A blacksmith's leg or staple vice of suggested 19th-century date, in use in Staffordshire till the 1970s is examined with regard to 17th-century and later descriptions relating to use and manufacture; and with regard to a scientific examination made of the box or nut to ascertain methods and materials of construction. X-ray examination together with optical metallography, as well as boroscopic and electron beam microprobe analysis methods were used in the examination. The wrought iron consisted of a ferritic matrix with many elongated silicate and oxide inclusions. A copper zinc brazing spelter had been used throughout. The nut, fabricated from three metal rings, two keys, an end cap, a main tube, thread and spacer, all brazed together, shows evidence of impressive craftsmanship. -- AATA