Abstract: Apparatus for producing a glass parison comprises a spindle and a plunger mounted in the spindle for axial displacement. Mechanism is provided for axially displacing the plunger relative to the housing. A press mould has a cavity for carrying glass melt and is movable into a working position aligned with the plunger so that the plunger may enter the mould cavity. A recess is provided in the housing in communication with the mould cavity to receive excess glass melt displaced thereinto in response to positioning of the plunger within the mould cavity. The plunger functions as a valve to alternately block and establish access between a blowing air passage and the front end of the plunger to allow air to be blown against a glass parison being produced. Retaining ring segments which partly define the melt-receiving recess are pivotable between a first position retaining a parison in place, and a second position allowing removal of the parison.