Old sewing machines (pic heavy)

[Black Sheep]

Here's some photo's of my Singer 29K53. It came to me as a barn find and wouldn't turn over. On inspection i found that it had been dropped on it's hand wheel, bent the spindle and cracked the boss.

I stripped it down fully and cleaned all the parts and found that it must of been damaged early in it's life as there is no wear in any of the parts. I remade the spindle and turned a nice Brass boss with Bronze bearing in it to replace the damaged parts. Also unfortunately the kneedle bar has some pitting and I didn't want to refit that but managed to source a replacement patern part but that wasn't fully finished off so was returned to the supplier.






The original paint was tatty so I've cleaned it up and repainted, I just need to refit the bottom spool mechanism, a new kneedle bar and top rocker bar now to finish it.

Richard

 

[Harvestman]

What a beauty that is Black Sheep!

Singer have confirmed that my machine was manufactured on 26th September 1877 in Clydebank, Scotland. It is a New Family machine.

I can't say how pleased I am to have acquired such an old and wonderful machine. It will definitely be restored to full working order.

 

[sandbender]

We have one of these...

I almost had a lovely little Essex sewing machine too, however it was broken in the post, if anyone needs some spares drop me a PM.

 

[treadlightly]

Where is the serial number on an old singer treadle machine please?

 

[bilmo-p5]

On this 1912 example there's a machined area (marked red) at the base of the pedestal. The no. is stamped into that.

 

[treadlightly]

Got it, thanks Ian. Now for a bit of detective work.

 

[treadlightly]

The serial number indicates mine was made in 1892. I knew it belonged to my great grandmother but had no idea it was that old. I had thought it was from the 1920s. It was in my parents' house from before I was born and I acquired it last year. It hasn't been used for at least 50 years and is in much need of TLC.
The cotton reel must be from the last time it was used, probably in the 1960s!

 

[Harvestman]

That curved base is called fiddleback, and was only used on older models, apparently. Later models had a square base.

That machine is gorgeously decorated.

 

[Elen Sentier]

The serial number indicates mine was made in 1892. I knew it belonged to my great grandmother but had no idea it was that old. I had thought it was from the 1920s. It was in my parents' house from before I was born and I acquired it last year. It hasn't been used for at least 50 years and is in much need of TLC.
The cotton reel must be from the last time it was used, probably in the 1960s!

That is utterly gorgeous! Would be wonderful when done up , probably not too terribly hard to do either.

Takes me right back to childhood and stitching my finger to the whateveritwas I was making ... and auntie turning the machine backwards to take the needle out of the finger! Cuddles and TCP and a bandage later I was back at the machine !!!

 

[bilmo-p5]

That's one handsome looking machine, Mr Lightly. Looking fwd to the 'after' picture.

 

[treadlightly]

I'm going to have a go then I'll have to learn how to use it!

 

[Macaroon]

For anybody renovating an old Singer, if you're bothered enough about it or the machine needs it, the original decals used on the old machines are available on ebay; they come from the 'states but the postage and duty are not an issue as they come pretty much as a letter.............They're very easy to apply and make a huge difference to a very distressed machine......hope this is of use,.............atb mac

 

[Black Sheep]

For anybody renovating an old Singer, if you're bothered enough about it or the machine needs it, the original decals used on the old machines are available on ebay; they come from the 'states but the postage and duty are not an issue as they come pretty much as a letter.............They're very easy to apply and make a huge difference to a very distressed machine......hope this is of use,.............atb mac

Cheers for the heads up I might have a look for my 29k53

It's great to see folks tuning up these c1800 machines, built to last not like those modern machines - no plastic bits here....

My other hand cranker is in the loft so not checked it's serial number but I do know it traveled the world with my gran when my grandad was in the army. Bet it can tell a few tails. .......

Richard

 

[Elen Sentier]

I can now join this club properly !!! Here she is, made in 1908 ...



She is whispering her name might be Ethel, or it could be Maud after my Gran
Thank you very, very much Swotty - it's a really grand Midsummer prezzie

 

[ashby001]

We've got this singer at mine it's a 185k
But the serial number appears to be american but it has the british brown/tan colour :/
can anyone shed any light on this? Was it american made and then imported?? Bought in a charity shop in 1983

 

[Twodogs]

Picked up this old critter the other day , started life as a treadle machine now long gone




Tidy oak lid ,





The number dates it to 1892



Striped it and cleaned it ,



Rebuilt it and it runs like a clock ,,,,



Happy days

Twodogs

 

[Mesquite]

Nice work Cliff

Looks like it's sewing through 4 layers of heavyweight canvas there

 

[treadlightly]

Same date as mine and the pattern on the casing is quite similar too.

 

[Twodogs]

Steve it just rips though it mate . no problem

 

[dave53]

hi all I've two old singers 1 electric the other one is hand sower has anyone got the instructions on how to thread it please im having problem doing this even if its a pic of the front of your singer all threaded up ?regards dave