UPDATE: November 22, 2012
I just checked my Boye Needle dispenser and found a shuttle and a bobbin for "Singer New Style"
It looks a little small. I will have to test it out.
Everything is varnish and I think it is real varnsh over dirt....The cabinet had been "refinished" the veneer is gone and the irons spray painted silver. They are rusty but work.
Its old:
Now that I know it is that old, maybe I will have to restore it.....
I have a fiddle bed VS I think I will look up that serial number and choose between the two.
Honestly, I have enough to do....
I don't think it is real varnish. Look at the wear patterns and dark spots; darker at all oiling points, especially the bobbin winder and fly wheel. That's why you couldn't read the serial number, oil from the bobbin winder. Historical significance aside they still look nice when they are clean even if the decals are silver instead of gold. You're looking at about 6 hours with cotton balls and some cleaner (I've successfully used TurtleWax Tree Sap & Bug remover, but think its main ingredient may be odorless mineral spirits...)
ReplyDeleteShuttle and bobbin will take a little sleuthing, but they're out there. Trace the other plate, inverted onto a used credit card or hotel room key, and make your own bobbin cover.
Silver irons? Can you post some pics? Everyone loves a good before and after.
DreinPA
DeleteYou should see this machine. It really does look like varnish. If you could see the "refinish" job on the cabinet you would understand.
I will take photos of the cabinet. Some day...
I have some of those! Eventually you can find the bobbin and shuttle but a couple of mine still need check springs. Fun to fix.
ReplyDeleteLillian
I picked up a model 27 last year, dated 1899 by its serial number. When I got it, it too had a "varnish" on it, almost like some sort of shellac and the machine itself was locked up solid. The two nice things though: all the parts were there and underneath I could see the shuttle in place; and it had a complete puzzle box attachment set. The treadle base was in near excellent condition, with only one piece of veneer missing and nice patina-ed brass handles. The cabinet appeared to have been re-shellacked about 50 years ago. With lots of elbow grease and determination, I brought the head back to life and she sews beautifully; well worth the effort I put into her and incredible stitches. I hope you do bring it back to life.
ReplyDeleteScott, Thanks for the pep talk. I bet this machine will sew right now. All she needs is a shuttle and bobbin and a needle and some oil. One day I will clean her all up. It may even be this summer. I am more anxious to bring the treadle base back to life. Some day....I will be sure to post the action.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI've come across an 1898 (as per serial) treadle singer, and I'm thinking of buying it. I know that they're pretty common (as I have come across a number of them on my quest) however I am unsure if the machine is complete. It looks beautiful, I'm just not familiar with antique machines.
What could you recommend as to look for when I go to see it?