Help identifying unknown tool

[Wildlife_Designs]

found this clamp like tool today in a home eviction. It looks old and interesting.
It's only mark is the words "WILMAM FRIEDRICHS"
It is about 4 inches long.
Does anybody know what this is and anything about its manufacturing and manufacturer?

[lptools]

Hello, And welcome to Tool Talk. What you have is a Hand Vise, usually there would be a wing nut to tighten the jaws.. I am guessing these were used by many different trades, jewelers, machinists, etc., for light duty work holding..  Regards, Lou

[Papaw]

Welcome to Tool Talk!
Google William Friedrichs hand vise.
That is a neat item to have. Used in many trades to hold items, as in jewelry making, etc.

[turnnut]

 I think that there was a William Friedrich in N.Y. in the early 1800's that either made or sold tools.

small hand vises are still in use today. 

nice lil find you have there.  the spring still looks to be in good shape.

[Papaw]

You are correct Turnnut! Not so old as thought, but this is only a design patent.
Here it is- http://google.com/patents/DE2715631C2?cl=zh

[Wildlife_Designs]

Awesome. Thank you guys for the prompt response. I am constantly finding old random tools and I have begun a collection. It's always nice to know what I own.