The following information will help you identify your vise model, and determine when and where your vise was manufactured. This is interesting information, but it also can be very important to know if you’re buying accessories for your older vise models. As always, if you have any questions, we love talking about old HMH’s. Give us a call or send an email and we’ll help you out.
1975-6 through mid-1981: A fixed angle or the Premium Vise with the bronze chassis, rotary vise. Jaw and drawbar system. Cam lever says ‘HMH New Boston NH, Pat. Pending’ or could say “Pat App for” Manufactured in New Boston by Bill Hunter.
1981 – 1994. Vises manufactured by API. Cam lever says: ‘HMH API’. Chassis redesigned with two set screws to give adjustable head angle. Original Spartan vise introduced ca. 1985, a 1/3 scale model of HMH Standard vises, built on 5/16″ dia. standrod and with a one-piece jaw. HMH II introduced in late 1980’s, with one-piece jaw system.
1994- 2004. Vises manufactured by Kennebec River Fly & Tackle Co. Cam levers say ‘HMH-KRFTC’. In 2000, Spartan re-designed to standard 3/8″ dia. standrod and jaw/drawbar system. Also in 2000, Standard and Spartan models have new, larger chassis with ‘HMH’. Beginning in 2004, cam levers have only ‘HMH’.
After 2004, the chassis was redesigned to be wider, stainless steel and include the “HMH” Cast into it. This is the current production style available now.
