Thoughts on Reed vise values.

[garymtx]

Have a line on a Reed 3C and a Reed 4ca vise. Both are in great shape, just some worn paint. Jaws are good and no cracks or welds/repairs. I know this is subjective, but what is an estimated worth for each?

 

[Maui]

That depends a lot on where you live. I bought this Reed 2C years ago in upstate NY for about $80 and completely restored it. It was a lot of work, but was well worth the effort. I don’t think you could touch this vise today for less than $200. And a 3C would probably fetch closer to $300 in the northeast today. A 4C would go for big bucks if it’s in good condition.

 

[Rinspeed]

Prices are all over the place for vintage vises, a 3C with no repairs and decent jaws would be worth at least $200 in my opinion. Some people think they are worth $600-800 but there's a big difference between asking and getting.

 

[TailGunner3000]

I think a realistic value on the 3C is $300 to $400 and close to $1000 on the 4C.

 

[drivesitfar]

Gary: can you post a few pics? I’m guessing your 4 Ca was made by Columbian so my thinking is not as valuable as older ones. As you say pricing is all about condition, year it left factory and of course area you live in.

In Texas I bet you couldn’t find a 3c in good shape for less than a grand if it’s older than 1960. And maybe there are some for a few hundred in some areas but I’d guess you’d have to be quick to respond and willing to drive a few hours.

in my opinion old Reed C series vices were some of the best user vises made. The newer ones made by Columbian for Reed might be good vises too but I wouldn’t put them in same group as older ones.

 

[thehorse13]

2C models appear in the mid Atlantic regularly. You can still get one for under 100 bucks but you better move quickly. They don't stick around long at sub 100 dollar prices.

3C and 4C models turn up with a lot less frequency. When they do, they vanish fast. The last 4C I saw listed was gone within hours. The seller had it priced at $375 or best offer.

 

[drivesitfar]

Horse: when you find Reed C series (pre 1960's) vises for a benjamin or so let me know cause i'll send you a Paypal to pick them up and that will give me a good reason to come visit. AND maybe I have something to bring that might make you smile too.

cheers

 

[NilesRock]

Around the bay area my friend just paid $275 for a 1C in great shape which to me is top dollar or too much. Another friend recently got a 2C on a super nice base for $550 in Sacramento. Haven't seen any 3C on CL in the area.
About a year ago I picked up a Reed 33 which is the older version of the 3C for $100. Drove 2 hours each way and it's in great condition although missing one of the pipe jaws. That deal was the exception not the norm in this area.
Only 4C I've ever seen around here sits in the machine shop at the water co I work for. Funny thing about the 4C is the machinist that uses it says he doesn't like it but almost every time I go to visit him there's a part he's working on clamped in it.

So my 2 cents I'd go 3C for $350 - 550 and 4C would be $650 - 1000. To me the value is based on the condition and those guestimates would be for usable jaws that aren't worn smooth and the older more robust versions. This is based on what I've seen and bought locally and up to 120 miles away. So if anyone around has a 3C or 4C around here to part with let me know and perhaps we can make a deal.

 

[GhostintheMachineShop]

What say y'all for a high bid on a fair to good condition 3C in the Midwest these days? And were they red from the factory? Thx in advance.