Charles Parker Model # 40 1/2

[Tom Santoli]

I've attached a picture of a vise I bought for $15 a while ago; it is a Charles Parker Model 40 1/2. I bought it thinking it looked sturdy enough to pound on but never mounted it as it sets into the bench and I never felt like cutting up a bench top for it. I have since realized that vises ought not be hammered on unless they are leg vises or have a work anvil or deserve abuse.

Any idea of age or type of vise? No cracks visible and the screw/ slide are smooth though the top of the rear slide has seen some action.

Thanks;

Tom

 

[autopts]

That's a coachmans vise or a sheet metal vise. The jaw towers are not meant to hold items to pound on. It basically made to hold light gage metal so you can form it. It could be nearing 100 years old.

 

[ZRX61]

$15???? you ****

 

[Tom Santoli]

I suppose $15 is a good price then?

I haven't used this vise and have no specific attachment to it so I'l likely sell it; should I restore this vise first? I appreciate the wear and tear of a vise (or truck, tool, person, etc.) that comes from hard work but I see allot of really great looking restorations here.

Does the $1/ pound rule of thumb seem right for the condition this vise is in?

Tom