Any more specific info on this workbench?

[ear3]

The table I'm currently building for a client will be replacing the workbench they are currently using for that purpose.  They haven't decided what they will do yet with the workbench, but there's a possibility I might be able to get my hands on it.  I'm curious, though, whether anyone could offer a more explicit identification of the bench -- and whether it was designed for something more specialized than just general woodworking.  It is exceptionally long, has an odd looking vise on the right, and has a recess along the entire back for holding stuff:

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[six-point socket]

I'm sorry I can't offer any valuable insight. But this is indeed an exceptionally beautiful workbench and I too would definitely try to get my hands on it if an opportunity arose like it did for you now. So go for it if they let it go

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Kev]

Grab it if you can!

Looks to be traditional woodworking to me.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Looks like a normal woodworking bench to me. The vice looks like it was adapted by a previous owner to suit something he build with a certain frequency.

 

[ear3]

Yeah -- pretty much everything seems standard on it except for the length and the vise, which I still can't figure out what it was for.  We'll see if I can get a hold of it.

Looks like a normal woodworking bench to me. The vice looks like it was adapted by a previous owner to suit something he build with a certain frequency.

 

[travisj]

For whatever reason I can't get the first two pictures to show up larger than a thumbnail.  I am assuming the "unusual" vice is the third picture?  What is unusual?  The miter block on the top of the vice?

 

[Daver]

The bench and the dimensions are consistent with a standard (historically speaking) joiner's bench with shoulder and tail vises. The trough would be for hand planes, etc. storage while working.

Looks nice!

Dave

 

[Andy UK]

That looks to me to be what is commonly referred to as a Traditional European Workbench, I believe I've even seen that style described as Scandinavian.
A distinctly different style from the English Workbench or Roubo Workbench (French).
The recess at the back of the bench is usually called a "Well" and is used for brushing shavings into and temporarily storing tools while working at the bench.
The tail vice looks to have a modification on the top which I presume served a purpose for cutting mitres.

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the replies!

That looks to me to be what is commonly referred to as a Traditional European Workbench, I believe I've even seen that style described as Scandinavian.
A distinctly different style from the English Workbench or Roubo Workbench (French).
The recess at the back of the bench is usually called a "Well" and is used for brushing shavings into and temporarily storing tools while working at the bench.
The tail vice looks to have a modification on the top which I presume served a purpose for cutting mitres.

 

[Harvey]

As others have said it looks like a nicely used Scandinavian bench. Tage Frid published plans for his in a 1976 issue of Fine Woodworking. If I can read it properly his was 6 feet long (he suggested to make them longer in 5 inch increments to add a dog hole), but only 18 3/4" wide.