Wilton 2-1/2" Bullet vise

[RichieDel]

I’m am a hobbyist and like to restore tools, machinery.
Presently working on a Wilton Vise, I called Wilton for information and they only had documentation going back to 1957.
This vice has a date stamp of 5 53. So the gentlemen at Wilton told me everything he could (back to 1957) and suggested I went to the next level of expertise, the Garage Journal group.

So here I am looking for any information you may have on this vise. Was this one supplied with a swivel vise and is one available? The dynamic jaw is stamped 925 The static Jaw i.e. 825. There is a (No 5) upside-down just below the Chicago on the right side. Decal has a no 25. The vise had 2 decal’s, any info on what the decal’s said originally would be appreciated.
The jaws measure 2 1/2”, *@#$there is one insignia  which looks like a M with a vertical line through it, or a W if you turn the vise around (like the No 5).

any and all information would be appreciated.

 

[FJ 432]

Welcome.

For a swivel you would have to find one on ebay as I believe are no longer made......and good luck on that hunt. These have become very popular (small bullets) where a baby bullet (2") command big money.

 

[RichieDel]

Thank you I have been monitoring ebay with little luck. May have to entertain making one but it would not be the same...

 

[Shiftless]

Richie:
Nice old vise!

Would you like to trade for a Wilton bullet vise with 3 1/2 inch jaws and a swivel base?

I have a 2 inch baby on a swivel base and it needs to sit next to its (slightly) bigger brother!

P.M. sent

 

[ALLFAST]

Richie....I have the 3" version of your vise with original swivel base. It is maybe a 1952,1953 vintage. And it's the exact same color.

Shawn

 

[G-ManBart]

I’m am a hobbyist and like to restore tools, machinery.
Presently working on a Wilton Vise, I called Wilton for information and they only had documentation going back to 1957.
This vice has a date stamp of 5 53. So the gentlemen at Wilton told me everything he could (back to 1957) and suggested I went to the next level of expertise, the Garage Journal group.

So here I am looking for any information you may have on this vise. Was this one supplied with a swivel vise and is one available? The dynamic jaw is stamped 925 The static Jaw i.e. 825. There is a (No 5) upside-down just below the Chicago on the right side. Decal has a no 25. The vise had 2 decal’s, any info on what the decal’s said originally would be appreciated.
The jaws measure 2 1/2”, *@#$there is one insignia  which looks like a M with a vertical line through it, or a W if you turn the vise around (like the No 5).

any and all information would be appreciated.

That vise (as with all other Wilton machinist vises) was available with or without the swivel base. Many of the 2-3" vises were mounted on a PowRarm for use by gunsmiths and jewelers.

Buying a PowRarm is easy, but finding a swivel base will be pretty hard...all you can do is keep looking.

I know KMScott is starting to make swivel base assemblies for the 2" models, but I'm not sure if he's considered making them for the 2.5" models. I'll send him a note.

I just found a similar 2.5" to go next to it's 2" little brother....neat little vises! It's surprising how much bigger the 2.5" model is when you put it next to a 2" model...way more than I expected.

 

[G-ManBart]

Sorry, I forgot to answer the question about the stickers.

The one on the back of the vise said:

FIVE YEAR GUARANTEE
BY MANUFACTURER IF NOT ABUSED
​

The sticker on the front said:

WILTON
CHICAGO U.S.A.
NO. 25-2.5" JAWS​

 

[RichieDel]

Sorry not interested in trading at the moment, but will keep you in mind.

 

[RichieDel]

G-ManBart,

Thank you for the information it is very helpful. Your restoration site is very impressive...As is your shop!!!

Wilton was right the experts are here "Garage Journal...

 

[Scrounga]

Hi all, I’m in Australia and I collect 2 1/2” vices. If any of you blokes have a 2 1/2 Wilton bullet vice you would be willing to part with I would certainly appreciate a call. I would also be willing to swap for a vice that would be hard to find over there like an Australian made Dawn or and English Record. Cheers and thanks, Stuart.

 

[Roberts210]

Cattail Foundry: Emanuel J. King, 167 W. Cattail Road, Gordonville, PA 17529, (717) 768-7323. They won't answer the phone because of being Amish, but Cattail does excellent work, and their prices are very reasonable. They do very accurate work. I've used them. If you can make a pattern from wood, they will cast it in either aluminum or cast iron. You can leave a message on their answering machine and someone will get back to you. It's worth calling the number just to hear the recording. You send them your part, or pattern, and a month or two later you will get a box in the mail, along with a bill.