OLD Charles Parker Vise

[dabrian99]

....well, I guess they're all old at this point, but I cannot find any reliable information about the one I have! Wanted to first say "thanks" to everyone one the forum....I've absorbed a lot of information from this site and am hopeful you all can help me learn a little more about this beast I have.

Stamped '2X' on the side and the collar (see pix) but that is about the only distinguishing mark on it from what I can tell. Aside from 1 of the original 3 mounting bolts missing, it is intact and in great working shape. I came into it when I bought my house built in 1928-the vise was just sitting in the basement.

I would love to restore the vise and have been diligently researching the restoration threads. At this point, I would just like to know a little more including the type (machinist, I believe) and year it was manufactured.

Here's some pix:

 

[Packard V8]

The 2x was made around 1890, it did not say USA on it. IIRC, Parker added the USA in the early 1900's.

jack vines

 

[dabrian99]

thanks, jack - I've scoured the internet and closest I came was an old advertisement and I still wasn't sure if I was looking at the right one.

 

[junkhead57]

I don`t know a lot about Parker vices but I have about 5 of them or so. I got them all from a old machine shop were my father worked for 40 years & I as well for 2. I got them when they went out of business. They are by far ,the best vices I have ever used & made rite here in CT! Ive got one like yours somewhere & the swivel base style as well.
I never thought of restoring them ,I use them daily & have been forever.

 

[dabrian99]

Old thread but wanted to give an update after I finally had a chance to clean this beauty up. And thanks to the folks that helped me identify the vintage

 

[Fierljeppen]

Excellent job on the restoration! The patina looks perfect.

A little more information for you about your vise. The Parker X-series vises were first introduced in 1899 as an improvement to their previous model, meaning Parker kept the same model number, but added an "X" to it. Your Parker is a third-generation no. 2 vise. These particular X-series vises were offered up to around 1920, before they were discontinued.

I've attached some supporting documentation for you as well.

 

[dabrian99]

Thanks for the documentation!

The resto was pretty “basic” so glad to hear it turned out okay based on your experience. Disassembled, hit it with an angle grinder fitted with a wire wheel, cleaned off any dust/dirt, and gave it a light coating of oil.