Vise score - help me date it...

[SweetD]

Definitely my best vise score to date. It's branded Craftsman, but clearly made by Reed. Model # 5187, PAT NO 2127008. 4.5" jaws, overall great condition. Square and true, no slop, serrated jaws excellent, no cracks, no mushroomed slide or other "anvil-type" hammerings. Four ears on the swivel base, base in great shape.

So rare to find one around these parts. I got really lucky with craigslist this time. I haven't had a chance to weigh it yet, but it's definitely larger than my Prentiss 92. Beefier really, and a bit larger overall.

Can someone help me with a date of manufacture, maybe based on the Crafstman logo style (the "C" in Craftsman extends all the way to the end of the word Craftsman, under the logo)? Here are a couple of pics:

Next to the Prentiss (set back a bit though):

It's been painted by the guy who sold it to me. That's easily remedied.

$50

Thanks,

Dave

 

[autopts]

Let me be the 1st to say...you ****! Its a beauty. Reed made such wonderful vises. That Pat. Date I believe was just disgussed. 1938-39 I think. Google in the Pat# and it will tell you. Great score!

 

[porphyre]

Yeah, the oil hole and bump on the static jaw say Reed.

The fully round (rather than Flatted Round) knob on the handle places it earlier than 50's or 60's. Reed switched to an ugly flattened ball knob sometime around then. See the recent Reed 3C in Black thread to get an eye on the ugly flat ball.

Nice find! I love those pre 50's Reeds.

 

[bl00]

It was sold by Sears in the 1943-1947 range give or take a year.

From 1937 (or earlier) - 1942 the Reed/Craftsman was an older style Reed although it had the same logo as yours. [upon further review, I think these were made by Rock Island]

In 1948 Craftsman vises had the art deco style and the logo had changed. I'm guessing they changed manufacturers because the vise is completely different.

This leaves 1943-1947.

 

[whelenfan]

you ****! nice vise.

 

[SweetD]

Thanks for the great info and replies guys, much appreciated.

I did look up that Patent #, and it does come up as 1938, but it doesn't seem to be the original patent for the vise itself. Rather, "an improvement with relation to the slack" which is common in a vise screw (I guess).

 

[porphyre]

In 1948 Craftsman vises had the art deco style and the logo had changed. I'm guessing they changed manufacturers because the vise is completely different.

You mean the Wilton Shop King style?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11305

Good to know dates on that. AutoPts is saying 1953, though.


Edit - SweetD - I bet that refers to the adjuster on the main nut. You can also see that in the recent Reed in the Black thread.

 

[SweetD]

...I bet that refers to the adjuster on the main nut. You can also see that in the recent Reed in the Black thread.

Just took a look at that - I think you are correct - thanks!

Dave

 

[bl00]

You mean the Wilton Shop King style?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11305

It's different than the Shop King. This site has the old Craftsman catalogs in PDF. The 1948 one is the first to show the post Reed vise.

 

[Steen27]

Neat ol' vise! Sent you a pm...

 

[Catalyze]

Great vise!!
Anytime you have a nice Reed next to a nice Prentiss.....the **** rating goes up 1 star.
Craig (typing with a cat on his hand...sigh)

 

[SweetD]

Great vise!!
Anytime you have a nice Reed next to a nice Prentiss.....the **** rating goes up 1 star.
Craig (typing with a cat on his hand...sigh)

You're classic man, thanks!

I've enjoyed your latest adventure as well. I will use the Reed dis-assembly info you've provided to get this one re-habbed...hopefully sooner rather than later!

Dave

 

[spongerich]

I was about to say that you **** if you paid <$100 for that before I noticed that you paid $50.. so, you **** x 2.