Fierljeppen
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2018
- Messages
- 1,159
Today, I received what I consider to be the Holy Grail of my vise collection.
Gentlemen and Ladies if you're out there, I give you the 1837, Patent no. 127 Linus Dean bench vise.
jaw width.......2-1/8"
jaw opening....4-5/8"
weight...........3-1/2 lbs.
manufacturer...Morris Wilcox - Norwalk, OH
This vise has a unique opening and closing system using a rack instead of the traditional screw. A simple twist of the cammed volute on the rack tightens the jaws. Does this English fellow from America get credit for the earliest quick release bench vise?
A little about the inventor, Linus Dean. Born on March 15, 1811 in Clayville (formerly Paris) New York, Linus relocated to neighboring Utica, where he utilized his skills as a machinist. He was a foreman at the Vulcan Works, before establishing his own business in 1858 at 200 Whitesboro Street. The property was previously the home of a canal boat manufacturer and Dean briefly continued that trade, before concentrating completely on his business, the Ornamental Iron Works. He manufactured and sold direct to customers: iron fences, railings, balconies, verandahs, flower vases, urns, lawn furniture and much more.
Like many GJ members, Linus Dean used his talents on projects of his home. He exhibited and won an award at the Central New York Poultry Show, for his ornate "parlor aquarium". At the 1879 New York State Fair, Dean won a certificate of highest merit for his products. His livelihood was not only his business, but also his hobby.
Shortly after a fire destroyed one of his buildings in 1888, Dean sold his property and business. He died in 1896 after a brief illness. He was remembered locally as a very talented craftsman of iron.
"Gone, but not forgotten".
Gentlemen and Ladies if you're out there, I give you the 1837, Patent no. 127 Linus Dean bench vise.
jaw width.......2-1/8"
jaw opening....4-5/8"
weight...........3-1/2 lbs.
manufacturer...Morris Wilcox - Norwalk, OH
This vise has a unique opening and closing system using a rack instead of the traditional screw. A simple twist of the cammed volute on the rack tightens the jaws. Does this English fellow from America get credit for the earliest quick release bench vise?
A little about the inventor, Linus Dean. Born on March 15, 1811 in Clayville (formerly Paris) New York, Linus relocated to neighboring Utica, where he utilized his skills as a machinist. He was a foreman at the Vulcan Works, before establishing his own business in 1858 at 200 Whitesboro Street. The property was previously the home of a canal boat manufacturer and Dean briefly continued that trade, before concentrating completely on his business, the Ornamental Iron Works. He manufactured and sold direct to customers: iron fences, railings, balconies, verandahs, flower vases, urns, lawn furniture and much more.
Like many GJ members, Linus Dean used his talents on projects of his home. He exhibited and won an award at the Central New York Poultry Show, for his ornate "parlor aquarium". At the 1879 New York State Fair, Dean won a certificate of highest merit for his products. His livelihood was not only his business, but also his hobby.
Shortly after a fire destroyed one of his buildings in 1888, Dean sold his property and business. He died in 1896 after a brief illness. He was remembered locally as a very talented craftsman of iron.
"Gone, but not forgotten".
