Jim Dixon:

Like the varieties of vises used in modern workshops, the schnitzelbank was made in various styles and sizes, depending upon the purpose to which it was to be used, My great grandfather's schnitzelbank was more like the red-colored examples in the images provided by Repaire and Joe Offer.

It had the arched type clamp rather than the large block that pushed down on a separate clamping board. The type with the arched clamp did not have a powerful clamping action, but was useful for working with small items . . . that style was often used by cobblers, as well as other craftsmen doing light work, such as clockmakers, wood carvers, luthiers, etc.

. . . er, Wolfgang, that looks like one of my old family photos? How did you come by it?

EuGene