Rock Island #55 vise

[elkuypers]

Hi all,
I just got a Rock Island #55 vise and was trying to find out how old it is and I could not find anything on the #55 vise. I found the #56 and other numbers but could not find anything on the #55 vise. The vise is huge and I put a couple pics below for your viewing. If anyone has any feedback or info on this vise it would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[ALLFAST]

I’m no expert , but based upon your text with The RI Manufacturing Co, and it being horizontal on the left, I’d say it’s pre 1940.

If you carefully take a real brass wire brush ( not too aggressive of bristle) and brush the top of the slide , you may likely see some stamped number dates…3 39, 4-40, etc.

I’m not sure if they stamped them like they did from the 1940s and up. They would be on the top of the dynamic jaw surface, likely just behind the jaw joint area, or farther back within about 7 inches.

That’s a nice one !

 

[ALLFAST]

I just saw the tops of your jaw towers, with the cladded area- this design feature is pre 1930, maybe 1915 or thereabouts. OUTSTANDING vise , and if it’s a swivel tail, I can advise you on getting it safely freed up if need be.

Others will chime in soon, and there are many threads on this style vise. GREAT SCORE!

 

[ALLFAST]

I found this catalog picture from another thread on here, regarding a No.56. You have quite an uncommon and very desirable Rocky !

A swivel tail , 6 inch jaw , from the mid 1900s would be my holy grail. I’m excited for you; can’t wait to see your progress on it!

 

[ALLFAST]

It looks like it will clean up very nicely. The staggered “Rock Island” script is very cool as well.

Welcome to the forum!

Best Regards,

Shawn

 

[elkuypers]

Thank you Shawn. Really appreciate your input and information. I will let you know if I find any other numbers on the vise. Thank again for your response.