DWSmith 0 Report post Posted March 22, 2023 http://www.mtfa-springfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/D-H-Thompson.pdf After looking at this document it appears the Thompson "Pro Vise" Series only came in a black finish. Later did they have a version in a metal finish that looked like chrome? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted March 22, 2023 2 hours ago, DWSmith said: Later did they have a version in a metal finish that looked like chrome? I have never seen a chrome Thompson Pro, but that doesn't mean they weren't made. That article you posted is only 5 years old, and DH Thompson was out of business by then, if that helps. Do you have one? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2023 Thanks for the reply. I have a Thompson vise on its way and I'm trying to identify the model from the photo. I think it's a Pro. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2023 👍 Post a photo when you get a chance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2023 I may be mistaken. I just saw a series of photos that made it look like it had possibly been black at one time so maybe the finish has worn off or the lighting made it look more like old chrome. It has definitely seen better days. In this photo even the knobs on the clamp appear to not be black ... sort of. ??? Is this a Pro Series? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2023 That is definitely a Thompson Pro, I agree with you about the lighting making it look chromed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2023 That photo made the vise look so bad that I had buyer's remorse thinking it was a mess and bid on another one. Then the vise in the photo arrived. It looks darn good. Maybe someone will bid against me and get the second one. I also bought a Thompson Model A. (What was I thinking??? ) I'm going to end up with 2 or 3 Thompson vises. I'm having fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2023 No such thing as too may vises, and enjoyment is the name of the game. Congrats. Looking forward to seeing some of your ties. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted March 25, 2023 Do they call it VAD (Vise Acquisition Disorder)? Is there a 12 step program for it or does it require an intervention? I probably need to get prepared. I'm looking forward to seeing some of my flies too! I need some materials then I'll get started. Might tie some more of the flies I did years ago. I still have materials for those. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2023 This just arrived. Model "A"? It's absolutely perfect except that the clamp is upside down. I'll have to figure out how to fix that. (Just kidding. This is the seller's picture.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2023 👍 Looks brand new. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redietz 0 Report post Posted March 31, 2023 On 3/27/2023 at 4:17 PM, DWSmith said: This just arrived. Model "A"? The model A's were chrome and the Pros were blackened. That and the slightly beefed up clamp on the Pro were the only real differences between the two models. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted March 31, 2023 5 hours ago, redietz said: The model A's were chrome and the Pros were blackened. That and the slightly beefed up clamp on the Pro were the only real differences between the two models. Are you saying all model A's were chromed? I think I've seen some model A's chromed and some with the dark finish but I may be mistaken. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redietz 0 Report post Posted March 31, 2023 Yes, I believe that is correct. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
utyer 0 Report post Posted April 1, 2023 I started tying on my father's Thompson A in 1955. Trying to duplicate patterns I saw in a Herters Catalog. After we moved to Utah in 57, the vise was packed away, and "lost for about 6 years. Then in 66, I found it again and Used it for years. In 71 I got a Thompson Pro with 2 extra jaws. This one lasted me until I passed it and the Thompson A model down to my Niece and Nephew. They still work just fine, going strong after more than 65 years. The "new Thompson products are maid in Asia somewhere and I don't think they will match up to the "real D H Thompsons." I tried lots of other vises in the 70s, and 80s. Then in 91, I got a Nor-Vise. It is still going after more than 20 years and 10,000 flies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites