Yeah, I was watching that. Chances of finding the accessories are about as slim as finding a Polar Bear in a Desert.
but it's v useful like that - much like a squat Record 74 - I prefer mine to my old 74Yeah, I was watching that. Chances of finding the accessories are about as slim as finding a Polar Bear in a Desert.
Thanks for posting the add. Its nice to know what the vice was designed for, and put the parts pictured to memory if one should happen to stumble upon them.
Perhaps a carvers vice that someone perhaps added metal jaw faces to.
yes - good thinking -- I suppose the nearest equivalent from this side of the pond is the French-type carvers vice (latterly only made by or for Tiranti carvers supplies of London and nearby) - here is mine - prob - despite resizing to less than 1MB says 'file too big'
This appears to have gone for £30 in an auction last month. It's a bit grubby but appears to be more together than most.
Dan,do you know this to be genuine or is it a marriage?
Just saw the photo in a US post (lost the link, but not in the usual places) which had no relevant info (except poor pic of other side w 1847 cast-in). Personally I think it is genuine and prob as made, but could have been modified or even a mashup ---- In some ways it fits as a 'missing link' as this was a time just before the development of first patented cast iron vises in the USA (1850s) and Bradford area cast iron woodworking vices in UK (I believe Woodhead Cramp est 1847 or 1850, may have been the first). So it could be a 'Piltdown Man' of vises, but I reckon not.
It is a thing of beauty, whatever it's pedigree. Thanks for the answer. well reasoned as always.
do you think I shld cover my collection in thick grey house paint for conservation reasons??
I've seen worse crimes committed on YouTube in the name of restoration.
The Versa Vise and the Columbian manufactured Gyro-Vise are virtually identical, except for the early model of the Will-Burt vise, which had a taller more duck bill style set of jaws. The modern Parrot vices as they are now called, are of cheaper quality castings, and I wouldn't waste my money on one. The Versa-Vise and Gyro-Vise's were well made the preferred ones which were attached to the benches at the NRA school of gunsmithing in Susanville California.
A couple of photos of my Columbian version, which looks to be a clone of the Will-Burt.
; lived overseas most of my life. 
