewer and further apart than any instant sale at top dollar...

 

[bigcaddy]

Thanx very much for your reply and this info...
I saw where there is a possible date code on the bottom of the moveable piece...
Here you see a pic of that code...I'm thinking maybe Jan 1948...???
What's the value of it do you think...??? $100 maybe...???
Thanx again!

[/URL][/IMG]

The 148 you found on your vise is a type of cast number. Once both halves of the vise were made, they went to different areas of the plant to be finished. Those numbers made sure both halves were mated correctly one the grinding/fitting was done. If you look around the dynamic jaw support or underneath the fixed base, you will find another 148 stamp on there

 

[okeesignguy]

Thanx guys!

 

[jaker10]

Just wanted to add my Monarch to this thread. Before and after pictures. Picked it up for $60.00

 

[william.m.hamilton2]

You ****!

But since as it will be pointed out it doesnt swivel, I will give you $75 for all the trouble.

 

[jaker10]

Oh damn I was going to give it to you for $65 but forget it now.

 

[Packard V8]

Hey all- I have my sights set on getting a monarch.

Just asking, why would one choose a Monarch over the Prentiss? Or a Parker/Athol/Morgan, et al?

jack vines

 

[Packard V8]

Hey all- I have my sights set on getting a monarch.

Just asking, why would one choose a Monarch over the Prentiss? Or a Parker/Athol/Morgan, et al?

jack vines

 

[william.m.hamilton2]

They seem to be more attractive to most because of the aesthetic trade mark. They also seem to be less common. Aesthetics + rareity of any collectable item makes it more valuable to the open market as a general rule.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jack: Monarch vises are made by Prentiss. they are a little more rare and the lion's head is a little different if you like that sort of thing.

ALL: here's my 100+ pound Monarch 223 that's only issue is a small hairline crack on the top of the back of the slide.

 

[ZRX61]

 

[bhydro]

Drivesitfar,
My Monarch 222 (swivel 5 1/2) has the identical flaw in the slide. Looking for the welder with the proper skill level for the fix.

 

[drivesitfar]

BH: there have been a few members who've either welded or brazed a cracked or broken slide's issue and some posted them on the vise repair 101 thread.

here's the link: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830

instead of posting on a really old thread you might take a few pictures of your vise and post it up on the 101 thread along with your requests for help. also go in your GJ profile and put in your area cause there might be a handy member close to you willing to help you either for cash or maybe a trade in services. while you are in your GJ profile click on Avatar and download one of your favorite pictures that will show up like my bison made of scraps and old tools does.

good luck

 

[bhydro]

Here is one ad:

Nice ad! After picking up a Prentiss Vise Co. Monarch 222 recently and doing a bit of research I found out what the even numbers in this series are. Swivel Base, Parallel Solid Jaws. Model #214 (3 1/2" jaw width), 216 (4"), 218 (4 1/2"), 220 (5"), 222 (5 1/2"), 224 (6"), 226 (6 1/2"). Additionally #225 is the fixed base 6 1/2" jaw model. Not sure if the series made larger jaw sizes or not.

 

[bhydro]

Thanks, will do. It's a keeper.

 

[Bryan Burns]

Drivesitfar,
My Monarch 222 (swivel 5 1/2) has the identical flaw in the slide. Looking for the welder with the proper skill level for the fix.

My Prentiss BullDog has had the same crack in the slide since my dad put it in his workshop in the late 1960's. It doesn't effect the function so I would consider leaving it alone.

 

[mike_paxton]

Saw a CL advertised Monarch 223 vise for sale, but the round base seems different than the three toed versions of other Monarch 223 that I've seen posted on GJ.

Has anyone seen a Monarch 223 with round base like this before?

Mike

 

[1982fxr]

It's just missing the swivel base and factory lockdown levers.

 

[mike_paxton]

It's just missing the swivel base and factory lockdown levers.

1982fxr:

I thought of that, but does that conflict with what bhydro said a couple of postings above about the Monarch's and quoted below.

"Nice ad! After picking up a Prentiss Vise Co. Monarch 222 recently and doing a bit of research I found out what the even numbers in this series are. Swivel Base, Parallel Solid Jaws. Model #214 (3 1/2" jaw width), 216 (4"), 218 (4 1/2"), 220 (5"), 222 (5 1/2"), 224 (6"), 226 (6 1/2"). Additionally #225 is the fixed base 6 1/2" jaw model. Not sure if the series made larger jaw sizes or not."

Kind of makes me wonder if the CL posting misread or posted the Monarch incorrectly as a 223, when it may have been an even number one that is missing what 1982fxr stated above.

Mike

 

[drivesitfar]

Mike: here's a picture of a 6 inch Monarch 224 with the swivel base that i think the one you are looking at is missing.

i can't tell you a lot about these great old Prentiss vises cause i sold off mine cause more times than not the backs of the slides were used as an anvil and you'll see either a small or big crack like this one back there.

i do like that LION'S HEAD though.

good luck

 

[mike_paxton]

Mike: here's a picture of a 6 inch Monarch 224 with the swivel base that i think the one you are looking at is missing.

i can't tell you a lot about these great old Prentiss vises cause i sold off mine cause more times than not the backs of the slides were used as an anvil and you'll see either a small or big crack like this one back there.

i do like that LION'S HEAD though.

good luck

Drives:

I had noticed the Monarch listed as a 223, but when checking all the 223's, all I came across was the 3 toed fixed base ones.

So, I think you are right, the seller has misidentified it or made an error when putting it up on CL to sell.

I'll keep looking for one that is complete and probably prefer the look of the fixed version, but that may be being too picky.

Mike

 

[redragoon]

Hello everyone,
I am new to this forum, but ran across it while looking for information on old vises. I needed one for the wall mounted workbench I just finished and wasn't happy with the look or price of newer ones.
The Monarch lion really looked different and I liked the fixed base version so I bought a model 217 that needs some TLC.
Firstly, it moves smoothly until about the 4.5-5" point. Then it is sliding against the cracked slide at the back. Someone used the back slide as an anvil and then a nail was hammered into the crack. Once I removed the nail, I could get motion to the full 6" it specs, but the last portion is still tough to turn. Grease can help that some, though.
I can get the screw out and reach most surfaces to clean, but I do not want to remove the slide fully yet because of the crack. Would there be an effective way to clamp this and fill to bring it back to the correct dimensions or is it better to leave the slide in the base and clean/restore as is?

 

[Outlawmws]

With your concerns I'd approach it like this:

• Clamp the crack closed at the very end of the slide and test open it until the clamp stops it.
• If its free at this point, you should be OK to remove for the next steps:
• Use calipers and measure the clamped width so you know what works...
• Remove the clamp, complete removal, and then de-rust the thing (in this case and with respect to the crack I'd go with Eveporust)
• Stop drill the end of the crack so it won't grow anymore.
• V grind the top and bottom of the crack
• clamp the thing tight and re-measure to make sure you are where you need to be.
• drill a couple of small holes for a threaded fastener, (socket head) small enough to fit the "web" that is cracked
• clearance drill the socket head side of the hole
• counter bore the socket head side for the head
• Tap the far side for the fasteners
• Screw them down tight.
• When the clamp is released, is it still the same test dimension? (It should be)
• NOW Pre heat and braze or weld the crack. Cool Slowly! (I like to bury the welded CI in Hot sand..)
• Once cool, recheck the measurement. If its still good, it should be ready for grease and reassembly.
• If it has any tight spots, draw file them down but don't go wild with metal removal...
• Bobs your uncle.

 

[Qcydj731]

Monarch No.219
I inherited this from grandfather. I can’t remember a time when this wasn’t in his garage. I couldn’t find much info, back when I got it so I went with red. I think a mini restore and semi gloss black will make this look great. Thank you for all the info in the previous posts.

 

[Geoya]

Re: Monarch vise 222

Just inherited this vise and searching for any information on it. Google search is pretty lean on the Monarch brand and nothing with the 222 model.

 

[Outlawmws]

Monarch is the Base family (numbered models for size within) Prentiss is the Mfg.

If you intended pics, they didn't take.

 

[bigdave_185]

New to the forum, and newer owner of another amazing monarch minus the cracked off tail,




She’s currently torn down, in need of some new jaws, some attachment hardware, and possibly a brass bushing for the hand crank.

Stripped it down, soaking in diesel fuel to decrease and see what turns out


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bigdave_185]

Some parts are cleaned up,





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk