Prentiss Vise Identification Help

[tdwpgtp]

Hello, everyone. I've had this vise for a few years now and just recently decided to try to figure out what it is. It appears that someone has used the nameplate area as an anvil, as many of the characters (including the model number) are deformed or missing. The jaws are 5-1/8" wide and the rear jaw swivels. There are no other markings that I can find, aside from the ones on the top side of the body, shown in the attached picture.

If anyone can help me identify the model and provide any other info, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Looks like a model 21

 

[tdwpgtp]

That was my initial thought, but I didn't see any others with the markings on the top. All other 21s seem to have the maker mark on the side

 

[davethorik]

The oldest Prentiss swivel jaws were all marked on top of the body where yours is. The newer ones are marked on the side. It appears your vise was made prior to 1911, that was when Prentiss got a patent for removable jaw faces.

My question is, is that rear swivel jaw original? Something doesn't look quite right there. Look at other Prentiss swivel jaw vises on Google. They are more flat, not rounded like yours. Interesting.

 

[Maui]

That is probably a Prentiss No. 21.

Maui

 

[454ragtop]

Strange vise, kinda looks like someone made or modified the swivel jaw, and the swivel base lock as well.

 

[tdwpgtp]

Is it possible that the early ones came this way? I'd imagine that any modifications would detract from any value it has. In all honesty, the reason I started trying to figure out what it is is because I bought a smaller, more practical (for me) vise to replace it, and am probably going to sell it soon. It just takes up too much of my limited bench space, unfortunately.

 

[chrisnazzy]

I have a Prentiss 21 just like yours. As someone else already stated, it's pre 1911 as that's when Prentiss patented and began using their removable jaws.

Both styles of cast-in brand and model identification found on the sides of Prentiss vises came later.

Your swivel jaw pin and pull up swivel release lever are modified or replaced from original.

Edit: after a closer look at your pics, I certainly agree with the others, the entire swivel jaw assembly does look modified or replaced with something of a different shape all together!

Here's a pic of my no. 21 for comparison and a catalog scan for you.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[454ragtop]

Can you take the swivel jaw off and post some pics of it from different sides and the bottom?

 

[tdwpgtp]

I will have to try sometime tomorrow. I was busy all evening and may be busy all day tomorrow, but I will soon!

 

[Tvirus89]

Hi there.names tommy. prentiss vise #23? Does anyone have any pics? Im trying to help a friend out with info to see if he has one

 

[drivesitfar]

Tommy: Prentiss #23 weighs about 200 +-pounds give or take so not many to be found. Jaw size and pics of your friends vise should help us identify it. I have pics of a #22 that weighs 165 pounds that might help if you need some.

All: I agree this #21 we are talking about has an odd looking swivel jaw. The Prentiss name and maybe number look like it’s on top of the static jaw behind the swivel jaw but my old eyes can’t read it. Better pics?

 

[TailGunner3000]

There are pictures of the Prentiss 23 online and within these forums. But if it's a Prentiss vise with a swiveling rear jaw, a weight of over 200 lbs, and a jaw width of 7 inches, it's a 23.

 

[Shiftless]

Prentiss #23

Courtesy of ToolmanTim

.

 

[drivesitfar]

Shift: that Prentiss looks like it’s been in a war (or 2) with a chunk out of the jaw and a large crack in the top of the slide AND it’s missing it’s swivel base. That said it’s old and it’s huge so probably was worth saving.

 

[Shiftless]

Drives:
I agree. Use it, abuse it, weld it up, use it some more. That’s how some great old vises end up like that.

 

[tdwpgtp]

Can you take the swivel jaw off and post some pics of it from different sides and the bottom?

Is 7 years later too late?

Just pulled off the jaw. The machining on the bottom certainly looks crude. Almost looks like someone chiseled away steel, but I don't really know how that would make sense.

 

[tdwpgtp]

Is 7 years later too late?

Just pulled off the jaw. The machining on the bottom certainly looks crude. Almost looks like someone chiseled away steel, but I don't really know how that would make sense.

Just noticed some characters on the top of the swivel jaw. Looks like that part is from 1919.not sure what the top row means

 

[RTM]

Usually, the parts of a vise were paired up at the factory, and stamped with a matching pair of numbers, as the slide might be ground to the static jaw. (Wooden tool chests also, a matching pencilled number on the case and all drawers is a good sign)

Could be that's what your second number is. If that number does not match a stamp on the body, or the 1911 date from above is good, and someone broke the original jaw, and put one on in 1919, that could explain the chisel work and the date. Just left a clue, or maybe the second number was him signing his work.