Old C Parker vise?

[donkey12]

Well I came here looking for help on an old vise I acquired. It is a C Parker meridan. It also states "coach no.46" on the side. I dug around a bit and found some info but nothing concrete. It also has "CT" for Connecticut and does not say USA on it. Any info would be great. Is it a wood working vise? Is the age ballpark 1890? It's in good shape with some scars which add character. I'd really be curious on a ballpark value. I'd post a picture but gotta be up in 5 hours! Thanks

 

[donkey12]

Gave it a quick shot

 

[Shiftless]

The vises with those tall jaws are generally referred to as coachmaker’s vises.

 

[donkey12]

Coach as in horse drawn coach? Any other information or opinions? I'd love to know a value. I found it at an estate sale in an old neighborhood.

 

[ALLFAST]

It has the 1890-1925 ish era under mount stud and seems to have its proper lower body mounting flange(s) and handle mounting nut. It looks to have a chunk of the rear slide missing. Is it a 3.5 or 4” jaw? It’s obviously an original style swivel base vise.

If it weren’t broken (and is a 4” jaw) I’d say $300-340…With the broken slide ( or other similar major structural flaws) I’ve read (IIRC) the asking price should be lowered by 50% ,but I’m no expert.

It’s a cool piece for sure!

 

[donkey12]

Thanks for the reply allfast. It is a 4 inch jaw. I never paid attention to the break as the line is kind of clean. I will have to look closer but you may be right. I cleaned it up and put BLO on it. It's a neat piece

 

[Shiftless]

That is a cool old vise but the break greatly reduces the value as a collector piece. Cast iron is rather brittle and will crack of hammered on or dropped. That broken off corner is sometimes seen in old vises. They are heavy and people drop them. A skilled welder can repair that but it will never be as good as new to a collector. But does that really matter?