antique fly tying vise

[stlhdr37 0]

Does anyone know what this is exactly or what it could be worth if anything? The bottom of the base reads made in the USA, Darling, B-45, a number 71. I cannot fid anything about it online anywhere.

[mikechell 0]

This is merely conjecture. I looked up everything I could on old vises, Darling and B45.

The B45 Tornado was a war plane ... with an impressive, although short lived history.

I am guessing that someone named Darling (the vise builder) was either a crew member of the old bombers, or actually used parts salvaged from old busted war planes. And, this is the 71 vise he built. Since the B45 was basically retired in the early 50s ... it's very possible someone was making these vises then ... but never really became a big name in fly tying equipment. That being the case, it could be worth LOTS of money, or nothing ... depending on who "Darling" was.

 

Anyway, if I were you, I wouldn't even clean it up until I knew more about it. Antiques lose value if the patina of age is polished off.

[stlhdr37 0]

Thanks man! That is what I was leaning toward also. The base looks like it could be some sort of rotor or access plate so it definitely could have been parts from something else. The only reason I would think otherwise is because of the name darling and the B-45 were definitely a part of the original cast as well as made in the USA. Don't worry, I watch plenty of pawn stars, I wont touch the patina.

[oldtrout58 0]

That vise looks way ahead of it's time. Does it work?

[troutguy 0]

Send photo to Catskill Flyfishing Museum

[Gene L 0]

I wouldn't think it's worth a lot of money, if that's what you're asking. Lots of ventures into the vise-building enterprise by lots of machinists and a lot of failures in the market. There is almost no vise collector interest at the present time. If it's a good vise, tie on it. If it's an OK vise, then go with that. Not a valuable asset IMO.

[flytire 0]

Send photo to Catskill Flyfishing Museum

 

ditto

 

dont waste time with assumptions

[mikechell 0]

Yeah ... when I wrote that original guess, I didn't realize that the info on the bottom was part of the casting. That does change things a bit.

 

This guy was at Bass Pro Shop ... and he was a guest at the SmallMouth Alliance meeting. He's a lure collector and fishing "historian". Most of his "Historian" part comes from his being a part of the bass fishing community from the beginning.

He is also a buyer for Bass Pro Shop. All those antique things you see in the stores ... someone had to acquire that. He's one of those guys.

 

Anyway, if you send him the photos, he might be able to provide some information. Here's his info from his card.

 

Dan Basore

[email protected]

[phg 0]

I'm sure it's very valuable. It could bring $10 to $15 at auction. That would be 3 to 5 times what it cost new!

 

Another suggestion would be to contact the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, VT (Orvis). As noted, antique fly tying vises are not in high demand. I've never seen that one before.

[stlhdr37 0]

yes it does work. It was actually the first one that I used. I don't even remember where I got it. No matter what it is worth it is just going to end up in a showcase in my basement next to a few other antiques that I have. Maybe someday I will hit the big one and make it on to pawn stars

[flytire 0]

better bring more than a vise to pawn stars

 

chumley wouldnt even have a clue what it is!

 

you should post it here in the fly tying section

 

http://classicflyrodforum.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=73&sid=226156240f308b7d73e5252b3ecc9540

 

or here

 

http://www.classicflytying.com/index.php?showforum=4

 

http://www.classicflytying.com/index.php?showforum=5

[flysmallie 0]

If you decide to part with it let me know.

[Ty Flyer 0]

Nice Find.