Harness makers vice

[Shreckmeister]

Does anyone know if these vices were also used in gunsmithing

[T*O*F]

That's like asking can you use a screwdriver as a chisel, scraper, or prybar.  If a guy had one and it suited his immediate needs, then he probably used it.  Have you never used a tool for other than its intended purpose?

[okieboy]

 They are keen when you are stiching up a shooting pouch.
 I know I have seen a modern drawing of a stock being worked in a shave horse, but that may only be artistic inagination.
 Nice piece of equipment though. I would suspect that the hole in the middle of the seat held a metal tool tray (like a bowl) to lay harness needles, thread, leather sewing palms, pliers, and maybe a trimming knife. If it were mine, I would add the tray and a partially stiched pouch that could be used to demonstrate saddle stitch.  

[Shreckmeister]

Let me rephrase my question and clarify my interest.  Okie I appreciate your
input.  I am trying to recreate a typical 19th century gunsmith shop.  I am
wondering if most period gunsmith shops would have had one of these vises
in it.  I don't want to put it in the shop if these were primarily used in tack shops.

[rich pierce]

Not for a gunsmith shop.

[T*O*F]

Many gunsmith shops were also blacksmith shops.  As such they probably did a lot of harness repair work because small villages didn't always have a dedicated tack shop.  It is totally feasible that they had harness repair tools as part of their operation.

[Dave B]

the thought is good but in practice the gripping strength of the jaws are not enough for what we need to grip the rifle. You also must beable to move around the work and this arrangement is only good for one position is perfect for stitching leather.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

If you are recreating a static display of a gunshop I would think it could easily be there..assuming that the gunmakker also made shot bags and other leather work from time to time.. Just put a half finished shotbag with it.

[Chris Treichel]

Harness makers vice is great if you are constantly moving your piece in the vice for sewing... it opens whenever you release pressure with your foot or butt depending on design... jaws open and if not carefull you will drop a piece of leather on the ground... no big deal... drop a lock or a metal part from that height thats a problem. 

I could think of some neat applications for say a seated bench with an integral post vice for doing extended file work... but I would want a way of locking the vice down on any metal or wood work for gunbuilding.

[Kermit]

Suzkat--if this shop is for yourself, I'd say go for it. If it's a display for the public or students, skip it. I've seen too many "historical" displays that had something demonstrably wrong, but the viewing public may not have enough sophistication to filter what they are seeing through your "might have been." They'll take it as fact. They are relying on you to present things accurately. I've seen Dietz kerosene lanterns in what were supposed to be 18th century dioramas.

[Dave B]

I would put one in my shope If I came across one for a resonable price. I have a travel model I have made that I use for sewing pouches now.

[JohnnyM]

Yep it's a stitchin' pony or as, you call it, a harness makers' vice.  It is definitely a leather worker's important tool.  Harness maker, saddle maker, etc. 
I've got one similar though mine is perhaps a bit older.  I posted pics of it here awhile back.  I can still see the awl marks on the clams on mine.  Your pic is a good illustration of how the leather belt was attached to the clams and the wood lever to tighten.  Thanks.  I'm missing the belt on mine and now I know how to recreate it.



Johnny

[Bill]

It appears as tho' it's in really good condition. You are fortunate indeed to have found one in such good shape.