On the Look out for a sewing machine from the 1800's
 

Hello, I live in Ontario, Canada for three seasons of the year, and spend Jan. - March in Fort Myers, Florida. My ancestors have been in the Niagara area of Canada since the late 1700's, and my nephew has recently acquired the 200 year old home of our ancestors, John and Magdalena Brown, through a non-profit, family foundation here in St. Catharines, Ontario. See the website www.jbhf.ca. There is a LOT of work to be done on the house before we get to the point of furnishing it, but, being a quilter, I am on the look out for a vintage sewing machine from the 1800's, if possible, to find a home in one of the rooms. We have about 4 beautiful old quilts that we are in the process of having appraised, which will be displayed somewhere in the house, and there is a broken down weaving loom in the house at present, which they will have restored as well. I want to be on the look out for an appropriate sewing machine, but don't know where to start, what kind to look for, where to look. Would a hand crank have preceded the treadle? Help me, please! There's no rush, as the house has just been secured "as is" for winter, and there is lots of work ahead before it will be ready for "furnishing".

Can you be more specific on the time frame? There is a very wide range and changes to machines between 1850 and 1900. High arm machines started coming out late 1880's, and there is not near the changes between 1890 and about WW2 era, when machines started being produce with cheaper, lighter weight materials.

Handcrank/Treadle was more the choice of the individual, and in the US, treadles were way more common than hand cranks. No idea which was more popular in Canada.

There were only a few Canadian Mfg, lots of US and lots of Foreign made machines, what would you prefer?

That house has a LOT of history, and what machine may have been found in it in 1870's (possibly a nice MOP Singer 12) would have been very different than what was found in it in 1890's.

And if anyone wants to know what type of machine would have been found in the early 1800's, I'll leave that up to Steve H (that's sort of a trick question LOL!!)

Sounds and looks like a really neat project!

I appreciate your input. Steve gave me some input on Raymond brand sewing machines. It is quite possible that the family may have had a U.S. machine, since they had been living in upper N.Y. state before they came across to Canada.

I would keep an eye on local ads, charity stores, auctions etc. I'm sure there are a pre 1900 machine near you, they usually turn up now and then, even if not as plentiful as the later ones. You are not going to find a sewing machine as old as the house, and if you plan to actually sew on it, I can't see any good reason not to get a model that works well and one of the great successes; with still reasonably easy to find bobbins and needles. A treadle would be as good a choice as a hand crank, maybe even better. A house always have a history much longer than it's first few years, it's important to take care of all of them, especially when what's lost really can't be saved and what's been added is worth taking are of :- )

canuckninepatch:I also live in Fort Myers...have you been to Gannon's Antiques on 41S. (or Tamiami Trail??)...I have picked up some older machines there, although pricey...they were in great condition. Just a suggestion. They are very comfortable to speak with also and maybe they could direct you to somewhere else to look??

This may not be of help but at least it's interesting. I just saw this a few minutes ago and it's the oldest machine I've ever seen. It's an 1863 Florence. Sorry I can't tell you anything more about it. It's just one of those pics you come across on Internet travels.

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I'd get a Wheeler & Wilson No. 8.

Sounds like a wonderful project. I am leaving it up to Steve also.lol The Florence above is beautiful.

That is the fancy leg version. I have the standard leg version
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Hi,

Might be fun to buy something in the nearby area of the house that would fit in with the period decor.

Jon