The VISES of Garage Journal
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micahd1997
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As a Prentiss lover, imagine my surprise and delight when, after I posted pictures of a different 1895 Prentiss Vise Company billhead a couple weeks ago, a friend informed me that he owned similar paperwork issued to the EXACT same company in the EXACT same year! But it gets better…
As it turns out, my friend’s very first job interview nearly 20 years ago was with the Hendrick Mfg Co of Carbondale, PA (still in business today). Though he ultimately received a job offer, he accepted a position with one of their competitors at the time. However, around the same time, he purchased these papers and has held onto them ever since.
This paperwork includes two Prentiss Vise Company billheads and a voucher from Hendrick Mfg Co. According to the dates and markings on the papers, the story likely went as follows: On January 14th, 1895, Prentiss prepared order № 14019 for one № 21 Prentiss Patent Vise (swivel base, swivel jaw, 5 ¼” jaws, 109lbs) and shipped it to Hendrick in Carbondale, PA. It was received by Hendrick the next day - January 15th. Hendrick mailed Prentiss (not included) notifying them that 1) Prentiss had either incorrectly fulfilled their order with only one № 21 vise or 2) Hendrick wished to add to their original order. Regardless, the 1st order № includes the note “Corrected Invoice” and points to the next page - an additional order form dated January 17th showing 3 more № 21 vises and a № 2 pipe grip. The corrected/updated invoice was received by Hendrick on January 23rd. The final page is a voucher from Hendrick that tallies the costs represented on both order forms, totaling $55.13, paid on February 26th.
As it turns out, my friend’s very first job interview nearly 20 years ago was with the Hendrick Mfg Co of Carbondale, PA (still in business today). Though he ultimately received a job offer, he accepted a position with one of their competitors at the time. However, around the same time, he purchased these papers and has held onto them ever since.
This paperwork includes two Prentiss Vise Company billheads and a voucher from Hendrick Mfg Co. According to the dates and markings on the papers, the story likely went as follows: On January 14th, 1895, Prentiss prepared order № 14019 for one № 21 Prentiss Patent Vise (swivel base, swivel jaw, 5 ¼” jaws, 109lbs) and shipped it to Hendrick in Carbondale, PA. It was received by Hendrick the next day - January 15th. Hendrick mailed Prentiss (not included) notifying them that 1) Prentiss had either incorrectly fulfilled their order with only one № 21 vise or 2) Hendrick wished to add to their original order. Regardless, the 1st order № includes the note “Corrected Invoice” and points to the next page - an additional order form dated January 17th showing 3 more № 21 vises and a № 2 pipe grip. The corrected/updated invoice was received by Hendrick on January 23rd. The final page is a voucher from Hendrick that tallies the costs represented on both order forms, totaling $55.13, paid on February 26th.
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Thirdyfivepickup
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COMING IN HOT FROM NORTHWEST INDIANA!!!!! My uncle passed away recently and he was the epitome of the guy who could make anything... fix anything. He has 2 vises that the family is looking to get rid of. If I leave it up to them they will ask $25 for the small one and $50 for the big one. My Dad thinks the big one was his father's and thinks it has to be over 100 years old. He's 86 so if its was his then that is probably true. I didn't get to look over them too much but they are definitely well used. These are the only pictures I have unfortunately. Any idea what a fair price would be and who makes them?
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Outlawmws
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The one with the damaged & repaired jaw looks to be a Parker,
Shiftless
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I agree with outlaw. The front horseshoe with the single thick headed machine screw is a certain tell. I can barely make out lettering on the top edge of that piece that almost certainly spells out PARKER.
But I see 4 pictures showing views of that vise in the shop and don’t see any “smaller” vise.
Sometimes smaller vises are worth more than bigger vises.
Thirdyfivepickup
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its on the left in this pic
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Shiftless
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I see it now.
Others might hazard a guess on that one but to me it might be a Columbian. Nothing exceptional but seems to be a fine user. Doesn’t look like a big dollar item at all.
Thirdyfivepickup
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I appreciate that. I honestly didn't really zoom in to see the repairs on the big vise. The little one I didnt see any name on. There was so much stuff there it was overwhelming. I took a few pictures to see if anyone I knew was interested. I'll just tell the guy running it that the vises aren't worth that much. Thanks.
If anyone in NW Indiana is interested in either of the vises let me know and I'll set up a meeting.
Outlawmws
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They are family vises, you should keep them in the family.
Shiftless
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I agree
I vaguely remember my grandfather’s bench vise. It was nothing fancy but I remember the color. PINK! It went with my parent’s house when they sold it long ago.
I would be proud to have that up on one of my vise display shelves. Good conversation piece.
banditbigdog
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Wilton with smooth jaws.
Not sure the year of manufacture.
Not sure the year of manufacture.
Outlawmws
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Did you check the slide key?
Very nice! I decided to clean up the Parker 63 1/2 and keep all of the patina on it! The brass (not copper on mine - very thick stiff brass!) jaw covers have some cool "history" in them! Here are a few pics (one next to the Prentiss Gipsey). The jaws have no engraving of a brand. I assume "generic" jaw covers were available? Great find on your Reed covers (and story!)
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Look forward to seeing pictures of the finished "ready to work" vise! Very cool. Any idea of age? EdWell, this is my first 'collectible' vise. I have several others that are just tools, but I couldn't resist getting this beast. American Scale Red Seal No 25. 6" jaws, 25" long, 16" tall, and nearly 200 lbs. I stripped it all down to refurbish. The hardest part was getting the special tapered jaw screws out. The new jaws I make will just use socket head cap screws. So far, very little wear anywhere. The screw and slide were covered in ancient grease. On jaw insert is damaged, so I'll make a new pair. Once it's clean, I'll paint it up, mount it to a bench, and put it to work!
Soleinmyhead
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I grabbed this little guy at the Carlisle, PA swap meet a few weeks ago and didn't notice a manufacture until I had it all stripped down. Its a Braunsdorf-Mueller made in NJ. Not much info about their vises online, or about them in general. I thought it was a Bonney or Stanley at first.
RTM
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@Private Lugnutz might disagree with you.
Please look here for a little history. There are two other threads listed in the Vintage Forum read me thread
Braunsdorf-Mueller tools
Braunsdorf-Mueller tools /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Catalog None exists in the public domain on IA/ITCL or anywhere else that I know of. In lieu of a catalog, I developed a list of BMCo tools by the year and trade directory that they are listed...
www.garagejournal.com
harleyrider
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RTM
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Generic Asian made rotator vise. The reason no name found is the name was on a sticker, so they can change daily based on who is buying them wholesale.
And the next question answered: some are quality, some are ****. Up to you to decide.
Many of us have them, some use them hard. I have mine cuz it was $10, and supposedly sold in the 80s. Have not cleaned it up yet
Here's an oddball Rock Island.
It is #219 with 4" wide Swivel Woodworker/Coachmaker Jaws.
I don't see this model on the spreadsheet and haven't come across it in any catalogs.
If anyone has any idea of when this was manufactured or possibly a catalog with it, I would certainly appreciate it!
It is #219 with 4" wide Swivel Woodworker/Coachmaker Jaws.
I don't see this model on the spreadsheet and haven't come across it in any catalogs.
If anyone has any idea of when this was manufactured or possibly a catalog with it, I would certainly appreciate it!
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harleyrider
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micahd1997
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What is YOUR craziest vise story. I’d love to hear them.
I have a few, but one of my favorites involves this Prentiss № 100 bicycle vise.
In December, 2023 I stumbled upon a single photo of this vise here on GJ (as of yet, still the only known Prentiss bicycle vise survivor). However, it and its owner were in New Zealand. I tracked down the gentleman who posted the photo who provided me with the owner’s email. Over the course of the next couple weeks, I got to know the vise’s owner - a retired farmer and shop keeper living in Temuka, South Canterbury, NZ. He said that a number of years ago, he “found it in a trailer load of steel rubbish going to the dump. I figured that it must be worth something so I fetched it home and had it sandblasted”. After making a new friend, learning the ropes of wire transfers, and paying thru the nose for shipping, I finally received the vise on January 3rd, 2024.
Imagining the countless circumstances and variables at play over the last ~ 120 years that led to this vise’s journey from New York in the early 1900s (or earlier)…to (likely) a bicycle repair shop in NZ…to the hands of a kind, retired farmer…and then back across the ocean all the way to Texas is just mind blowing. No doubt about it - I enjoy the vise, but it’s the story that really draws me in.
I have a few, but one of my favorites involves this Prentiss № 100 bicycle vise.
In December, 2023 I stumbled upon a single photo of this vise here on GJ (as of yet, still the only known Prentiss bicycle vise survivor). However, it and its owner were in New Zealand. I tracked down the gentleman who posted the photo who provided me with the owner’s email. Over the course of the next couple weeks, I got to know the vise’s owner - a retired farmer and shop keeper living in Temuka, South Canterbury, NZ. He said that a number of years ago, he “found it in a trailer load of steel rubbish going to the dump. I figured that it must be worth something so I fetched it home and had it sandblasted”. After making a new friend, learning the ropes of wire transfers, and paying thru the nose for shipping, I finally received the vise on January 3rd, 2024.
Imagining the countless circumstances and variables at play over the last ~ 120 years that led to this vise’s journey from New York in the early 1900s (or earlier)…to (likely) a bicycle repair shop in NZ…to the hands of a kind, retired farmer…and then back across the ocean all the way to Texas is just mind blowing. No doubt about it - I enjoy the vise, but it’s the story that really draws me in.
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Upload more pictures if you get a chance. That's really cool.
micahd1997
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I really thought I had shared more a while back, but digging around, I don’t see them. Here’s some pictures I took a few years ago.
By the way, I wasn’t lying. Would love to hear some other vise stories from fellow group members!
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Josh Dekubber
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I'm looking for some journal print or old advertisement on Chas Parker #435 patent 1880. Anyone know where I can find some information?
Josh Dekubber
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Found it 
Shiftless
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Glad you found it so quickly. At 185 pounds that is certainly a big boy. !!
Josh Dekubber
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Thank you! The 435 is 116 lbs which is still a good size. I have someone picking it up for me tomorrow. I'm excited to add it to my small collection.
Shiftless
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With the fuzzy print, I read the weight from the wrong column. A 5 inch jaw width vise that weighs 116 pounds is all business for sure. I used to have a couple of big boys in my collection most notably a Reed 406 but I sold them all after I turned 70 in order to preserve my back. I’ve heard too many stories of guys moving the big ones around and popping something. My current cut off weight for vises in my collection is 100 pounds.
Josh Dekubber
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That makes perfect sense. I don't visit here often but I appreciate you guys and your knowledge!
micahd1997
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Another one cleaned up - 2.5”, 14lb Prentiss № 511.
Needs a brass badge (borrowed from my other one for the pictures) and a new jaw. Please let me know if you have either! I’d be interested in purchasing them
Needs a brass badge (borrowed from my other one for the pictures) and a new jaw. Please let me know if you have either! I’d be interested in purchasing them
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Josh Dekubber
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I had someone pick up the Parker #435 for me today and I'll get it from him on Monday!
I've had this vice for a while but have not been able to identify it. I am soaking it now in Rust 911 so hopefully I will find some markings after cleaning it up. It has 4 dots on the static jaw and 4 dots on the dynamic jaw. The main screw has a shield made from what appears to be galvanized steel held on by 5 small countersunk bolts with a slightly domed oval head. Additionally, it appears to be a thru-the bench vise possibly missing a plate, bolt and wing nut but only speculating. Any help on identifying is appreciated. I'll post measurements; however, the throat depth is very small and the jaw width is approximately 3 inches. Thanks! Ed
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tool_scrounge
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Saturday was Cardinal Speed vise day. I ran into a Cardinal 3B drill press speed vise for $55. I do like how fast they are to set up with the lead screw that disengages for quick repositioning of the moving jaw.
One selling point for me was it included the optional jaw plates. It makes holding stuff easier and aids in not drilling holes in the vise.
Shortly thereafter, I ran into a Speed vise I have been hunting for a while - the Cardinal 40-M speed bench vise. Like the drill press vise, you just lift the handle to quickly reposition the moving jaw. Since they were made in Southern California, I was hoping to run into one sooner or later. This is the version with 4” jaws, 6” opening and weights 44 lbs. It had been repainted but was in pretty nice shape and cost $175.
These were both marks as Glendale, CA so the are pre 1994 when Tolman Tool Mfg bought them and moved the operation to Pomona, CA.
One selling point for me was it included the optional jaw plates. It makes holding stuff easier and aids in not drilling holes in the vise.
Shortly thereafter, I ran into a Speed vise I have been hunting for a while - the Cardinal 40-M speed bench vise. Like the drill press vise, you just lift the handle to quickly reposition the moving jaw. Since they were made in Southern California, I was hoping to run into one sooner or later. This is the version with 4” jaws, 6” opening and weights 44 lbs. It had been repainted but was in pretty nice shape and cost $175.
These were both marks as Glendale, CA so the are pre 1994 when Tolman Tool Mfg bought them and moved the operation to Pomona, CA.
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TheRealZeus
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From the bottom of my heart, I am glad you found them both. and also the obligatory ‘you ****,’ for the Glendale 40. 
great save Man. 
great save Man. dannyr
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nice find -- in the 1930s(?) Rededa of Sheffield UK patented and made a woodworking vice using this simple lift, buttress thread and drop quick positioning - works well, but it does limit the maximum opening so not good for big visesSaturday was Cardinal Speed vise day. I ran into a Cardinal 3B drill press speed vise for $55. I do like how fast they are to set up with the lead screw that disengages for quick repositioning of the moving jaw.
One selling point for me was it included the optional jaw plates. It makes holding stuff easier and aids in not drilling holes in the vise.
Shortly thereafter, I ran into a Speed vise I have been hunting for a while - the Cardinal 40-M speed bench vise. Like the drill press vise, you just lift the handle to quickly reposition the moving jaw. Since they were made in Southern California, I was hoping to run into one sooner or later. This is the version with 4” jaws, 6” opening and weights 44 lbs. It had been repainted but was in pretty nice shape and cost $175.
CRSINMICH
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tool_scrounge
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Thanks for posting the advertisements. I did not know they also made a 4.5” version of the bench vise.
MushCreek
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I finished up the American Scale Red Seal No 25 today. Turns out refurbishing a vise isn't all that big a project. I made new jaws, new handle, new swivel lock handles, and painted it the original black. I wanted the rush of pretending that I just uncrated a brand-new vise in 1940. I weighed all of the parts on a precision scale, and it adds up to 196 lbs., 14 oz. I turns out that assembling a vise this big and heavy has it's challenges. I greased the screw with extreme pressure grease, and sprayed the slide with dry moly lube. It is very smooth.
