Reed 224 1/2 R condition questions -active eBay listing

[moorett]

I'm thinking of doing more bidding on this Reed 224 1/2 R Coachmakers vise eBay auction. Already at $570 and 3 days left with 35 watchers currently.

Wondering if anyone knows why the handle would have the cut groove in it?
What is the small slot head screw in the underside pic by the top right foot?

Looks like a clean low mileage vise but not sure. Your value input is welcome.

Thank you!

 

[Maui]

The groove in the handle would suggest that a repair was made there. I have a Reed 324 1/2 that I restored several years ago. Instead of a swivel base it has a swivel jaw, and is quite rare in comparison to the 224 1/2.

 

[moorett]

Wow, that is a rare one. Have only seen it in Reeds old Ads. Nice resto Maui.

 

[eflem]

Here’s a 224-1/2 restored