Antique Vintage Parkinsons Perfect Vise Mark 2 Circ 1905 - Fully Working

Thanks for looking

If you're reading this then you'll already know exactly what you're looking at.

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I bought this vise as something of a gamble - I knew absolutely nothing about this type of product - but the dealer insisted it was a particularly rare piece and should generate some interest...so I took a punt

I've now done some research on this model and the dealer was right! Rather than me waffle on for pages about the history of this machine I highly recommend you take a look at the smallworkshop UK website (or just Google the item - it'll take you to the same place). Quite a fascinating history behind this model. This was one, if not the first quick release vise ever produced which went onto become the global standard. There were all sorts of patent issues at the time as all the other vise manufacturers illegally "borrrowed" the design so Parkinsons kept changing the model - they never produced that many of each one which makes this an exceptionally rare piece of engineering history! As mentioned above the full story is thoroughly detailed on smallworkshop UK so it's worth a look.

Details

I'm pretty certain this is the Mark II which was produced in 1905 for about ten years before the mark III was released. The jaws extend to approx 8 inches. Obviously it's all iron with wooden blocks added (these are definitely very old too bit probably added later - they screw off if you need to remove them). The main feature is the quick release lever. I'm not an expert so if you have any additional advice I'd really appreciate any help!

Condition

I was amazed at how old this tool was when I began researching it! Despite being well over a century since it was made it's in remarkable condition....everything still works exactly as it should. Still totally usable as a working vise (although something this special will probably end up as a display piece). As you'd expect there is surface rust all over - but it's only surface rust which will come off with a steel brush and some elbow grease. If you want it looking brand new I'd disassemble it and soak all the parts in some of that rust-eater product/vinegar. It would then gleam and look and operate as if it had been made that morning! Most importantly, the spring and quick release function still works!

Overall, it's a very unusual item with a cracking story behind it - who'd have thought something like a vise would be so interesting! Personally, I love items like this. It's so important to preserve our past and it's tools like this that have got us to where we are today in engineering terms - they need to be respected! As an aside I really hope someone in Florida buys it...then I can make the most awful joke in history and call it the Miami Vice!

Feel free to ask any questions. I keep the vise at home so if you need any additional photos just ask - it's no problem!

Shipped within 24H tracked and signed. Obviously this is a large and VERY heavy item so we'll pad and box it very carefully. Don't worry - we won't use hermes/evri...they won't be able to destroy it but could easily 'accidentally lose' such a rare and expensive item with a good resale value.... Will be shipped via Royal Mail so you know it'll definitely arrive!

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Professional, reliable and honest seller - please check my feedback - lots of happy clients! We ship approximately 200 items weekly so buy with confidence. Any problems, you'll get a full refund. We've been selling successfully online for over 15 years now so must be doing something right!

Peace & Good luck!