JT Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 I just bought this Civil War era ?? wagon tongue vise. others I have seen like this are described as being from that era, so that's what I'm guessing.. I knew what it was when I saw it and ended up paying $72.00 for it at a small local on-line auction.. now to take it apart and clean it and straighten the handle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmall Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 Great vises. I have two. One mounted horizontal and the other vertical. Handy vises to have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lionel h Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 I like this vise . I want some of this type to add to my vise collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 I bought a hammer at the flea market it looks just like one on a roman tombstone and I know they used them back then so it must be 2000 years old right? What you need to document is when the last ones were made/used and then you know that they must be earlier. Now I checked in the 1897, 1905 and 1908 Sears Roebuck catalogs and they were not shown; Didn't find a mention in a quick scan through all 4 volumes of Practical Blacksmithing, (1889,1890, 1891) so we're getting closer. David Einhorn has documented them to the 1850's and civil war years--see his book on Civil War Blacksmithing. But we still don't have a start or end date! Check your vise to see if it has an iron city stamp on it just for curiosity... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 Thanks TP I'll look at it closer when I clean it.. I won't be able to pick it up until Saturday.. thanks for looking into the dates !! I'll post more after I get it... JT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT Posted February 2, 2019 Author Share Posted February 2, 2019 Well a small update.. I picked it up a day early ! so far I straightened the handle, got most of the nuts to loosen and turn ( pivot bolt turns a touch so far and is soaking ) jaw opens a couple inches so far and is soaking at the pivot bolt and cheeks.. screw & Box look really good and has old grease.. I'll see more tomorrow after soaking over night to see how much more movement I've gained.. oh.. the jaws are a little over 3 3/4" wide but not quite 4" … more to come once I get it apart and wire wheel it all.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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