Mystery tool/object

[MIGNAL]

This was found with the belongings of a friends late father, a model engineer. Absolutely no idea if it has any engineering purpose but it was in his workshop. That probably doesn't say much because he collected everything, including a few old woodworking saws that are now in my possession. More on them later.
The object is around 5 inches top to bottom. Obviously clamps to some type of table. Seems to have some age and is well made. What was it used for?

 

[Cheshirechappie]

I think it's a small vice intended for clock, watch, scientific instrument or modelmaking work. By the look of it, the mouth opening can be adjusted a little by turning the square nut at the top, and clamping pressure is maintained by the spring. The curly handle gives it a quick-release-and-clamp ability for bits that need constant fitting and adjustment to a mechanism. It looks nineteenth century, and rather fine, too.

 

[paultnl]

I am not sure, but I think I once saw a guy making fishing flies with something similar.

 

[MIGNAL]

It's not really a square Nut and certainly can't be turned, so no adjustment there. Obviously something screws on to that particular part.
The jaws have serrated (knurled ?) faces but I wouldn't say that they have a huge amount of holding power.
It is finely made with a handmade quality to it. It certainly doesn't look like it's an object of mass production.

 

[Kalimna]

My first notion was, as suggested above, a third hand for tying flies. But on second thoughts, all fly-tying-clamps I have seen would hold the fly considerably higher off the table than this clamp would do. (btw, I dont tie flys, so might be completely wrong here!)
If it doesnt hold particularly strongly, then does that suggest it is not for the most delicate of work? I imagine that a clockmaker would need absolute preciscion in work-holding.
I wonder if it is merely a general-third-hand type of device (not unlike the modern equivalent of a magnifying glass and two articulated crocodile-clip arms) that doesnt have a specfic purpose?

Adam

p.s. - Is that a piece of spruce (or simillar) intended for a soundboard it is resting upon?

 

[MIGNAL]

I would have thought that a watch/clock maker would require something with a bit more holding power. It has a grip but it's not what I would call solid. It may well be fishing related. I suppose it's profile is fish like.
That is Spruce. The finest Swiss Spruce money can buy.

 

[Kalimna]

Re:clockmaker - that's what I meant about not enough clamping power.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[toolsntat]

Sewing clamp :wink:
Amongst the most beautiful I have seen 8) =D> =P~
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/i ... ing+clamps
Andy
More modern type :roll:

 

[undergroundhunter]

11 down 2nd in from the right looks very close, it would also explain the threaded bit on the top.

Matt

 

[MIGNAL]

I think we can safely say that it is no longer a mystery object, thanks to Toolsntat!

 

[Benchwayze]

My first notion was, as suggested above, a third hand for tying flies. But on second thoughts, all fly-tying-clamps I have seen would hold the fly considerably higher off the table than this clamp would do. (btw, I dont tie flys, so might be completely wrong here!)
If it doesnt hold particularly strongly, then does that suggest it is not for the most delicate of work? I imagine that a clockmaker would need absolute preciscion in work-holding.
I wonder if it is merely a general-third-hand type of device (not unlike the modern equivalent of a magnifying glass and two articulated crocodile-clip arms) that doesnt have a specfic purpose?

Adam

p.s. - Is that a piece of spruce (or simillar) intended for a soundboard it is resting upon?

Not if it was clamped to a vertical board, rather than to a table. Maybe?
I did as Andy did, but only got 'fly-tying' vices.
Well done that man. 8)

 

[bugbear]

Sewing clamp :wink:
Amongst the most beautiful I have seen 8) =D> =P~
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/i ... ing+clamps
Andy

Swine! I've got a copy of Sylvia Groves book on needle work tools (fascinating stuff), but you were too quick for me!

BugBear

 

[AndyT]

So BB or anyone, how is it actually used? Is it to hold one end of the work so you can pull it flat with one hand and sew with the other?

 

[bugbear]

So BB or anyone, how is it actually used? Is it to hold one end of the work so you can pull it flat with one hand and sew with the other?

When sewing a seam, yes. Well guessed!

BugBear

 

[TobyC]

" AntiqBuyer.com Past Sales Archive Antique Sewing Birds / Sewing Clamps"

Antique sewing birds / sewing clamps have a special appeal and make for a great collectible. There is no Antique Brass Sewing Clamp Pincushion w/ Special Featuresdefinitive record of when the first examples were produced but the idea of needing a "third hand" is as old as hand sewing and mending itself. The first sewing clamps were created to fill a utilitarian need to make the seamstress' task a bit easier. Later the idea and designs of the clamps evolved beyond the purely utilitarian and sewing clamps were given as gifts and designed to be decorative pieces of art as well as fill a need.

http://www.patented-antiques.com/sewingbirds.htm

 

[TobyC]

Wow, check these out!