Universal Vise?

[haziz 0]

Looking at the latest edition of Leiser's book, he lists Universal Vise, even listing a website for them! Sadly, it is no longer valid. Turns out they were based in the next town over from me!

Anybody have any info regarding the company, and the company's history? When did they go out of business?

Thanks.

[niveker 0]

I'm on the opposite side of the CT River from you. 

From what I can recall, the United States Whip Company became the US Line Company, which became or created as a subsidiary the Universal Vice Corp, located first at 22 Main St, and then 16 Union Ave, on one side and then the other of the mighty Westfield.  I believe they finally dissolved sometime in the early 2000's.  There is a tip up (ice fishing) company that operates out of the 16 Union Ave location, or there was until relatively recently, not sure if it has any relation to UVC.  They did have some neat looking vises, including the first true rotary vice, I believe.  I have picked up some of their stuff at various tag sales and on the big auction site (none of their vises, yet).  The material, or at least feathers and such, appear to be on the lower end of the quality spectrum.

[SilverCreek 0]

Companies come and go.

Weber Fly Company of Stevens Point, Wi was the largest producer and seller of flies in the USA at one time.

http://fishingantiques.com/index_weber_lifelike.php

http://classicflyrodforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=93413

Pg .19 in the publication of the Museum of Fly Fishing describes Stevens Point, Wi as the "Fly Tying Capital of the World" back in 1940.

http://www.amff.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/1981-Vol08-No2web.pdf

 

[haziz 0]

7 hours ago, niveker said:

I'm on the opposite side of the CT River from you. 

From what I can recall, the United States Whip Company became the US Line Company, which became or created as a subsidiary the Universal Vice Corp..............

 

Ah yes, of course; THE whip capital of the world! Much to my surprise, there is actually still a whip manufacturer left in Westfield. Westfield Whip; the last one standing!

 

 

[BHouk 0]

Here is an interesting article on the Universal Rotary Vice.  http://www.mtfa-springfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Universal-Rotary-Fly-Tying-Vises.pdf

 

[Gene L 0]

Here's mine.  It's the second model and I tie steamers on it.

 

[niveker 0]

8 hours ago, Gene L said:

Here's mine. 

Old school cool!

[feathers5 0]

Very interesting article. Thanks for posting it.