What WAS the first rotary vise?

I recently saw a *really* cool old rotary vise at the local fly shop, pulled out of the closet for both use and nostalgia. Not nice in terms of weight, or looks, but it sure works. A Herter's from the 1950s. HUGE. I'll have pics to post of it tomorrow nite. Weird bobbin included, all the instructions (fun to read), swivel tray for 'stuff,' gigantic bobbin rest arm.

Anyways, got me wondering about the history of rotary vises.

DANBOB