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Yep, you ****.
I bought a MB-76 chest today for $20.
Spreading the Bonney affliction!
- Thread starter bonneyman
- Start date
OMG, what a pain the drawer glides were! Completely blind with no access holes, so I had to make a tool out of wire to depress the springs. 
Look how clean the crinkle red is under the side handles! Wish I had a time machine.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Bonney 1/2 socket 12 point 3/8 drive. Triangle. Good find from the pawn shop yesterday.
genog
Well-known member
My contribution this week
Bonney T-703K
Chrysler M.T.S.C Award
Bonney T-703K
Chrysler M.T.S.C Award
Bought a couple early birthday presents for myself from eBay. Neither has “Bonney” on it anywhere, except the shoe disk of the larger vise.
However, I believe all parts of both vises are Bonney.
The larger vise does not show a model number, but the pattern, dimensions, and weight are very consistant with the No250 / 250A, variously described as an improved machinists’ / farmers’ / garage vise in catalogs from 1899 to 1919. It sports a bit of dark green paint. The swivel base nut is not the lever-type shown for this model in cat illustrations, but is very like those shown for similar Bonney Champion swivel vises. I suspect it is pre-Allentown, because there is no sign of a Princeton- or B-shield on the anvil surface, although I haven’t cleaned it enough to be certain.
The smaller table vise has the expected model number, “02” stamped on the anvil surface, and the JGBaker patent lift-over collar typical of this style Bonney vise.
If there is a figure inside this triangle, it looks more like a “2” than a “B” to me 
I am delighted by the vague triangular forge marks on each of the main components, which may help confirm Bonney origins of otherwise unmarked contract vises. There may be a “B” in the center of the triangles, but if so, I don’t see it.
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I’m getting the MB76 cleaned up. There is hardly any paint left on the top or front, and what’s there is faded.
The back is in better shape, and the sides have about 50%. 
The interior is also missing a lot, but not as faded.I scrubbed this puppy with SimpleGreen, a toothbrush and a hot water spray. The number of mouse turds and just plain filth was astonishing.
Nevertheless, I scraped this petroleum-bonded nastiness out of the corners of the top bay, afterwards.
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I’m getting the MB76 cleaned up. There is hardly any paint left on the top or front, and what’s there is faded. The back is in better shape, and the sides have about 50%. The interior is also missing a lot, but not as faded.
I scrubbed this puppy with SimpleGreen, a toothbrush and a hot water spray. The number of mouse turds and just plain filth was astonishing.
Nevertheless, I scraped this petroleum-bonded nastiness out of the corners of the top bay, afterwards.
Its a lot of work cleaning things like this up! Nice job so far! Whats your plan to finishing it up? What kind of style of paint are you gonna do? The crinkle style? And are you gonna put a decal in the spot where it had the "painted" decal?
I think “yes” to crinkle and decal, but it won’t be right away. Not before June or later. The metal needs repair in a few spots. I have a smaller Craftsman crowntop that has similar metal damage, so I plan to try intermittent welding that first.
Since it has dried from its bath, there are still a lot of mouse turds rattling around in the enclosed sides. I’ll have to try another technique to get them out, ‘cause I’m just not having that ****.
Since it has dried from its bath, there are still a lot of mouse turds rattling around in the enclosed sides. I’ll have to try another technique to get them out, ‘cause I’m just not having that ****.
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Stillgottimefor1
Well-known member
Found a couple nice ones today 
they are soaking now, but look good already
they are soaking now, but look good alreadyFarmer J.
Well-known member
Nice ones. Ah, and also an Indian Motocycle one. 'Never underestimate and old man with an Indian Scout', as they say..Found a couple nice ones today
I got my first ever Bonney tool, i had never heard of the company here in New Zealand
A Lehigh Vise 1 3/4 inch, very well made has the "B" in a shield.
the only other marks on it are on the clamp "patent applied for"
would anyone have an idea on age, i was thinking 1920s?
A Lehigh Vise 1 3/4 inch, very well made has the "B" in a shield.
the only other marks on it are on the clamp "patent applied for"
would anyone have an idea on age, i was thinking 1920s?
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Stillgottimefor1
Well-known member
That is absolutely beautiful! I don’t know much else, but the “Bonney “ shield casting was only for a few years. Since I am known as always wrong, go to AlloyArtifacts and you can find when it was made. That’s a very pretty thing.I got my first ever Bonney tool, i had never heard of the company here in New Zealand
A Lehigh Vise 1 3/4 inch, very well made has the "B" in a shield.
the only other marks on it are on the clamp "patent applied for"
would anyone have an idea on age, i was thinking 1920s?
akasrick
Well-known member
Possibly this patent.the only other marks on it are on the clamp "patent applied for"
would anyone have an idea on age, i was thinking 1920s?
akasrick
Thanks for that, yip that’s it and dates seem rightPossibly this patent.
akasrick
akasrick
Well-known member
I believe LesserSon had a conversation about that patent a while back.
I grew up with the slogan "Let your fingers do the walking", today it's as easy as mouse click.
If all these pictures and infos are centrally located somewhere.
Your vise I guess has a screw and spring under front of the slide, which is another patent.
It is interesting seeing the advance of the making of the tool.
akasrick
I grew up with the slogan "Let your fingers do the walking", today it's as easy as mouse click.
If all these pictures and infos are centrally located somewhere.
Your vise I guess has a screw and spring under front of the slide, which is another patent.
It is interesting seeing the advance of the making of the tool.
akasrick
yes it has a screw and spring lifting the front of the spindle head
very interesting design, havent seen it before
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I'm glad you followed my tip from the Mega Vise thread, but I had no idea at the time that you were following it from New Zealand! That vise spent some time in the hold of on an ocean-going vessel. Although I have several Bonney Champion vises, I have yet to find a Bonney Lehigh, and I was born and raised within 35 miles of the Allentown factory, and still live within an hour or so of there.
On that note, and not to be pedantic, but you be interested in knowing that the word "Lehigh" derives from "lecha" (LAY-ha), the shortened version of "lechauwekink" (lay-HA-wa-kink), a Lenni-Lenape (le-KNEE le-NA-pay) word for "river with many forks" (or something like that), a river with some good whitewater stretches, by the way, that I have personally rafted and canoed many times. Eventually it became anglicized into a word that is ubiquitous in the area around Allentown, as the name of not only the river, but a county, the entire valley, hospitals, untold businesses, and one prestigious university, known for its engineering program. And, of course, the highest class of Bonney vises.
LesserSon will be along to fill you in on all the details (when etc) of your vise. If you search the thread on "Lehigh" you will find several others. I know that LS has at least one (post #3,218 on page 81) and leg17 has a few (post #2,940 on page 74).
Welcome. And nice find.
private lugnutz , your post is why I love collecting old things, learning about the history of the maker, it’s area and also history of names. Tapping into knowledge of others on forums have way round the world just amazes me. Thank you for your reply
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
You're quite welcome, and I share your reason. I love my collection. Just having it. Marveling at it. Being able to pick them up and hold them and, occasionally, maybe even use them - although I tend to go easy on the old retirees. But there is no doubt I love the hunt and the stories behind them all even more.
ranger08
That is a beautiful example of a Lehigh table vise.
Lehigh vises are shown in 11 models in the 1923 catalog. Model 1007 had 1-3/4” iron jaws and 1107 had 1-3/4” steel jaws. Your Lehigh vise looks like a model 1007 to me, because there is no demarcation indicating a difference in grain structure.
Like you, I have a 1007, but the table clamp screw cap is missing, so I am uncertain if it was before or after the 1924 patent. (That is a very nice dating feature to have present.) My example lacks the B-shield, but rather has “Bonney” in an arc over “Made in USA.”
It is the same as yours on the other side.
Bonney stamped model numbers on the flat “anvil” surface of many vises. On my 1007, if it was present, it is obscured or obliterated by subsequent use.
However, on my 1008 (2“ iron jaws), it is fairly clear, despite other wear.
And it includes a stamped patent date corresponding to the one noted by akasrick:
which is the overall design. JGBaker was a brilliant and prolific inventor, with patents assigned to Disston, Stanley, and of course Bonney, among others. I sort of think we should make a thread on just his patents.
BTW, my 1008 has a possibly transitional combination of B-shield and “Made in USA,” though I suppose it could be that the difference is space consideration. Unfortunately, the screw cap is missing on this one, too.
That is a beautiful example of a Lehigh table vise.
Lehigh vises are shown in 11 models in the 1923 catalog. Model 1007 had 1-3/4” iron jaws and 1107 had 1-3/4” steel jaws. Your Lehigh vise looks like a model 1007 to me, because there is no demarcation indicating a difference in grain structure.
Like you, I have a 1007, but the table clamp screw cap is missing, so I am uncertain if it was before or after the 1924 patent. (That is a very nice dating feature to have present.) My example lacks the B-shield, but rather has “Bonney” in an arc over “Made in USA.”
It is the same as yours on the other side.
Bonney stamped model numbers on the flat “anvil” surface of many vises. On my 1007, if it was present, it is obscured or obliterated by subsequent use.
However, on my 1008 (2“ iron jaws), it is fairly clear, despite other wear.
And it includes a stamped patent date corresponding to the one noted by akasrick:
which is the overall design. JGBaker was a brilliant and prolific inventor, with patents assigned to Disston, Stanley, and of course Bonney, among others. I sort of think we should make a thread on just his patents.
BTW, my 1008 has a possibly transitional combination of B-shield and “Made in USA,” though I suppose it could be that the difference is space consideration. Unfortunately, the screw cap is missing on this one, too.
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Oldtuleguy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2017
- Messages
- 10,457
Very nice. I have been watching this little gem on ebay but getting a bit pricey
Bonney Rapid Transit Vise 2¼" Jaws Antique jewelers vice nickel plated w/ stand | eBay
<p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">Bonney Rapid Transit Vise 2¼" Jaws Antique jewelers vice nickel plated. Display stand is included! </p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">This is a Bonney Rapid Transit Vise co. jewelers vise in great condition. It was made...
www.ebay.com
Yeah, me too. Just watching to see how high it goes. I’m not sure, but I think the rapid transit vises were a separate enterprise of CS Bonney, marketed in the 1886 catalog, but not in subsequent catalog pdfs I’ve seen. A very cool, old vise, but beyond my current means.
Oldtuleguy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2017
- Messages
- 10,457
I'm digging that quick release feature and the nickel finish
Hi mate, i've have been researching alot i believe the Bonney logo on the left side is the earliest example, then the shield only (and as mine has the patent it confirms the date to mid to late 20s) Shield with "made in Usa"before 20sranger08
That is a beautiful example of a Lehigh table vise.
Lehigh vises are shown in 11 models in the 1923 catalog. Model 1007 had 1-3/4” iron jaws and 1107 had 1-3/4” steel jaws. Your Lehigh vise looks like a model 1007 to me, because there is no demarcation indicating a difference in grain structure.
Like you, I have a 1007, but the table clamp screw cap is missing, so I am uncertain if it was before or after the 1924 patent. (That is a very nice dating feature to have present.) My example lacks the B-shield, but rather has “Bonney” in an arc over “Made in USA.”
It is the same as yours on the other side.
Bonney stamped model numbers on the flat “anvil” surface of many vises. On my 1007, if it was present, it is obscured or obliterated by subsequent use.
However, on my 1008 (2“ iron jaws), it is fairly clear, despite other wear.
And it includes a stamped patent date corresponding to the one noted by akasrick:
which is the overall design. JGBaker was a brilliant and prolific inventor, with patents assigned to Disston, Stanley, and of course Bonney, among others. I sort of think we should make a thread on just his patents.
BTW, my 1008 has a possibly transitional combination of B-shield and “Made in USA,” though I suppose it could be that the difference is space consideration. Unfortunately, the screw cap is missing on this one, too.
and yes no evidence of hardening of jaws
does that make sense to you?
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I’m unclear whether I understand your “earliest” description. I’m hesitant to agree (or to disagree) with a specific sequence based on the few examples under current discussion.
Examples lacking the patent-notifications don’t help the argument either way, because they may have been phased out as the protection term expired, or they may have resulted from a missed step in production, or they may be worn down in use.
I think the fess & chevron shield was adopted from Princeton when the Durham brothers graduated from that institution and their father acquired Bonney, ca1906.
It seems to me the spelled-out “Bonney” name, whether straight or in an arc, can have been placed on any product at any point in the company’s existance, so not helpful arranging a chronology.
The JG Baker patent for the design labeled “Lehigh” in actual production is 1916.
The additional patent for the screw pad/cap is 1924, but that does not suggest to me that the main castings would have been modified (updated) for that reason. If there is an actual evolution to the labeling (and not just incidental variation among the patterns), my instinct is to place the spelled-out”Bonney” examples last, rather than first, but that is just a guess.
Examples lacking the patent-notifications don’t help the argument either way, because they may have been phased out as the protection term expired, or they may have resulted from a missed step in production, or they may be worn down in use.
I think the fess & chevron shield was adopted from Princeton when the Durham brothers graduated from that institution and their father acquired Bonney, ca1906.
It seems to me the spelled-out “Bonney” name, whether straight or in an arc, can have been placed on any product at any point in the company’s existance, so not helpful arranging a chronology.
The JG Baker patent for the design labeled “Lehigh” in actual production is 1916.
The additional patent for the screw pad/cap is 1924, but that does not suggest to me that the main castings would have been modified (updated) for that reason. If there is an actual evolution to the labeling (and not just incidental variation among the patterns), my instinct is to place the spelled-out”Bonney” examples last, rather than first, but that is just a guess.
I was out today, and stopped in to an antiques store, where I bought a jelly bean logo No502 S-wrench (at bottom). 
Looking at these, I think they must have been made within a relatively short period, but the forged-in logos are each different. I guess the jelly bean logo is earliest, but it has the same stamped embedded shield logo as the other two.
Then there is this No503, with nothing forged-in, and no embedded shield. So many variations.
Looking at these, I think they must have been made within a relatively short period, but the forged-in logos are each different. I guess the jelly bean logo is earliest, but it has the same stamped embedded shield logo as the other two.
Then there is this No503, with nothing forged-in, and no embedded shield. So many variations.
WOW!Very nice. I have been watching this little gem on ebay but getting a bit pricey
Bonney Rapid Transit Vise 2¼" Jaws Antique jewelers vice nickel plated w/ stand | eBay
<p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">Bonney Rapid Transit Vise 2¼" Jaws Antique jewelers vice nickel plated. Display stand is included! </p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;">This is a Bonney Rapid Transit Vise co. jewelers vise in great condition. It was made...www.ebay.com
The final price puts it right up with Prentiss jeweler’s vises. Even without the base.
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genog
Well-known member
Bonney 3/4" drive breaker bar
Not sure when it was made
Not sure when it was made
Mikeske
Well-known member
That is kind of hard to tell as the part number is blurry looking at the picture on my phone but I am thinking judging by the USA mark and the fact I do not see a triangle mark it is from the mid 1950’s to sometime in the mid 1960’sBonney 3/4" drive breaker bar
Not sure when it was made
genog
Well-known member
Here's a closeup of the part number
Mikeske
Well-known member
I say that is just after Bonney was combined with Utica. The part number of the ratchet matches mine R720A matches the part number system used.
genog,
What does the knurling on the grip look like? is it continuous, or alternated with smooth bands?
I ask because I agree with Mikeske - if it was from the Triangle era, it should have a triangular stamp on it, under the logo, which suggests it is from 1964-1967, or after 1995.
“R720A” appears in 1963 catalog, but it is a detacheable hinge head, part of a modular system, replacing “R720” (dating back to 1957, but not as far back as 1950).
Bonney became part of Utica in 1964, then Triangle in 1967.
R720A illustrated in 1967 is a single piece, but with the banded grip I mentioned. (It could be that this detail in the illustration is not what the actual tool looked like in 1967.)
The 1977 catalog shows a similar hinge handle with a continuously textured grip, but I can’t make out from the image resolution what the grip pattern is, exactly. That model continues to 1986, at least.
Cooper bought out Triangle in 1995, so presumable dropped the triangular stamp, but I do not know how long they continued the Bonney line of tools after that.
What does the knurling on the grip look like? is it continuous, or alternated with smooth bands?
I ask because I agree with Mikeske - if it was from the Triangle era, it should have a triangular stamp on it, under the logo, which suggests it is from 1964-1967, or after 1995.
“R720A” appears in 1963 catalog, but it is a detacheable hinge head, part of a modular system, replacing “R720” (dating back to 1957, but not as far back as 1950).
Bonney became part of Utica in 1964, then Triangle in 1967.
R720A illustrated in 1967 is a single piece, but with the banded grip I mentioned. (It could be that this detail in the illustration is not what the actual tool looked like in 1967.)
The 1977 catalog shows a similar hinge handle with a continuously textured grip, but I can’t make out from the image resolution what the grip pattern is, exactly. That model continues to 1986, at least.
Cooper bought out Triangle in 1995, so presumable dropped the triangular stamp, but I do not know how long they continued the Bonney line of tools after that.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I snagged this Bonney B25 long nose side-cutting plier at the flea this morning, almost exclusively because it has strong wartime potential (style, shape, and "MADE IN U.S.A." COO marking) and I love the way the branding was done in quotes ("BONNEY")(see Pic 2). I wasn't really thinking too much about who made it, and I really didn't inspect it too closely beyond those markings on the spot. It was coming home with me anyway, so I kept moving.
Only when I got home and cleaned it properly did I discover the "A42" on the inside of one handle near the end (see Pic 4). The marking and the placement of it are very reminiscent of the Craftsman pliers of the Vanadium era, many of which were "AM41", and it does lend some credence to the theory - I can't recall if it was LesserSon, Oultaw, or both - about Champion DeArment being the manufacturer. Bonney was very explicit about Champion DeArment being at least one of their suppliers in the 1941 catalog.
Excerpt from the 1941 Catalog in Pic 5.
Only when I got home and cleaned it properly did I discover the "A42" on the inside of one handle near the end (see Pic 4). The marking and the placement of it are very reminiscent of the Craftsman pliers of the Vanadium era, many of which were "AM41", and it does lend some credence to the theory - I can't recall if it was LesserSon, Oultaw, or both - about Champion DeArment being the manufacturer. Bonney was very explicit about Champion DeArment being at least one of their suppliers in the 1941 catalog.
Excerpt from the 1941 Catalog in Pic 5.
Attachments
genog
Well-known member
LesserSon, it looks continuous
No alternating smooth bands
No alternating smooth bands
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I found an extension with a really nice prewar Bonney script logo Chrome (CV) Vanadium at the flea today.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Unfortunately, it was chopped and snot-brazed to the head of a chopped prewar Williams line wrench to make a crowsfoot attachment! 
(Not an invitation to remind me of the old maxim to which I am all too aware: that Necessity is the Mothereffer of Invention!)
(Not an invitation to remind me of the old maxim to which I am all too aware: that Necessity is the Mothereffer of Invention!
)Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
So as not to end on a sour note, I am going to double-post this unusual S-shaped pin spanner here, posted first on the Mack Truck thread. Made by Bonney.
