Abegg & Reinhold Co. manufactured the Varco carpenters' vise. Founded in 1908, the firm initially manufactured tools for mining and automobiles, eventually specializing in oil and gas drilling tools. The Varco trademark was in use in 1915, and was an acronym from the initials of an early investor and the two partners. A US Patent for a vise was issued to one of the partners Mar. 22, 1932, but the vise could have been in production before then. In January 1973 the company name changed to Varco International, Inc., but by that time they were no longer making vises.
Information Sources
- Baker, Hamilton & Pacific Co. Catalog, date unknown, Pg. 185
- 1968 trademark 877732 for the mark "Varco". Considerable information about the later history of the company can be found among the various documents filed in relation to the trademark application and its renewal.
- Reference for Business history of Varco International, Inc.
- Garage Journal post on Varco vise