I found this little vise on Ebay, I didn't really need it but was enchanted by it and for $30 I couldn't resist.  Markings say Pat. June 16 1885 H & B.  Seems to be in excellent condition.  Any information on it?  google didn't really come up with anything except ads for similar vises (for a whole lot more).  Any history would be greatly appreciated.

 

Update:  I found the patent but still don't know the company.  Does not appear to be HB smith, but I may be wrong.  I attached the patent information

 

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?pn=320224&id=7259

could have been made by H.B. Smith. Look at this link

 

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=766&tab=7

I have one similar made by bonney vise and tool works.

Found this on Google Patents:

https://www.google.com/patents/US320224?dq=%22june+16+1885%22+vise&hl=en&sa=X&ei=uO9mUumpHMHayAHJ8oCYCA&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAA

I would not be surprised if he licensed it out to several companies, or even exclusively to HB Smith.

I did some more research and the company that made this little vise is Heller and Brothers company, a blacksmith/farriers company made famous in the nineteeth century for making files and Hammers and is now known as Simonds international

I've seen a lot of Heller Bros. hammers and files, as well as a few other blacksmithing tools, I've got a few of their hammers and tongs and they're amazing, but I've never, ever seen a Heller vise! :)

I've seen a lot of Heller Bros. hammers and files, as well as a few other blacksmithing tools, I've got a few of their hammers and tongs and they're amazing, but I've never, ever seen a Heller vise! :)

HG Skip Brack at the Davistown Tool Museum in Maine helped me out with this one, strangely I've been obsessed with researching this little guy and I feel like I got some closure

 

'>just for fun:

 

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I have similar sized one but with the front jaw pivoting on a hinge at the base like a full size blacksmith vice.

The anvil on mine doesn't have a bik like yours does though.

Mine has no markings and it comes from my father-in-law's (FIL) tool box.

Most likely he got it from his father or earlier descendant as there are a number of tools in that toolbox that are at least 150 years old and one hammer with 1793 stamped on it.

I have similar sized one but with the front jaw pivoting on a hinge at the base like a full size blacksmith vice.
The anvil on mine doesn't have a bik like yours does though.
Mine has no markings and it comes from my father-in-law's (FIL) tool box.
Most likely he got it from his father or earlier descendant as there are a number of tools in that toolbox that are at least 150 years old and one hammer with 1793 stamped on it.

I'd love to dog through some of those tools

Hi that style vise was pattened by pheonix it was coppied by other co. it came in several sizes I have 1inch jaws up to 3inch in both direct mount or c bracket style and with a intregril cast iron handle hope this helps Ron