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Offered is an antique A.D. Muehlmatt engraver\'s ball vise / engraving block, manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The underside is clearly maker-marked:
AD. MUEHLMATT
MAKER
CINCINNATI O.
No. 1514
This is a substantial professional engraving vise weighing approximately 8.5 lbs. The heavy rounded body provides a stable work platform while allowing the vise to be positioned for engraving, jewelry work, stone setting and other precision work.
The upper assembly features two self-centering perforated jaws with multiple holes designed to accommodate work-holding pins and fixtures. The jaws have been tested with the included T-handle key and open and close properly. They open to approximately 1-1/4 inches, as shown in the photographs.
A second adjustment operated by the same included key releases the upper assembly, allowing it to rotate. There is an additional adjustment opening in the lower rounded body that requires a larger key. That key is not included, and the function of this lower adjustment has not been tested.
Approximate specifications:
- Maker: A.D. Muehlmatt
- Marked: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Stamped number: 1514
- Type: Engraver\'s ball vise / engraving block
- Height without stand: approximately 5\"
- Height seated in stand: approximately 5-1/2\"
- Jaw opening: approximately 1-1/4\"
- Weight: approximately 8.5 lbs.
- Self-centering perforated jaws
- Rotating upper assembly
- One T-handle adjustment key included
Also included is the pictured homemade wooden stand, made from dimensional lumber with a recessed opening shaped to support the rounded body of the vise. It is included for convenience but is not represented as an original A.D. Muehlmatt accessory.
No work-holding pins, fixtures, clamps, additional keys or other accessories are included. The vise, one T-handle key and homemade wooden stand shown in the photographs are exactly what the buyer will receive.
A substantial piece of early American precision tooling and an appealing example for an engraver, jeweler, watchmaker, gunsmith, machinist, horological-tool collector or antique-tool collection.
Please examine all photographs closely, as they are an important part of the description and show the exact item being offered.
