API - Spartan Fly Tying Vise

For sale here is an API (Angling Products Incorporated) "Spartan" fly tying vise with a pedestal base as well as a c-clamp. Made in the early 1980's in the USA. The vise is an exact 2/3 replica of the HMH Standard Vise. It was also known as the "mini-vise" because of this. API purchased HMH in 1980 and began making vises under their name. The vise is in excellent used condition and in flawless mechanical shape with only minor cosmetic signs of honest use. The vise is quite handsome in a reserved way and classically styled with brass appointments. 

The vise has a 5/16" x 8" standrod, a bit smaller than is typical. The c-clamp also comes with an 8" standrod. The vise is equipped with the "universal" jaw from API capable of holding a wide range of hooks from fully dressed salmon flies down to tiny midge patterns and also comes with the "restricted" jaws perfect for tiny work. Lastly, a longer tube housing for the jaws is included for use with the longer style jaws. The base is made of black powder-coated cast-iron and hefty enough to be able to spin deer hair with ease. The head of the vise pivots as well rotates to let the tyer hold the fly at whatever angle they choose. Includes Allen wrenchs and spare Delrin washer. 

This is finely crafted vise from one of the pioneers of the modern fly-tying vise industry. This is a vintage vise and though the later produced HMH Spartan is easily sourced the API version is much less likely to pop up on the secondary market. 

Note: Sylvester Nemes, famed fly tyer and author of "The Soft Hackled Fly", and "Spinners" did most of his tying on an API Spartan vise. 

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