Vise Grip " PAT ""D

[Jeff 4 Tools]

i HAVE IN MY POSSEN A TOOL THAT'S MARKED ( VISE GRIP "PAT""D ) ITS 9 1/8" LONG LOOKS TO BE HAND FORGED THE LETTERING IS DEFINITELY HAND STAMPED. I HAVE HAD THIS IN MY POSSESSION FOR 15 YEARS I UN EARTHED IT IN MY BACK ACREAGE . IT SEEMS TO BE ALL THERE AND IN WORKING ORDER AFTER MANY HOURS OF CLEANING DIRT ECT AWAY LEAVING THE PATINA ON IT. UNTIL I CAME ACROSS THIS SITE I ALMOST GIVEN UP HOPE ON MORE INFO ON THE TOOL  THE PROPERTY DATES BACK TO 1910 THAT'S AS FAR BACK AS WE CAN TRACK. PLEASE ANY INFO ON THIS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
THANK YOU
JEFF 4 TOOLS

[stanley62]

Jeff,

  Lets see a picture.

  Jim

[Papaw]

We need pictures and please post in Lower case rather than All Caps.

Welcome to Tool Talk!

[mvwcnews]

Examples of both the 1921 "1st" patent  (http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1392443&typeCode=0 ) without lever handle  and  early examples of the 1924 "2nd" patent  ( http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1489458&typeCode=0 )  would appear "hand forged" as they were assembled from drop forged pieces.  Through  the 1930s  the "1924 patent" versions evolved with more & more components made from stamped metal parts.
Compare your tool to the photos in those DATAMP entries & you can get a rough idea where yours fits in that continuum.

[The Copilot]

First model Vise Grip ca. 1921-1923.  These wrenches were designed by William Petersen on DeWitt, Nebraska. These drop forged wrenches (first model and second model) had the parts forged under contract in New York State (by J.H. Williams).  The parts were shipped to Nebraska and the tools were assembled in Peyersen's blacksmith shop in DeWitt.  Great find!!

[shortfuse]

Jeff, my being an amateur blacksmith, I have heard that "Vise Grip" pliers were conjured up by a blacksmith (name unknown) to use as a tong he didn't have to constantly grip.  In your opinion, any truth to that speculation?

[john k]

Petersen was the blacksmith that developed it.  Right here in Nebraska.  The photo am putting in are of two early models brought to the MWTCA meet by a serious Vise-Grip collector.   Off to the side are copies of some patent drawings.

[shortfuse]

john k,

Thanks for verifying what I had heard.  You know how rumors can circulate.  As they say, "Necessity is the Mother of Invention".