Davis and some other SM manufacturers would put whatever name the buyer wanted with an order of 100+- machines. Going by Davis serial numbers, I would roughly date your machine to 1906 . Attached is dated Davis machines, numbers beginning with "D" are Sears Minnesota's. Some badged Davis machines have this "D" also, which seems to be a smart way to mark the machine for needles and parts if "Davis" is not already on the slide plate. Good luck with the cabinet restoration and if part of the bobbin winder is missing, I might have some odd parts layin around if needed.
Jon
http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/gGW8Tsp...rial%20Numbers
[QUOTE=BoJangles;4662871]
Originally Posted by
jlhmnj
Jon and Monica, I think you are probably on the right track. This machine takes a very long needle. I haven't taken the needle out yet to measure - don't want to take a chance on ruining it - but, it appears to be a Boye 10 or Davis long. The whole machine reminds me of my Davis and my Two Spools. The cabinet is made like a Davis or National Two Spools cabinet - more a square cut, solid, sturdy. Right now the cabinet is dismantled until DH gets it fixed. DH repaired the broken treadle iron already! This is the second Hales Crescent I have seen. There is another one for sale in an antique shop in the town of El Dorado, which means it is not that unusual! This makes me wonder why ISMACS doesn't even list the Hales Crescent on their needle site? I am doubting at this point that this machine is from the Johnson, Flanders, and Company factory of Cresent machines?
Oh the serial number is 1841671, and it is on the slide plate like a Davis - instead of on the bed of the machine somwhere!
Nancy