Chas Parker Question

[PeterRo2]

usually Chas Parker vises have a lot more info in the casing such as "The Chas Parker Co. Meridan. CT U.S.A." Given that I came across this vise #386 that has minimal info, just "Parker 386" on the movable jaw.
What does that signify? Is it still a good Chas Paker vise?
Thanks in advance,
Pete

 

[wrenchguy]

Somewhat later 386... a super vise!

 

[Shiftless]

That’s an unusual model.
That is certainly a Parker vise, and a good one.
If you don’t need a swivel back jaw vise, and have another user, you might consider selling it.
If you were closer, I would make an offer and add it to my collection.

Here is another one owned by joestriper if I recall.

 

[Joe Huld]

usually Chas Parker vises have a lot more info in the casing such as "The Chas Parker Co. Meridan. CT U.S.A." Given that I came across this vise #386 that has minimal info, just "Parker 386" on the movable jaw.
What does that signify? Is it still a good Chas Paker vise?
Thanks in advance,
Pete

It is certainly a good vise, but the swiveling rear jaw makes it a fantastic vise. Whether you plan to keep or sell it, I'd advise getting that rear jaw moving freely. Thanks for the reminder, I have a number of swivel jaw vises including a monstrous Parker 274 that I keep threatening to clean up and sell.

 

[cwmcnichols]

I have a Chas Parker 386 A, and compared to others, the "A" seems to signify that it's on a swivel base. Mine was outside for a long time and is heavily rusted. At this point I am just trying to take it apart so I can restore it. It was broken and brazed back together at some point in its life, but seems solid. It is incredibly heavy, and that is part of the challenge I have in working on it.