These were often supplied with a key for tightening, square hole one end for the ratchet, and a slot with a central round hole for the wing nut on the vice, at the other end.

No pictures, but a description of their use can be found at: http://www.samhallas.co.uk/repository/po_docs/h2_open_line_constn_2.pdf Pages 4 and 5

This one is still available new - from Jalandar, Punjab, India... The image shows the key...

Link: http://www.tradeindia.com/fp1422142/Draw-Vice.html

I don't think I'd want to wind that handle very long.  I liked the bronze one  on the one that was on Worth Point.
Thanks for the info.

Mike

Archiving some images, I found this

Just had a look at the Worthpoint image - I was wondering where the talk of a bronze handle came from... IMHO this not original to the vice - the ratchet was used to tension the line (using a different, probably stranded steel, cable) - to get the correct tension it would be necessary to have fine control over a relatively few turns (there is no space for a lot of wire on the ratchet spool). A lever would give better control than a handle of the type shown.. Some of the draw tongs have a spring scale incorportated to measure the tension, but I guess most linesmen could get this pretty right by measuring the sag on the wire....

The one below also availabe from India (Indiamart).... with the more usual type of handle...

William Wilkinson Shear manufacturer Grimesthorp Baine's 1822

William Wilkinson Shear & Makers Grimesthorpe Pigot's 1828-9

William Wilkinson Manufacturer of sheep, garden, horse and glovers' shears & shoe, cook, draw Grimesthorpe White's 1833

William Wilkinson (& Sons) manufacturers of sheep shears, shoe, bread & drawing knives, steel Spring Works, Grimesthorpe White's 1849

Rev. William Wilkinson (& Sons) sheep shear, shoeknife &c. manufacturers Grimesthorpe White's 1852

William Wilkinson (& Co.) sheep & garden shear &c. manufacturers 17 Backfields White's 1852

William Wilkinson (&Sons) manufacturers of sheep shears, shoe, bread & drawing knives, steels Spring Works, Grimesthorpe White's 1852

William Wilkinson (& Sons Ltd.) manufacturers of sheep shears &c Grimesthorpe Road Kelly's 1893
(also Frederick William Wilkinson Electro-plate manufacturer 57 Trafalgar Street Kelly's 1893)

William George Wilkinson Sheep shear manufacturer (W. W. & Son) h. 25 the Dale, Norton Woodseats White's 1911

William George Wilkinson Sheep shear maker (Wilkinson Walter & Son) h. 25 The Dale, Norton Woodseats White's 1919

William George Wilkinson Sheep shear manufacturer (W Wilkinson & Son) h. 25 The Dale, Norton Woodseats Kelly's 1925

William George jun. Wilkinson Sheep shear manufacturer (W Wilkinson & Son) h. 59 Hackthorn Road, Norton Woodseats Kelly's 1925

source: http://www.sheffieldhistory.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic/5460-william-wilkinson-sons/

plus another adverising image

see also:

Printed notices of the formation of Burgon and Wilkinson, Sheffield as a limited company  B & B 43  1895

List of plant and machinery at Burgon and Wilkinson's Spring works in Grimesthorpe, Sheffield and valuation by Arthur M. Wild of Sheffield  B & B 44  1898

Draft valuation of fittings and plant  B & B 45  1898

Draft valuation of finished and partly finished goods at Burgon and Wilkinson, Sheffield  B & B 46  1898

Draft valuation of stock, mostly hammers  B & B 47  1899

Assignment of Burgon and Wilkinson's trade-marks and goodwill to Burgon and Ball, with some other relevant deeds and copies of deeds  B & B 48  1899

Bundle of accounts in connection with the liquidation of Burgon and Wilkinson, Sheffield including a petty cash book and bundle of vouchers  B & B 49  1899

Printed particulars of sale with plan for Spring Works, Grimesthorpe, Sheffield former premises of Burgon and Wilkinson Ltd  B & B 50  1899

source: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/A2A/records.aspx?cat=199-bb&cid=6-1#6-1

Note: Burgon & Ball (makers of sheep shears), and successors to William Wilkinson,  are still in existence in Sheffield

see: http://www.burgonandball.com/