October 16, 201213 yr I bought this little thing a few weeks ago in a bundle with another tools. I paid $35 for both. After looking on Ebay i found they sell for $25-$30 each. I have seen them described under several names. What are they really called? What do you think they are worth?
October 16, 201213 yr They are called "old small vises". I don't think they are worth much as their function can be better done by a modern machinists vise. (I do own one for use with my 19th century historical smithing kit)
October 16, 201213 yr This is a fine example of a very rare legless pigmy vise. It`s worth quite a bit of money to a legless pigmy but they only pay in very small bills. :D Seriously, look at what the ones on ebay really sold for to get an idea of their true worth. I have one that looks like a tiny leg vise with the leg cut off, old style screwbox and all. It looks to be a lot older than the one in the pics and I gave $5 for it `cause I figured it`d looked neat on the mantle. The wife nixed the idea, said I`d turn the mantle into a workbench if she allowed it. She`s probably right.
October 16, 201213 yr They are called table vises or bench vises. I get this information from a reprint of a W.&C. catalog from 1820 The book is called "A Pattern Book of Tools and Household Goods" . They were a tool manufacturer and wholesaler from England.
October 16, 201213 yr Author In case anyone asks, I looks for maker marks but found absolutely nothing.
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