Vise Info Thread

[KMScott]

Joseph L Ware 5" model. 5 inch jaws that opens to 7-1/4 and weights an estimated 125lbs with the swivel plates missing. Vise as it sits weights 105lbs.

 

[KMScott]

J Albert Welch. 3-1/16 jaws that opens to 3-1/4. Very similar to Edward M Ek's design. Vise does look like a Athol.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Wow! Lightning strikes twice in the same spot.

I never thought I'd see another Athol no.77 vise with an Edward M. Ek patent swivel base, like the one on pg.87, but you managed to find another one within a month. Amazing!

 

[KMScott]

Pittsburgh double swivel vise. 6-1/2" jaws. Sold on e-bay for $2,000

 

[Fierljeppen]

Super rare Athol no.20 Simpson swivel-jaw vise, complete with original handle. This vise is from the 1890's and possibly the 1880's. Unlike some of the other Athol swivel-jaw vises, this one has non-threaded pins.

jaw width......3-1/2"
jaw opening...3-3/8"
weight..........30-1/2 lbs.

I'm very pleased with this find and at this point I'd say 2020 was a pretty good year for my vise collection.

 

[davethorik]

Wow that one is amazing! The swivel jaw on it looks like a Lewis. Nice grab!!

 

[FMC1959]

Super rare Athol no.20 Simpson swivel-jaw vise, complete with original handle. This vise is from the 1890's and possibly the 1880's. Unlike some of the other Athol swivel-jaw vises, this one has non-threaded pins.

jaw width......3-1/2"
jaw opening...3-3/8"
weight..........30-1/2 lbs.

I'm very pleased with this find and at this point I'd say 2020 was a pretty good year for my vise collection.

Wow that one is amazing! The swivel jaw on it looks like a Lewis. Nice grab!!

Dave, interesting that you mention it looks like a Lewis, which was later acquired by Prentiss.

FJ, I was under the impression that Simpson (as well Blake & Shepard) was acquired by Prentiss? If you are sure it was Athol, then a correction would need to be made on the spreadsheet for Simpson, which has Prentiss in parentheses.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Dave, interesting that you mention it looks like a Lewis, which was later acquired by Prentiss.

FJ, I was under the impression that Simpson (as well Blake & Shepard) was acquired by Prentiss? If you are sure it was Athol, then a correction would need to be made on the spreadsheet for Simpson, which has Prentiss in parentheses.

Greetings and salutations...Why do you think that the "Simpson patent vise" was acquired by Prentiss? What are you using as a reference for that information?

 

[KMScott]

Super rare Athol no.20 Simpson swivel-jaw vise, complete with original handle. This vise is from the 1890's and possibly the 1880's. Unlike some of the other Athol swivel-jaw vises, this one has non-threaded pins.

jaw width......3-1/2"
jaw opening...3-3/8"
weight..........30-1/2 lbs.

I'm very pleased with this find and at this point I'd say 2020 was a pretty good year for my vise collection.

Very nice vise Fierljeppen, it was a pleasure adding it to the spreadsheet.

I can see where FMC is coming from but the catalog page says it all. You both are great assets to the vise community.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Thanks KMScott, here's a brief history of the Simpson Patent vise as I understand it.

1871.....John Simpson issued Patent #119,658 on Oct-03.
1876.....Simpson Patent vises are exhibited by the Bailey Wringing Machine Co.
1878.....Worcester County Directory lists the Athol Machine Co. as mfgs. of Simpson vise.
1910's...The Simpson Patent vises are phased out by Athol, except for a clamp-on model.

 

[yarrum]

Homemade Double Swivel - Built stand from scraps years ago - very useful welding aid. I am new here so hoping picts upload..

 

[Fierljeppen]

yarrum...The photos are small, but from what I can see, that double-swivel vise stand looks heavy-duty and very practical.

I like the idea of a traditional vise on double-swivel stand.

 

[va.grouseman]

yarrum, I see a lot of work in the building of that outfit.---Friction concept on the telescoping as well as the rotating.---Very good.---A lot of factory rotators use that same technique....How long did it take you to drill all those holes in that plate?

 

[PSCo1867]

Here are pics of a Prentiss model 266 and what I believe to be a Yost Model I. These are both still in service at their original location in a steel mill.

 

[yarrum]

yarrum, I see a lot of work in the building of that outfit.---Friction concept on the telescoping as well as the rotating.---Very good.---A lot of factory rotators use that same technique....How long did it take you to drill all those holes in that plate?

Drilling the holes was fast and easy with my big drill press. Hand tapping them is another story. I don't recall time but it was substantial.

 

[yarrum]

yarrum...The photos are small, but from what I can see, that double-swivel vise stand looks heavy-duty and very practical.

I like the idea of a traditional vise on double-swivel stand.

You know your right the file somehow got reduced from 1.3MB to 19KB.. what happened, how do you upload full size ?

 

[yarrum]

Better picts

 

[KMScott]

Prentiss 266/256. 6" jaws that opens to 10" and weights 155lbs

 

[KMScott]

Sambre & Meuse, from Belgium. 8" offset jaws that only weights 77lbs.

 

[va.grouseman]

That's pretty light for an 8 inch vise, but it's right stylish.

 

[PSCo1867]

Ridgid 60CPN 6" jaws. Will measure opening and edit post with more info.

 

[Vise]

Trojan 721 - 2 1/2” jaws, 13 3/4 lbs.






Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Fierljeppen]

Reed Mfg. Co. no.2 combination vise

jaw width......4-1/2"
jaw opening...9"
weight..........64 lbs.

This is the oldest Reed Mfg. Co. combination bench vise I've seen. The June 30, 1896 patent is for the pipe jaws, which were originally designed for their yoke style pipe vise.

The earliest reference I could find about this vise was from 1900, as seen in the article below. In 1905, Reed Mfg. Co. started advertising their new combination vise, so I would date this model from as early as the very late (1890's-1905).

 

[Nexoidian]

I just got this littlestown no 1 in the mail today. Didn’t see it on the spreadsheet. But I’m not entirely sure I’m looking at the most up to date version of it. If you want more detailed info let me know and I’ll grab it for you

 

[KMScott]

I just got this littlestown no 1 in the mail today. Didn’t see it on the spreadsheet. But I’m not entirely sure I’m looking at the most up to date version of it. If you want more detailed info let me know and I’ll grab it for you

Thanks Nexoidian, jaw width and weight if possible, I know it's pretty light.

Kevin

 

[KMScott]

Erie # 555. 6" jaws. Nice restore on this very rusted and pitted vise.

 

[davethorik]

Here's one that might not be on the spreadsheet.

J.O. Barrett Meadville PA, patent swivel jaw. "Baby Barrett" the dynamic jaw swivels on the nut within the body of the vise vs. a more traditional swiveling static jaw.

All the ads I have found for Barrett patent do not show this size. It has 2-1/4" jaws, opens 2-1/2", and weighs 7 lbs.
However there are remnants of what appears to be nickel plating.

Fierljeppen was kind enough to show me this scan from 1885 in an advertisement for Barrett, which mentions 9 sizes, from 2 inch up to 6 inch, with the former having nickel plating for use as a jeweler's vise!

It will look great next to my 6" Barrett. I need to get a family shot.

 

[va.grouseman]

Nice Dave.---Rare.

 

[Fierljeppen]

davethorik...Very nice find! It's another "unicorn vise" for you. You've been on a tear for over a year now.

I need to borrow some of your vise energy and find something special for my collection.

 

[FMC1959]

Greetings and salutations...Why do you think that the "Simpson patent vise" was acquired by Prentiss? What are you using as a reference for that information?

Sorry it has been a while since I checked in.

I can't recall exactly...back when I first started with the spreadsheet, seems I saw some brochures that had Simpson vises under the Prentiss brand. Again, it has been a few years now that I have not done research and checked brochures, so not sure. I just remember that on the spreadsheet I had put Simpson as Prentiss, because of something I came across at the time.

Of course I defer to your info as the brochure is right there! (and my mind does not always recall well )

Sambre & Meuse, from Belgium. 8" offset jaws that only weights 77lbs.

Very nice. Has that look that many Euro vises have like Heuer, Penn, Kanka, Peddinghaus and others

 

[davethorik]

Nice Dave.---Rare.

davethorik...Very nice find! It's another "unicorn vise" for you. You've been on a tear for over a year now.

I need to borrow some of your vise energy and find something special for my collection.

Thanks guys. I thought I had a unicorn in the 6" Barrett vise I picked up last year. But a jeweler's version may be even more of a unicorn. As if there is a unicorn scale lol

 

[ColtCalvert]

I was hoping to find some info about my grandfather's old vice. Here's a pic of it. If anyone had info about it or it's possible value please let me know! Thnx in advance. The other side says 974 1/2

 

[Nexoidian]

Thanks Nexoidian, jaw width and weight if possible, I know it's pretty light.

Kevin

KMScott,

The width is 1.9085. So not quite 2”. But probably close enough to call a 2”. Jaws don’t look to be modified

The weight is 21.3 oz. Or 1lb 5.3oz.

 

[va.grouseman]

Nice Charles Parker, Colt.---Perfect size for a shop.---Looks to be in good shape too.---It's got the wrench, that's a $40.00 plus right there.---Jaws look good.---That thing should clean up real good.

Here's one on eBay that don't look any better than yours if that gives you any idea of value.---Oh, there's a wrench on eBay like yours for a $100.00, but I think that's reaching some-what.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ch...460198?hash=item4daf1dfe26:g:bcgAAOSwSnZfCHv8

 

[KMScott]

Thanks Nexoidian for the specs on your L H&F.

Dave, another award winning vise you picked up.

Added both to the Spreadsheet.

 

[PSCo1867]

Is this a Bull Dog vise wrench?
I had already posted in the vintage tool section. Was thinking it might be for a Prentiss swivel-base? It's 7/8", and bronze.

 

[Michaeldakotah]

Hello everyone and thanks for allowing me to post my first reply.
A good friend shared a posting he found on craigslist. It was for a large vice. I decided to go take a peek at it. The seller had the vise fully extended so the threads would no longer open or close the jaws. I decided to take a gamble and buy it. Then to my amazement I discovered that it is made by a company called Union Backus.

It's very old from some quick research on Google. I can't find another example if one with 8" jaws. Please share a reply if you know of one and or collect this brand.



Over 160lbs and 25" long. No repairs or welds. She's a monster that's for sure.

To my knowledge Backus never produced any vises larger than 8".

Thanks for looking !!

~ Michael

 

[PghJKB]

Hello everyone and thanks for allowing me to post my first reply.
A good friend shared a posting he found on craigslist. It was for a large vice. I decided to go take a peek at it. The seller had the vise fully extended so the threads would no longer open or close the jaws. I decided to take a gamble and buy it. Then to my amazement I discovered that it is made by a company called Union Backus.

It's very old from some quick research on Google. I can't find another example if one with 8" jaws. Please share a reply if you know of one and or collect this brand.



Over 160lbs and 25" long. No repairs or welds. She's a monster that's for sure.

To my knowledge Backus never produced any vises larger than 8".

Thanks for looking !!

~ Michael

Michael
This looks to be the one on EvilPrey listed for $1700.00.

The jaws on the EvilPrey one appear to have been replaced at some point. Have several Backus patent patent vises made by Millers Falls. The older ones have "cast in" jaws and the newer ones have replaceable jaws. None of the replaceable jaw vises have the jaws extending below the jaw pads.

My smallest have 2" jaws, largest 6" jaws.

JKB

 

[Fierljeppen]

Fierljeppen, sorry it has been a while since I checked in.

I can't recall exactly...back when I first started with the spreadsheet, seems I saw some brochures that had Simpson vises under the Prentiss brand. Again, it has been a few years now that I have not done research and checked brochures, so not sure. I just remember that on the spreadsheet I had put Simpson as Prentiss, because of something I came across at the time.

Of course I defer to your info as the brochure is right there! (and my mind does not always recall well )

FMC1959...It's always good to hear from you. I know what you mean about memory issues as we get older. I have to use the GPS just to get home from the grocery store.

Here's another Athol Simpson "split-nut" vise to add to the spreadsheet.

Athol Simpson vise no.27

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

 

[Fierljeppen]

Hello everyone and thanks for allowing me to post my first reply.
A good friend shared a posting he found on craigslist. It was for a large vice. I decided to go take a peek at it. The seller had the vise fully extended so the threads would no longer open or close the jaws. I decided to take a gamble and buy it. Then to my amazement I discovered that it is made by a company called Union Backus.

It's very old from some quick research on Google. I can't find another example if one with 8" jaws. Please share a reply if you know of one and or collect this brand.

Over 160lbs and 25" long. No repairs or welds. She's a monster that's for sure.

To my knowledge Backus never produced any vises larger than 8".

Thanks for looking !! ~ Michael

Michaeldakotah...Very nice! I found an old Union Vise Co. ad that lists the sizes from (1"-9"), but your "Union-Backus-Millers Falls" vise is the largest I've seen.

Michael
This looks to be the one on EvilPrey listed for $1700.00.

The jaws on the EvilPrey one appear to have been replaced at some point. Have several Backus patent patent vises made by Millers Falls. The older ones have "cast in" jaws and the newer ones have replaceable jaws. None of the replaceable jaw vises have the jaws extending below the jaw pads.

My smallest have 2" jaws, largest 6" jaws.

JKB

PghJKB...You've been holding out on us. When are we going to see some of your vises? I keep forgetting how much you love eBay.