Wadeh66
Active member
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The VISES of Garage Journal
- Thread starter mjozefow
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Wadeh66
Active member
It is a "No 1" without the X. If you look at that picture, the text on the right side is very different from mine. Plus, mine has 3.5" jaws instead of the 3.25 listed in that catalog.
I suppose I'm satisfied that it's old enough that it probably belonged to my great grandfather (1869 - 1926), but my curiosity is keeping me looking for info
. But i also know things can have patent dates from long ago and continue to be manufactured for many many years under that patent.My dad remembers it from my grandad's shop in the 40's and he seemed to think my grandad inherited it. But still, I keep looking
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EOC_Jason
Well-known member
I suppose I'm satisfied that it's old enough that it probably belonged to my great grandfather (1869 - 1926), but my curiosity is keeping me looking for info
I'll have to look through my files on my other computer tomorrow where I keep most of the old catalog images I've saved from various sources.
The style is really what puts it around 1900 or earlier. Also the model numbers for later models are much more well known (and much different than earlier models). Also they typically stopped putting the patent date after like 10-15 years or so from the date of the patent.
Did you look up the patent number online? There should be a sketch and some bits of info tied to it.
EDIT - Found this 1877 ad... No model numbers but similar style...
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Wadeh66
Active member
I did look at lots of patents. One of the three patent dates listed on the vise is the November 26, 1867, patent which addressed the collar plate design. This was the most interesting to me because my vice has the patent date also cast into this collar, where most have "Parker" cast into this piece. If they only list the patent for 10-15 years, it seems my vise would have been manufactured between 1867 and 1882, but I have never heard this before. I do have some newer items that list much older patents however, but perhaps that was practiced more at that time. It's a bit of a mystery, which peaks my curiosity as an investigator.
I would definitely appreciate any info you might have. I would love to pass my vise onto my kids with as much info as possible.
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Wooden Hot Rodder Garage
Well-known member
Ok, I am a newbie and I bought the first Vise that I came across in the store. So let me know your thoughts. Good or Junk? I wish the jaws were not so sharp as I use it to hold wood and it always leaves a mark. I always have to wrap it in scraps to guard the project. But it does the trick. Thanks for looking and letting me know your thoughts.
![GALLERY]](http://[GALLERY=media, 33495][/GALLERY])
For WOODEN HOT RODDER G.
I don't want to rain on your parade but I have to ask you: is it to late to return it? It is the same vise sold by Harbor Freight. And you may have paid more for the Irwin name. The same manufacturer supplies those companies and some more. The reviews of the Harbor Freight vises are disheartening. Lots of breakage. If you keep it use only for light duty. No pressing, no metal bending. See the Harbor Freight vise below.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-swivel-vise-with-anvil-67040.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-swivel-vise-with-anvil-67035.html
I don't want to rain on your parade but I have to ask you: is it to late to return it? It is the same vise sold by Harbor Freight. And you may have paid more for the Irwin name. The same manufacturer supplies those companies and some more. The reviews of the Harbor Freight vises are disheartening. Lots of breakage. If you keep it use only for light duty. No pressing, no metal bending. See the Harbor Freight vise below.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-swivel-vise-with-anvil-67040.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-swivel-vise-with-anvil-67035.html
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PghJKB
Well-known member
Found an add for a Parker No. 1. It is on Google's EBook site. It is for a Cooke & Co.'s ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF GENERAL MACHINERY AND SUPPLIES FOR Machinists, Manufacturers, Mills, Railroads, Steamships, Etc., Etc. dated 1883. Page 231
Here is the URL:
http://books.google.com/books?id=-f...GoAQ&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=vise&f=false
This catalogue is a treasure chest...
JKB
Here is the URL:
http://books.google.com/books?id=-f...GoAQ&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=vise&f=false
This catalogue is a treasure chest...
JKB
Wadeh66
Active member
Thanks JKB!!!
I believe that's the right "No 1." The drawing even has the word "Patent" cast into the front of the main screw retaining collar. I've been trying to figure out when they began casting the word "Parker" into the collar and then I'll have a good range for the date's of manufacture.
I'd be lying if told anyone I wasn't both suprised and excited to find out my vise is so old....my wife is sick of hearing about it
Thanks for the link!!!
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toomanytoyzz
Well-known member
Ok, I am a newbie and I bought the first Vise that I came across in the store. So let me know your thoughts. Good or Junk? I wish the jaws were not so sharp as I use it to hold wood and it always leaves a mark. I always have to wrap it in scraps to guard the project. But it does the trick. Thanks for looking and letting me know your thoughts.
You might be able to get soft plastic jaws for it. You could easily make a pair as well.
yesterday I guy I work with asked me if I wanted one of his vises and of course I said yes, he sent me a picture it but it didn't do it justice. Its a Fulton peerless 245 with what I believe should be 3" jaws. however.... someone cut the moving jaw down and ground part of both jaws down for some reason. I don't believe it is fixable, I don't have the means anyway. so here is my parts vise
Wadeh66
Active member
I had a little time tonight and decided to clean up my jaw inserts a little using a a very old mill ******* file. I didn't remove too much material, but I think they look much better now.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
I had a little time tonight and decided to clean up my jaw inserts a little using a a very old mill ******* file. I didn't remove too much material, but I think they look much better now.
Before:
After:
Looks great man, great job!
wrenchguy
Well-known member
I had a little time tonight and decided to clean up my jaw inserts a little using a a very old mill ******* file. I didn't remove too much material, but I think they look much better now.
Before:
After:
i can see all 4 pins now. good luck.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I'd still leave the pins alone...
Wadeh66
Active member
Wadeh66
Active member
Yeah, I've pretty much decided it may do more harm than good, so I decided to just clean them up a little.
Wadeh66
Active member
Looks great man, great job!
Thanks!
I'm no expert but do have an eye, and this is possibly the best example of a museum quality piece that has been posted to date.
QUOTE=Wadeh66;3373714]C. Parker No 1 vise with 3.5" jaws
I am hoping someone here can give me some insight into my vise. I've had it for about 20 years and inherited it from my grandad. My dad remembers my grandad had it in the 1940's, but after reading on this site, I'm thinking it's considerably older than that. However, I haven't found any others exactly like mine and the catalogs don't seem to mention a C. Parker No 1 model.
I'd love to get an idea of date of manufacture. My grandad was born in 1912 and my great grandad died in 1926, so I'm thinking my grandad may have inherited it from him. If that's the case, then its even more valuable to me as a piece of our family history.
I'd also like to find out how to remove the jaws. My pins seem different from others and only one of them seems to go all the way through to the top surface of the jaw insert. All four pins are visible underneath, but I can only see one on the top.
So far, I've grinded off three layers of paint and the colors all seemed to correspond to the colors of homes my grandad owned. I'm planning to restore it and paint it. I've used it for 20 years, but its the only vise I've ever had and it seems to work well, so I don't think it needs any mechanical repair. I just want to make it look a little better sitting on my work bench and someday hand it down to one of my kids.
Pic 1 - Most of the others I've seen have additional text on the surface forward (directly under the static jaw) of the C. Parker text.
Pic 2 - I have only seen one other "No 1" model online. I don't know if this means it's older, or maybe just a less common model. I need to get a little more green/yellow/gray paint off the Patent text.
Pic 3 - My vise only seems to have one pin all the way through the jaw inserts that is visible on the top. All four pins are visible underneath.
Pic 4 - This collar is different from others I've seen. Instead of saying "Parker" it has the patent info listed in semi-circular text.
[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=Wadeh66;3373714]C. Parker No 1 vise with 3.5" jaws
I am hoping someone here can give me some insight into my vise. I've had it for about 20 years and inherited it from my grandad. My dad remembers my grandad had it in the 1940's, but after reading on this site, I'm thinking it's considerably older than that. However, I haven't found any others exactly like mine and the catalogs don't seem to mention a C. Parker No 1 model.
I'd love to get an idea of date of manufacture. My grandad was born in 1912 and my great grandad died in 1926, so I'm thinking my grandad may have inherited it from him. If that's the case, then its even more valuable to me as a piece of our family history.
I'd also like to find out how to remove the jaws. My pins seem different from others and only one of them seems to go all the way through to the top surface of the jaw insert. All four pins are visible underneath, but I can only see one on the top.
So far, I've grinded off three layers of paint and the colors all seemed to correspond to the colors of homes my grandad owned. I'm planning to restore it and paint it. I've used it for 20 years, but its the only vise I've ever had and it seems to work well, so I don't think it needs any mechanical repair. I just want to make it look a little better sitting on my work bench and someday hand it down to one of my kids.
Pic 1 - Most of the others I've seen have additional text on the surface forward (directly under the static jaw) of the C. Parker text.
Pic 2 - I have only seen one other "No 1" model online. I don't know if this means it's older, or maybe just a less common model. I need to get a little more green/yellow/gray paint off the Patent text.
Pic 3 - My vise only seems to have one pin all the way through the jaw inserts that is visible on the top. All four pins are visible underneath.
Pic 4 - This collar is different from others I've seen. Instead of saying "Parker" it has the patent info listed in semi-circular text.
balane
Well-known member
No he didn't. It still works the same and looks better. It's a vise not a Picasso.
+2.....
jakemac
Well-known member
Just to confuse the issue -
As someone who has worked in museums, yes the artifact value is now diminished. If it had been intended to be in a museum exhibit, a curator would be greatly disappointed.
However, if the intent is to display it in a personal collection, the loss in value isn't significant. Most collectors are more interested in the appearance. Some like "as found", and some prefer "like new".
For someone who intends to use it as a vise the value may be increased, since the clean jaws won't mark the workpiece.
The value depends on the end use.
I like it, I think you did a great job cleaning it up. But I wouldn't do anymore to it.
As someone who has worked in museums, yes the artifact value is now diminished. If it had been intended to be in a museum exhibit, a curator would be greatly disappointed.
However, if the intent is to display it in a personal collection, the loss in value isn't significant. Most collectors are more interested in the appearance. Some like "as found", and some prefer "like new".
For someone who intends to use it as a vise the value may be increased, since the clean jaws won't mark the workpiece.
The value depends on the end use.
I like it, I think you did a great job cleaning it up. But I wouldn't do anymore to it.
Just to confuse the issue -
As someone who has worked in museums, yes the artifact value is now diminished. If it had been intended to be in a museum exhibit, a curator would be greatly disappointed.
However, if the intent is to display it in a personal collection, the loss in value isn't significant. Most collectors are more interested in the appearance. Some like "as found", and some prefer "like new".
For someone who intends to use it as a vise the value may be increased, since the clean jaws won't mark the workpiece.
The value depends on the end use.
I like it, I think you did a great job cleaning it up. But I wouldn't do anymore to it.
+1
John
ganymede
Well-known member
Just to confuse the issue -
As someone who has worked in museums, yes the artifact value is now diminished. If it had been intended to be in a museum exhibit, a curator would be greatly disappointed.
However, if the intent is to display it in a personal collection, the loss in value isn't significant. Most collectors are more interested in the appearance. Some like "as found", and some prefer "like new".
For someone who intends to use it as a vise the value may be increased, since the clean jaws won't mark the workpiece.
The value depends on the end use.
I like it, I think you did a great job cleaning it up. But I wouldn't do anymore to it.
Spot on.
After a few yrs of use it'll look the way it used too anyway.
Most importantly - just remember this...
It's your vise. Do with it, whatever the F you please.
No matter what the subject is, you'll have people on either side of the fence. Just do what makes you happy and then there should be no regrets.
Keep us posted on pics! Looking good so far to me.
It's your vise. Do with it, whatever the F you please.
No matter what the subject is, you'll have people on either side of the fence. Just do what makes you happy and then there should be no regrets.
Keep us posted on pics! Looking good so far to me.
arturo7
Well-known member
This thread is amazing.
flashman
Well-known member
Hello guys, just got a text on this vise at a garage sale and I have not heard of it before. Any info and possible offer price would be very helpful. Thanks.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Most importantly - just remember this...
It's your vise. Do with it, whatever the F you please.
No matter what the subject is, you'll have people on either side of the fence. Just do what makes you happy and then there should be no regrets.
AMEN! I like to think when these things were made ages ago, their creators expected them to be used, not to be sitting on a shelf collecting dust.
I think he did a good job buffing out some of the gashes. It's all personal preference. Personally I like all the "war wounds", gives it character and makes me think what someone was doing on a vise 20, 50, or even 100 years ago (or more!).
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Hello guys, just got a text on this vise at a garage sale and I have not heard of it before. Any info and possible offer price would be very helpful. Thanks.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Whats is the jaw size, and the model no. is not readable in the pic. You basically just asked "whats my car worth"? without any qualifiers. :dunno;
flashman
Well-known member
You are absolutely correct. The picture looked clear on my phone but the website blurs it a bit. The only markings I was told were on the vise is Mercury 4. The seller didn't give any other details. I presume it is 4" jaw width based on the limited details from my Google search. The seller is asking $30 but it will probably be sold before I get off work since they have not responded to any subsequent text messages.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
For $30, if not broken in any way, jump on it if you can.
Wadeh66
Active member
You could be right, but I don't think my hack saw/angle grinder marks had much intrinsic value. Let's face it, the monetary value of an old vise can't be more than $100-200, but it is priceless to me. I may think twice next time I grab my angle grinder, but I probably won't
I probably removed less than 1/64th to 1/32nd of material, so I didn't weaken the jaws in any measurable way. I started filing the rear-right pin since it was protruding above the jaws and went from there, but I am done with the file.
The only museum my vise will see is the Old-Houk-Garage. I'm going to paint it and highlight the text because it looks cool. I removed many, many layers of old house paint, dirt, grease, and lord knows what before I found this site and became aware of it's age. I want my kids to know I value it, so maybe they will also. My boys love to crush "stuff" with it and so did I when I was a kid, so that's what it's for....
I do this all the time. I'll re-discover one of my old tools/knives/implements and then clean them up and examine them very closely. I love finding my grandad's name and addresses engraved on his old tools....he loved that engraver
I've only recently discovered that I can Google my old stuff to find out their age/manufacturer history, but then eventually, they go right back into my tool box to be used.Thanks for all the info guys...
BTW....my wife thinks we're nuts for reading a forum about old vises.
Wade
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That's what it's all about man. I'm sure a few people on here cringed when I posted my John Deere themed vise, but my kids love it - and I love that they love it, and that's all that matters.
View media item 33214
Yeah my wife kind of just gives me a funny look when I bring home another vise. I have about 25 or so floating around our garage. I deal with "Cupcake Wars" and wedding dress shows - she can deal with this
Outlawmws
Well-known member
SNIP
The only museum my vise will see is the Old-Houk-Garage. I'm going to paint it and highlight the text because it looks cool. I removed many, many layers of old house paint, dirt, grease, and lord knows what before I found this site and became aware of it's age. I want my kids to know I value it, so maybe they will also. My boys love to crush "stuff" with it and so did I when I was a kid, so that's what it's for....
I do this all the time. I'll re-discover one of my old tools/knives/implements and then clean them up and examine them very closely. I love finding my grandad's name and addresses engraved on his old tools....he loved that engraver
Thanks for all the info guys...
BTW....my wife thinks we're nuts for reading a forum about old vises.
Wade
Yep, I've been pinged for removing RUST from an old tool because I somehow damaged it's "patina" For me, for tools, Rust isn't patina (There is just a little too much "Antiques Roadshow" effect going on since that show became popular), I'll sometimes leave the "bluing" effect, but the rust itself comes off along with the layers of old crappy paint. Very few of my tools are completely "retired" If I need em, I use em. If I'd have had that vise I might have left the old tool marks, as it would unlikely be my primary vise, as I have plenty of others, but it would likely get a place where it would get used while respecting it's age and history.
Hey the sig others can think what they want, since it's a free country; we probably think the same thoughts when that go on line and play "modern computer paper doll dress-up" with those fashion "development" things on line
Wadeh66
Active member
None of my tools are retired and I know my grandad would like the fact that I still use them. Heck, I still have his hardware collection and use that stuff all the time...a treasure trove of odd tacks, bolts, and do-hickeys.
When I inherited the Parker vise in 1995, I gave my 1980's Craftsman vise to my buddy, so it's my only vise and it's used regulary by the whole family.
Wadeh66
Active member
Yeah my wife kind of just gives me a funny look when I bring home another vise. I have about 25 or so floating around our garage. I deal with "Cupcake Wars" and wedding dress shows - she can deal with this
I gave up on the TV and retreated to my shop long ago. She knows where to find me
Cute kids....I have five just like that, although a few have pony tails....and it's not the boys