Chas Parker 955

[teleman37]

Bought this vise off of Craigslist. $50.00 and I had to pay to have it shipped but I think it was well worth the money. It spins as free as the day it was made. The jaws and inserts are in excellent shape and it doesn't look as though it had that much use.

I will start the restoration on it on my next days off. I will be sure to post pics of the before and after lol

 

[woody 73]

Great deal and good score! In my area two people are selling them one at $300.00 dollars and one like your vise for $325.00 dollars. Must be gold plated...Darn gold must be around $1500.00 per ounce ;yes gold plated for sure!

 

[Catalyze]

Way to Go!!
Now you have gotten your Parker and a very nice one to boot. Hopefully it makes all that stomach churning "will he ship or sell it locally" worries pass away. 2 slices of Vise Pie and a Parker cherry on top for you tonight Vise Jedi.

Oh...and welcome to The Vise Club. Remember the first rule about Vise Club: There is no Vise Club.
Craig

 

[autopts]

Bought this vise off of Craigslist. $50.00 and I had to pay to have it shipped but I think it was well worth the money. It spins as free as the day it was made. The jaws and inserts are in excellent shape and it doesn't look as though it had that much use.

I will start the restoration on it on my next days off. I will be sure to post pics of the before and after lol

Great find and an excellent investment!!

 

[teleman37]

Is there a way to tell how old the vise is? I know on the Wiltons they have a date stamped on the bottom of the slide, but I have no idea about this vise?

 

[Catalyze]

The 900 series was the last of the Parkers. I would guess around WWII or a bit later. There was the 800 series that was basically the same cylindrical nose with a bit different main body shape. They came about in the 30's. Other than someone with a catalog that lists when the 900 series first started, it's all just a guess.
Craig

 

[teleman37]

Thanks Craig! It doesn't really matter to me on the age, I was just curious. I have no intentions of selling or parting with the vise. I have really been bitten by the vise bug and wish I had known about them years ago when I watched all of those big heavy vises go for scrap prices at all the farm auctions I attended. lol

Kevin

 

[Catalyze]

That Parker will be sitting on your grandson's workbench still working many years from now. In the meantime, go get ready for the motorcycle invasion in Sturgis a couple of weeks from now! You are in the blast zone......LOL
Craig

 

[teleman37]

I go into hibernation during the Rally.....so I don't blast someone lol

 

[Laker]

I bought a Parker 955 today on Craigslist for $85!

It was listed only as an "old heavy vice", with one blurry picture. I could barely make out from the picture what looked like a Parker collar, and the same number of lines (rows) and raised letters as most other Parkers. It had been listed for close to a month and generated little interest. The listing has since been removed. The guy who was selling it was really cool. It was his father's vise, and he was selling it because he got a 6" Columbian at an auction for $85. This vise thing has become an addiction for me. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but it keeps me off the streets. Thanks to all who have shared valuable vintage vise information throughout the forum. Here's a better picture:

 

[whelenfan]

very nice! I like to check ebay for auctions listing old catalog pages of vises, helpful in getting an idea of when they are from. I also love seeing how much they cost back then.

 

[bczygan]

Great buy! You ****!
A big Parker like that is a premier vise in my book.
It's a lifetime and hand it down to your kids item.

 

[Laker]

thanks guys, I think the lesson here is to also search on "Vice" and to be able to identify quality vise characteristics in piss poor pictures. That's the only reason I found it, and it wasn't snapped up after a month!

 

[Outlawmws]

I bought a Parker 955 today on Craigslist for $85!

It was listed only as an "old heavy vice", with one blurry picture. I could barely make out from the picture what looked like a Parker collar, and the same number of lines (rows) and raised letters as most other Parkers. It had been listed for close to a month and generated little interest. The listing has since been removed. The guy who was selling it was really cool. It was his father's vise, and he was selling it because he got a 6" Columbian at an auction for $85. This vise thing has become an addiction for me. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but it keeps me off the streets. Thanks to all who have shared valuable vintage vise information throughout the forum. Here's a better picture:

That's funny, my vise/tool addiction keeps me ON the streets!



BTW, Nice score!

 

[Slackmaster G]

I bought my 955 for a buck and a half but had to drive 4 hrs to get it . Well worth it though

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

Stupid question, but my dad has one in his garage sitting unused. How much are these things actually worth?

 

[Outlawmws]

Too many variables to say with any accuracy. Condition is everything and region can come into it as well. Bottom line is whatever someone is willing to pay...

Is it EXACTLY a 955? of "something close"?

 

[FMC1959]

Stupid question, but my dad has one in his garage sitting unused. How much are these things actually worth?

If you are asking to sell it and retire, it ain't gonna happen. In very nice condition and you find the right buyer, $150, maybe more. Most likely around $100, and if you are in an area where there is an abundance, or no market, maybe $50-$75.

Downgrade everything if it has cracks, been welded back together, or just general beat up condition.