Charles Parker 973 vice

[neil222]

Hello everyone, first time poster here. I've searched and read many posts here on the Parker vices. In fact, the "Everything you need to know about bench vices" post by mjoezfow is what turned me towards the parker vises in the first place.

I recently purchased a 973 for $40 and have been searching for information on it, especially the age of the vise. Every picture I see of a 973 has a patent date of 1930. However, mine does not have the patent date on it. Perhaps it was built prior to 1930? I also notice the USA script is slightly different. Mine has "U.S.A." versus the "USA" that I have seen in the pictures. Could anyone give me an approximation of the manufacture date?

 

[EOC_Jason]

You would really need to post some pictures... The 97X line was made for many many many years...

Usually if it was older it would say "Patent Pend.", if it's a new model they just remove the patent info entirely as it becomes irrelevant as others copy features.

 

[neil222]

Okay, here are 2 photos of my parker 973 without a patent date and with "U.S.A". As a comparison, I've also attached a photo I found online of a 973 with a patent date. Still trying to figure out the significance. Is it an early build or later one?

 

[EOC_Jason]

I'm going to guess it's a mid to late model (but before union tools bought them up)...

Reason I say that is the bosses on the back are just kind of sloped, nothing fancy, unlike the older models that have nice arches & steps...

Of course that is all relative... It would still probably be 30's-40's rough guess... *maybe* 20's..

 

[wrenchguy]

i believe it has something about the 1930 patent date regulations expiring after so many years and not needed tobe cast on the item. maybe after 7 years so i'd say urs maybe 1940's or later. caveat this is a WAG. good luck with it.