Jbug

I have inherited 2 sewing machines, one from my grandmother and one from my mother, and was hoping to find some information about these machines. I've not had a great deal of luck with internet searches for this. I would like to know the year the machines were made and a good source for manuals for them. Both run well.
First is a White, serial number 1900, model number 3954.
Next is a Dressmaker, serial number 3047 8085, model number Sz-581.
While I don't think either is really old, they both I believe are all metal.
Thank you!

Mitch's mom

Can you post pictures? The Dressmaker name is a catchall name for many made in Japan machines. If you look under the bed of the machine you will see a JA-# The number tells what company made the machine. There are still a few unidentified factories but I have never run across a machine I couldn't get a maker ID for. Do the same with your White machine. After about 1950 (give or take a couple years) the White company started sourcing their machines from Japan.

miriam

We have some posts about the Japanese machines:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t207877.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t207880.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...p-t164361.html
You do not have a picture but maybe the info on one of those will be helpful.

I have trouble finding info on White machines, too. I haven't seen an old one I hated yet though.

Jbug

[ATTACH=CONFIG]412013[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]412014[/ATTACH]
Dressmaker has a JA 5. It is a zig zag and has design cams.

Jbug

White machine is also a zig zag with design cams. It has a JA 23.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]412015[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]412017[/ATTACH]

miriam

Those machines will be simple to clean and simple to use. Here is a generic manual might be of some kind of help. http://www.dontai.com/wp/images/imperial-535-manual.pdf