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Updated May 4, 2026

Value of old vises

Old vise value depends on maker, jaw width, weight, swivel base, condition, completeness, bench context, and local demand.

Cast Iron Bench Vise sold by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal — auction record photograph
Auction-record example: Cast Iron Bench Vise. Source: EJ'S Auction & Appraisal. Separate auction item shown for reference. View auction source.

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One clear answer

Start by identifying whether it is a machinist bench vise, woodworking vice, leg vise, small salesman sample, or part of a full workbench.

Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, completeness, size, rarity, and demand can materially change value.

Quick value checklist

  • Photograph the full item, maker marks, patent dates, handles, blades, jaws, screws, labels, boxes, and damage.
  • Measure key dimensions and show weight if safe and relevant.
  • Note rust, cracks, repairs, missing parts, sharpening, repainting, replacement handles, and whether it functions.

Key value drivers

  • Maker, jaw width, weight, original parts, clean screw, swivel base, and working condition drive value.
  • Vise-only sales, workbenches with vices, and miniature samples compare separately.
  • Cracks, broken jaws, missing handles, frozen screws, and pickup-only limits can reduce value.

What similar items actually sold for

To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These matched sales are market context only, not an object estimate or identification, and they do not guarantee a price for your specific bench vise.

Shown USD range: USD 12-USD 150. Median of these 8 USD examples: USD 45.

Comparable What sold Auction house Date Lot Source-reported amount
TABLE TOP BENCH VISE sold by Atlee Raber Auctioneer, lot 1267 — auction record photograph TABLE TOP BENCH VISE Atlee Raber Auctioneer 2024-09-11 1267 USD 25
Cast Iron Bench Vise sold by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal, lot 2031 — auction record photograph Cast Iron Bench Vise EJ'S Auction & Appraisal 2025-09-20 2031 USD 60
Large black bench vise with a threaded screw and metal jaw clamp mounted on a base, photographed against a light wall. Heavy Duty Bench Vise Davis Brothers Auction 2024-11-03 1033 USD 110
Wood Workers Bench Vise sold by Wehrly's Auction Service, lot 314 — auction record photograph Wood Workers Bench Vise Wehrly's Auction Service 2024-05-28 314 USD 12
Rusty metal bench vise with a round handle and side jaw, shown against a dark background. C. PARKER NO. 22 BENCH VISE. Poulin Antiques & Auctions 2024-12-04 3616 USD 150
Red Doyle Bench Vise with Rotating Base sold by R & R Auction INC, lot 10011 — auction record photograph Red Doyle Bench Vise with Rotating Base R & R Auction INC 2025-05-18 10011 USD 50
Red metal bench vise with a swiveling base and side handle, shown in a close-up against a white background. Larin Swivel Bench Vise EJ'S Auction & Appraisal 2024-10-05 2107 USD 40
Black metal bench vise with a screw mechanism and handle, shown in a front view on a white background. 6 Inch Cross Slide Bench Vise R & R Auction INC 2024-04-14 2468 USD 25
How these auction records were verified

Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Live source access was blocked; the exact record matched Appraisily's immutable pipeline provenance. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.

Condition and authenticity cautions

Do not force a frozen screw, repaint, or replace handles before documentation. Maker marks and original hardware matter.

Use a professional appraisal when the item may be significant, needs insurance, estate, donation, or sale documentation, or has authenticity questions.

When the free screener is enough

Use the free screener for first-pass identification, condition review, and market direction before cleaning, restoring, selling, donating, or ordering a formal appraisal.

When to get a professional appraisal

Use a professional appraisal for insurance, estate, donation, legal, or higher-value sale decisions. See the professional sample report.

Related guides

Antique tools and machines value guides, Value of old tools, Free tool appraisal app, Free antique tool appraisal, Free farm tool appraisal, Antique tools value.

FAQ

Are old vises valuable?

Some are, especially maker-marked, large, complete, and working examples. Many ordinary vises are modest.

What vise details matter?

Maker, jaw width, weight, swivel base, screw condition, handle, jaws, and cracks.

Should I restore a vise?

Document first. Repainting or replacing parts can affect collector value.

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