Athol 643 1/2 Svivel Jaw Swivel Base Machinists Vise Athol M&F CO

Here is an extremely rare Athol 643 1/2 double swivel vise; it has a swivel base but in addition the rear jaw swivels so that tapered or irregular work pieces can be gripped firmly. The swivel jaw vise was patented by Mason Prentiss, a gunsmith working at Springfield Armory in 1868. Athol's version differs in that the back jaw swivels on a round cast in boss with flat machined opposite the jaw face and a groove around its circumference. The machined opening in the vise body is fitted with a key to engage the groove; thus the jaw is removable only in one position. Athol also felt the need to thread the end of the tapered pin which has flats for a wrench.

The cast in place jaws are 3 1/2 inches wide and open to about 4 3/4 inches. This particular example was made after 1920 since it has Athol M&F cast into the side. It has been used and has dings and dents in the slide and jaws.

In short, it shows some usage but is in good working condition. There are no braze or weld repairs anywhere and the handles are straight. I got it with several coats of paint of various colors on it so I scaled it all off and gave it 2 coats of a dark gray that is close to the color of another Athol I have. Vises have been a vice of mine and I have more than a dozen other quality US made vises by various manufacturers including Athol, Columbian.

Rock Island, Reed and others that I will be listing soon. I was planning on working on a couple of Parkers next so stay tuned.

The item "Athol 643 1/2 Svivel Jaw Swivel Base Machinists Vise Athol M&F CO" is in sale since Thursday, July 4, 2019. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Tools, Hardware & Locks\Tools\Carpentry, Woodworking\Vises, Clamps". The seller is "scottie-people" and is located in South Pasadena, California. This item can be shipped to United States.