Vise Info Thread

[Fierljeppen]

davethorik...Thanks, it's one of my favorite vises. I have one more Oswego Tool Co. vise that I need to add to the spreadsheet.

Keen Kutter KM 412. Waiting for spec:s.

I Found a 1921 catalog scan with both the Keen Kutter vise and the same OEM Reed vise. The Keen Kutter listed for more $ than the exact same Reed, go figure.

For those who are unfamiliar with Keen Kutter, it was a trademark for the prominent E. C. Simmons Hardware Co. Same as what Craftsman was to Sears, if you will.

Charles Parker #77. 4-1/2" swivel jaw that opens to 9-1/2" and weights 70lbs. Looks like a different swivel base on this old guy but not sure.

That's a really nice Parker vise!

I didn't recall seeing that style Parker base before, but the catalog scan I found has the same style, who knew.

 

[KMScott]

First of all Fierljeppen, very nice Oswego vise you picked up and just love your pic:s.

I have noticed that Parker's feet were pointed and not so round on the old ones but after bringing to my attention the side lock then maybe it is a Parker swivel base on the 77. I see in the Parker drawing how one foot is pointed and the rear is one is rounded.

Thanks for the spec:s on Keen Kutter models, I'll update the Spreadsheet.

 

[va.grouseman]

Quote by Fierljeppen

I Found a 1921 catalog scan with both the Keen Kutter vise and the same OEM Reed vise. The Keen Kutter listed for more $ than the exact same Reed, go figure.

For those who are unfamiliar with Keen Kutter, it was a trademark for the prominent E. C. Simmons Hardware Co. Same as what Craftsman was to Sears, if you will.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Fierljeppen, E. C. Simmons put the keen Kutter logo on all kinds of stuff, as I'm sure you well know.---Axes, hatchets, saws, scythes, adzes, bill hooks, shears, scissors, files, stones, razors, knives, and an occasional bench vise and post vise.---And most of their stuff was top of the line quality.

 

[jaycobie]

Something I posted on the "Bench vises forever" facebook a while back but got no responses. Thought it'd be worth mentioning here, if anyone in the U.S. is interested in some library expeditions for vise info:

I stumbled upon the book "A Guide to American Trade Catalogs 1744-1900" by Lawrence B. Romaine
It's a very dry read, since it's an index of various different antique catalogs that are stored in libraries around the US, as well as listings as to what libraries the catalogs were stored in at the time of writing (published 1990).

The book has at least 2 chapters dedicated to catalogs that are from manufacturers and resellers of tools, hardware, machinery and related supplies.

I see at least a few catalogs that have mentions of vises that would be amazing for the community to get their hands on, were someone able to take the time to visit said libraries and get the catalogs in question scanned into a digital format.
I don't even live in the U.S. but I thought I'd share my nerdy finds, if someone has interest in researching these leads further. Archive.org has tons of vintage/antique tool catalogs and could host the files, were someone to get the catalogs scanned, and their age makes any copyright issue null and void.

The book can be found on this google books page:
https://books.google.is/books/about...atalogs_1744.html?id=sDl4SMVILpcC&redir_esc=y

Some mentions that I found interesting, that are not to be found on the web yet, as far as I can find:
Page 181 - Ohio Tool Co. 1890 catalog, mentions vises - Located in Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio
Page 181 - Stearns, E.C.&Co 1882 catalog, mentions vises - Located in Onondaga Historical Association, Syracuse NY
Page 197 - Undated Hollands Mfg. Co Catalog #2 Located in Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
Page 200 - Newkirk, Ritchie & Bell 1888 Catalog - mentions Champion vises - Located in Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul MN

 

[Fierljeppen]

Solving row-8- from the vise spreadsheet, it's a Gipsy combination anvil, vise and drilling machine, by the Bonney Vise & Tool Works.

First offered in 1897, it continued to show up in vise directories until the mid 1920's. Although this "jack of all trades, master of none" vise wasn't a particularly good user. It's style is quite popular with antique collectors, as a show piece.

jaw width.......5-1/2"
jaw opening....8"
weight...........40 lbs.

 

[FMC1959]

Something I posted on the "Bench vises forever" facebook a while back but got no responses. Thought it'd be worth mentioning here, if anyone in the U.S. is interested in some library expeditions for vise info:

I stumbled upon the book "A Guide to American Trade Catalogs 1744-1900" by Lawrence B. Romaine
It's a very dry read, since it's an index of various different antique catalogs that are stored in libraries around the US, as well as listings as to what libraries the catalogs were stored in at the time of writing (published 1990).

The book has at least 2 chapters dedicated to catalogs that are from manufacturers and resellers of tools, hardware, machinery and related supplies.

I see at least a few catalogs that have mentions of vises that would be amazing for the community to get their hands on, were someone able to take the time to visit said libraries and get the catalogs in question scanned into a digital format.
I don't even live in the U.S. but I thought I'd share my nerdy finds, if someone has interest in researching these leads further. Archive.org has tons of vintage/antique tool catalogs and could host the files, were someone to get the catalogs scanned, and their age makes any copyright issue null and void.

The book can be found on this google books page:
https://books.google.is/books/about...atalogs_1744.html?id=sDl4SMVILpcC&redir_esc=y

Some mentions that I found interesting, that are not to be found on the web yet, as far as I can find:
Page 181 - Ohio Tool Co. 1890 catalog, mentions vises - Located in Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio
Page 181 - Stearns, E.C.&Co 1882 catalog, mentions vises - Located in Onondaga Historical Association, Syracuse NY
Page 197 - Undated Hollands Mfg. Co Catalog #2 Located in Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
Page 200 - Newkirk, Ritchie & Bell 1888 Catalog - mentions Champion vises - Located in Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul MN

I did not get a chance to check any of the pages, but it looks like it can be very interesting.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Here's the earliest Wilton vise ad's known, that just became available from a 1941 "The Tool Engineer", November and December respectively.

It shows the "one year" guarantee and representation from a Chicago firm, Stutson & Scowley.

 

[loganb]

Here's the earliest Wilton vise ad's known, that just became available from a 1941 "The Tool Engineer", November and December respectively.

It shows the "one year" guarantee and representation from a Chicago firm, Stutson & Scowley.

Those are pretty cool... thanks for sharing. Would make some good shop art for some family members... might have to find a source for presents

Sent from The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Fierljeppen]

Those are pretty cool... thanks for sharing. Would make some good shop art for some family members... might have to find a source for presents

I agree and I may do it for select advertisements.

Long story short, I'm in the process of developing a graphical "maintenance software program" made especially for the industrial mechanic. The only "maintenance software" available now is: expensive, non-user friendly and made more for the accounting dept. than the mechanics.

I've been practicing my database and graphical skills on my "vise hobby". Here's a (low-resolution) re-illustrated drawing of the November Ad that would make for a better quality "shop art" product.

 

[davethorik]

Starrett no. 86A combination hand vise
Has a handle and a clamp-on mount.
1-1/2" jaws, opens 1-1/2", weighs approx 3 lbs.
Has been used, tarnished a bit but in very good shape with original box.

 

[KMScott]

Dave that 86A you own is pretty nice. Thanks for the spec:s. Kevin

 

[davethorik]

Thanks Kevin.
Here is another unusual one.
Grand Vise Master
Made by Grand Specialties of Chicago.

Jaws are 3.5", opens 4.5" and weighs 24 lbs. Spring loaded quick release. Seems light but the tag says made of cast alloy steel.

 

[Vise]

Here’s something pretty cool. Athol 77 mounted on a unique swivel base. The seller said it had 2” wide jaws, but they’re probably 2 1/8” like other 77s. Swivel base appears to have been made in Providence, RI. Maybe one of our patent sleuths can find out more about it.









Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[FMC1959]

Here’s something pretty cool. Athol 77 mounted on a unique swivel base. The seller said it had 2” wide jaws, but they’re probably 2 1/8” like other 77s. Swivel base appears to have been made in Providence, RI. Maybe one of our patent sleuths can find out more about it.





Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Very, very cool but my big question is how much is the seller asking for it?

 

[Vise]

Very, very cool but my big question is how much is the seller asking for it?

Just $720 right now with 5 days left.... https://www.ebay.com/itm/264938347846

 

[va.grouseman]

Very, very cool but my big question is how much is the seller asking for it?

Well FMC, right now he's asking $720.00 on eBay, but with 5 days and change to go I'd say he'll be asking a might more come Saturday.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Well, this one is beyond cool for me and obviously a few other vise collectors with deeper pockets.

Here's the patent, which seems to show the Athol no.77 vise attached to it. The seller also mentioned to me that the vise and base appear to be made for each other.

 

[Vise]

Very cool, Fierljeppen. It definitely looks like it was made to fit on the 77. Seems like a narrow market for it, which could be why it is uncommon.

 

[KMScott]

Nice stuff guys. That swivel base is pretty awesome along with the small Athol. Been packing for my move and real soon I will be back at it updating the Spreadsheet. On my way to Daufuskie Island in SC. Close here on the 18th and close in SC on Dec 3rd.

 

[gearhead1960]

Earlier this year I found this Oswego by Sawyer Tool Co. Model 24 1/2B Vise at an Estate Sale. It was given to me, although I assigned a price of $5 in my listing of purchases from this Estate as nothing is ever free...

View media item 108052
View media item 108053
View media item 108054
View media item 108055
I posted the find on the other Vise thread, but the post was lost when GJ had server issues.

I have since disassembled it and soaked the pieces in Evaporust and then treated them with WD-40 to prevent rust. I had planned to do a complete restoration, but have since decided that a preservation really is all I want to do for several reasons. I plan to use the vise, so don't really want a garage queen that I might be afraid to use. Also, other than the surface rust and grime that was on it, it really is in good condition and don't mind the weathered look. Here are some photo's of it mostly apart....

View media item 108059
View media item 108057
View media item 108058
View media item 108060
View media item 108062
View media item 108063
View media item 108064
View media item 108065
View media item 108068
View media item 108069
View media item 108070
View media item 108071
View media item 108072
View media item 108073
View media item 108074
View media item 108075
I am looking for advice on what grease/lubricant I should be using when I assemble it. Also, what are the appropriate surfaces that need to be treated with said grease/lubricant. Lastly, I'm open to any suggestions/opinions in regard to assembly, preservation, or anything that you think I should know or consider for this vise. Thanks!

 

[Fierljeppen]

gearhead1960...Very nice! You've got the earlier version m# 24-1/2 Sawyer Tool vise, complete with handle. Thanks for the very clear and detailed photos!





News flash 11-21-2020

I actually thought I was going to be one of the snipers at the end of this auction, but holy smokes, this one had motivated bidders right out of the gun.

I'm curious what the final price would be for the vise and swivel base, if sold separately, $500-vise and $800-base? Or would they sell lower, if sold separately?

Here's my Athol no.77 vise w/out the base, that's going to get married to one of my Wilton Powrarm's this week.

 

[va.grouseman]

$1300.00, that's chicken feed.---I think it was purchased by the curator of the Smithsonian.

 

[wield1]

Hi All. Looking for info on this almost unmarked vise. Has a large "6" on the mobile jaw and underneath says "YS". Jaw bolts are 1/4" 20, and screw post bolt is 7/16" so I'm hoping it's American. I'm $44 deep at the moment. Also looking for jaws, they are 6" x .75" with hole centers at 4.25". Any info appreciated.

 

[Fierljeppen]

wield1...It's an import vise that was mfg. specifically for the American market. At $44, you shouldn't lose any money if you decide to upgrade to a vintage domestic vise, or just keep it and use it as is.

Let's talk about the rare vise you have hiding in the background. It's a very popular patent vise by Charles A. Parker of Worcester MA, not to be confused with the Charles Parker Co. of Meriden CT. It usually has the casting date of "Oct 23, 1877" on the side. You have the 1st one I've seen with the "Pat Applied For" casting. I'm assuming it says "No.1" on the other side of vise.

Although these vises make better lookers than users, they command a premium price when compared to their counterparts. I've seen your model go for over $600 on eBay. The patent art of your vise is even sold on Amazon as posters, t-shirts and coffee cups.

Post some better photos of your Parker Patent vise when you get a chance.

 

[Vise]

gearhead1960...Very nice! You've got the earlier version m# 24-1/2 Sawyer Tool vise, complete with handle. Thanks for the very clear and detailed photos!





News flash 11-21-2020

I actually thought I was going to be one of the snipers at the end of this auction, but holy smokes, this one had motivated bidders right out of the gun.

I'm curious what the final price would be for the vise and swivel base, if sold separately, $500-vise and $800-base? Or would they sell lower, if sold separately?

Here's my Athol no.77 vise w/out the base, that's going to get married to one of my Wilton Powrarm's this week.

I was speculating in the other vise thread about what the final price would have been if items were separated. I think that vise on it's own might go for $250-350 and I suspect the base on its own would have slipped under the radar and gone for the same or less. IMO, this is really an example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. It seems the base was made for this exact vise, so one without the other just leads to a frustrating, life-long search.

 

[FMC1959]

wield1...It's an import vise that was mfg. specifically for the American market. At $44, you shouldn't lose any money if you decide to upgrade to a vintage domestic vise, or just keep it and use it as is.

Let's talk about the rare vise you have hiding in the background. It's a very popular patent vise by Charles A. Parker of Worcester MA, not to be confused with the Charles Parker Co. of Meriden PA. It usually has the casting date of "Oct 23, 1877" on the side. You have the 1st one I've seen with the "Pat Applied For" casting. I'm assuming it says "No.1" on the other side of vise.

Although these vises make better lookers than users, they command a premium price when compared to their counterparts. I've seen your model go for over $600 on eBay. The patent art of your vise is even sold on Amazon as posters, t-shirts and coffee cups.

Post some better photos of your Parker Patent vise when you get a chance.

FJ, not only are you a wealth of information, but a real eagle eye. I just saw an anvil. You not only saw that it was a vise (anvil/vise), but also have the complete history, merchandise available and anything else that anyone would possibly want to know.

Amazing....truly amazing

 

[wrenchguy]

FJ, not only are you a wealth of information, but a real eagle eye. I just saw an anvil. You not only saw that it was a vise (anvil/vise), but also have the complete history, merchandise available and anything else that anyone would possibly want to know.

Amazing....truly amazing

I call staged.
I seen the parker farm vice in 1st posting and figured the lurker OP knew exactly what he had, asian rim casting.

 

[Fierljeppen]

I call staged.
I seen the parker farm vice in 1st posting and figured the lurker OP knew exactly what he had, asian rim casting.

Staged in what way? The OP is a new member, not a lurker.

 

[wield1]

Fierljeppen, Thank you very much for the info. I assure you this was not staged in any way. The anvil is my grandfather’s, not for sale. He was a Yale motorcycle dealer in 1913 in Illinois. The anvil/vise does, indeed have a “No. 1” on the other side. It’s been floating around the shop for decades. The vise I just bought and have no idea what it is. I was hoping for American, but I guess not. I’ll sell it without the jaws for what I have in it.
Edit: Vise sold today, $50.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[bl00]

Here's an ad for a MacFarlane vise.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Here’s a couple for the spreadsheet

Craftsman 5182 (reed 104-1/2R) 4.5” jaws, opens 6-1/2” weighs 60 lbs

Craftsman 5183 (reed 105R) 5” jaws, opens 7-1/2” weighs 77 lbs

 

[AngryBeaver]

Here’s another one for the spreadsheet. Craftsman 5188 (reed 205R) 5” jaws, opens 7-1/2” weighs 89lbs

 

[KMScott]

Thanks AngryBeaver. Your vises were added.

Bl00, Waiting for the first Macfarlane vise to show up. Thanks for the add.

 

[KMScott]

Hollands #2. 2-5/8 jaws that opens to 3-3/4 and weights 18lbs.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Here's a list of the Wilton machinists' vises in the year they were first advertised. This list is meant to help Wilton vise owners get an idea of how old their vise may be if it is older than 1945, which was the first year of the date stamp on the keyway.

1941​

No.40 machinist vise

• width of jaws.....4"
• depth of throat...2-5/8"
• jaw opening........5-1/4"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........40 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...35 lbs.

1942​

No.30 machinist vise

• width of jaws.....3"
• depth of throat...2-3/16"
• jaw opening.......4"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........23 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...20 lbs.

No.400 H.D. machinist vise

• width of jaws.....4"
• depth of throat...3"
• jaw opening.......7"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........57 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...46 lbs.

No.45 machinist vise

• width of jaws.....4-1/2"
• depth of throat...2-5/8"
• jaw opening.......5-1/4"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........42 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...37 lbs.

No.450 H.D. machinist vise

• width of jaws.....4-1/2"
• depth of throat...3-7/8"
• jaw opening.......8-1/2"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........64 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...57 lbs.

No.50 machinist vise (became No.500 in 1954)

• width of jaws.....5"
• depth of throat...3-7/8"
• jaw opening.......8-1/2"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........66 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...58 lbs.

No.60 machinist vise (became No.600 in 1954)

• width of jaws.....6"
• depth of throat...4-5/16"
• jaw opening.......9-1/2"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........120 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...110 lbs.

1943​

No.20 machinist vise

• width of jaws.....2"
• depth of throat...1-1/2"
• jaw opening.......2-1/4"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........5 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...model not offered

No.300 H.D. machinist vise

• width of jaws.....3"
• depth of throat...3"
• jaw opening.......4-1/2"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........32 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...30 lbs.

1945​

No.25 machinist vise (became No.250 in 1954)

• width of jaws.....2-1/2"
• depth of throat...2"
• jaw opening.......3"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........16 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...13 lbs.

No.35 machinist vise (became No.350 in 1954)

• width of jaws.....3-1/2"
• depth of throat...2-5/8"
• jaw opening.......5-1/4"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........39 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...34 lbs.

1965​

No.800 machinist vise

• width of jaws.....8"
• depth of throat...5-1/2"
• jaw opening.......12"
• shipping weight w/ swivel.........248 lbs.
• shipping weight w/ out swivel...227 lbs.

 

[KMScott]

Wow Fierljeppen, this is great information. I am asked all the time on how old is my Wilton vise. Thanks for sharing.

 

[KMScott]

Armstrong Manf'g Co. 3-1/4 jaws that opens to 5". Pretty unique vise.

 

[Vise]

Noticed there wasn’t a picture in the spreadsheet of the 8”, 257-265lb, Athol 618. Here are two different versions: the older one with the 3 foot base (see catalog), and the “newer” version with a triangular base.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Productbob]

Picked up a couple of vises in the last month that I didn't find on the spreadsheet. First is a Chas Parker 69F, 124 lbs, 6" jaws, opens to 9 7/16" and has a single screw through the collar. Kind of brutish looking!

 

[Productbob]

the second is a Gen Fire Ext Co vise. It's marked 223-2 on the right side of the moveable jaw and '3' on the left side of the static. 5" replaceable jaws, 125 lbs, opens 5 1/4" and is a solidly built s.o.b.. The main nut looks to be part of the static jaw and the draw bar is solid except for the hole in the middle that runs its entire length.
Bottom is threaded for a bench through with a pin further back at the tail of the base. Also has holes on either side of the base for additional mounting bolts.