Vice? Whatisit?

[Sevenhills1952]

This was my grandfather's. My guess is it's at least 80 years old.
Jaws are about 10" wide but only open 1/4". Says Sargent & Co.
Other side No.10 I think? Lever releases jaws but have to then open it. Lever locks it with a lot of pressure.
My guess a small metal brake?

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[3baygarage]

Looks like a saw sharpening vise. Nice piece to have and display.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Yes, a saw sharpening vise.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

Thanks so much![emoji3]

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[The Cobbler]

post 2&3 nailed it

 

[Fierljeppen]

Pretty sure it's a Sargent & Co. No. 100, much older than 80 years.

The catalog scan is from 1910 and the 2nd photo is just an example of how it holds a saw.

 

[Milton Shaw]

That is a handsaw sharpening vise, they also made circular saw vices. This was back in the day before many power tools were available, and nobody had heard of carbide tip saw blades. There have been a lot of old saw sharpening items in the "what is it" postings on GJ. That used to be a requirement to be a carpenter, was to be able to set and sharpen your own blades . I have the graduation picture of my granddad dated 1906, with his saw and box he made in apprentice school.

 

[TailGunner3000]

Wow. $17.00 in 1910 was a heck of a lot of money.

 

[jrj3rd]

Wow. $17.00 in 1910 was a heck of a lot of money.

$17.00 for a dozen...

 

[Sevenhills1952]

A few years ago at my homeplace a fairly large tree fell across the driveway. In the garage were Dad's (rip) chainsaws he had torn apart, but I did find a large two man saw of Grandads. It was still sharp and teeth set. My nephew was there so I said we'll try it. We were amazed how well it cut. I'm not so sure two guys with a good hand saw couldn't outdo a chainsaw...at least it seemed that way.

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[TailGunner3000]

$17.00 for a dozen...

Missed that. Makes more sense now.