Reed 403 1/2

[Whiskeymike]

I picked up a swivel head Reed for a great price. So good, I didn’t ask questions or look at it twice. When I got home and gave it the once over, I found a chip about 3/4” inch wide out of the bottom swivel base plate. It’s a hole all the way through but not affecting the function of swiveling or the vice itself.

Should I Tig weld it closed by building it up? If so, what are the best steps? Is this cast?

Anyone got a lead on a replacement base?

Anyone know how I can date this piece?

I’ll try to get pics and post tomorrow.