Thread: Vintage Sewing Machine Shop.....Come on in and sit a spell

Originally Posted by Suzi

Mine is a Challenge (made in Japan) and sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. Has to be a 15 (too old to be a clone - lol). And yes, she's a workhorse. I probably shouldn't say this (because if I do she will explode or something) but she has never seen a service person. She is cleaned, oiled and used by me and me alone and if she gets to clattering a bit she's oiled some more. About the only things I have to replace is her belt (are you aware that the belts they make today simply do NOT hold up like they used to?) and her bobbin winding tire.

Considering they cost new (back in the 50's) around $49.99 and considering the machines of today have totally lost their simplicity - I feel that she's worth whatever you want to pay for her. How's that for getting around your question? For $75 she had better be pristine though. IMHO

Suzi, you guys are funny to listen too, but your Challenge made by Sears is certainly a 15 clone if it was made in Japan - and if it is infact modeled after a Singer Model 15. We gave the Japanese people the money to make those 15 and 99 clones after the war. The clones started appearing in the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Sears, Wards, etc., all had the clones made in Japan. There were over 5000 different 'brands' manufactured by 15 or so different companies. But, if your machine doesn't look like a Singer 15 or 99 then it is not a clone. Can you post a picture of your machine. If it is in fact a clone, those are really nice machines.

Nancy

Originally Posted by Lori Peercy

Sorry I forgot to say, but yes it is a Singer. I bought it for $30 in the cabinet, my neighbor said it belonged to her grandmother who passed away in 64 and her mother has had it since. Said it works just needs a belt. Will try to post a picture.

I can't wait to see the pictures! What a lucky lady you are to get a machine and know the machine's history! Most of us know nothing about our vintage machines. I have one machine I know came from Portugal. One of my Wheeler and Wilson's was brought back here from Portugal in the 70's. It is cool to know some history of your machines.

Nancy

Originally Posted by SewExtreme

Thanks Sandi, Did you see my update up there? I left out a digit... makes a big difference. This is why I need y'all... little details slip past me... is it age?????? :lol:

It's never age!!! ROFLMHO!!

Bronwyn ;-)

Originally Posted by SewExtreme

Originally Posted by quiltdoctor

I found this machine in a thrift shop today. I don't know what model it is. I didn't get it because I want to kow if the bobbins and the cover plate will be available. Can anyone help me??

Jan in Texas

Oh Jan, I love the color of the machine you're showin'. Hope you go back and get it. One thing I want... someday, is a turquoise or blue vintage sewing machine. I passed one up a while back and am sorta kicking myself. What model is it? I can't guess. :-D

Finally I had a bit of time yesterday to start cleaning my latest acquisitions...yes I will post photos and hope to get the done over the weekend, but I have one question. Two Singers (328P and 478) have an 'F' with a circle around it in texta on the base....does this mean what I think it means? LOL Reason being that repair shops are usually operated by men and they are more prone to use this language, then again maybe I'm jumping to the wrong conclusion and it might mean something else altogether.

These machines aren't complete but they do turn easily by hand and I'm wondering if the motor is burned out...one doesn't have a foot pedal and the other is missing the electrical cable so it's hard to test.

Anyway just thought I'd ask in the hope someone has further info.

I've got the 1890's Beale Handcrank freed up and turning...it was totally frozen when I got it but for $5 would have used it as a doorstop, it's rather cute. Beale is (was) an Aussie company who also manufactured pianos, Beale worked with Hugo Wertheim prior to starting his own company. Other that this info I can't find much more about this cute little handcrank...and while it's portable will also drop into a treadle cabinet, the timber base has belt holes.

Bronwyn ;-)

Originally Posted by Suzi

Originally Posted by quiltdoctor

I found this machine in a thrift shop today. I don't know what model it is. I didn't get it because I want to kow if the bobbins and the cover plate will be available. Can anyone help me??

Jan in Texas

Oh my - look at the one next to it! Bobbins and cover plate are available. Billy, on this thread, can help you with that or once you know what the model # of the machine is you can try eBay - they seem to have everything.

I can't remember what kind the other one is, but it does not have a case and I don't have a treadle cabinet to put it in. It is not a Singer though. They want $25.00 for it.

Texas Jan

Originally Posted by SewExtreme

Originally Posted by quiltdoctor

I found this machine in a thrift shop today. I don't know what model it is. I didn't get it because I want to kow if the bobbins and the cover plate will be available. Can anyone help me??

Jan in Texas

Oh Jan, I love the color of the machine you're showin'. Hope you go back and get it. One thing I want... someday, is a turquoise or blue vintage sewing machine. I passed one up a while back and am sorta kicking myself. What model is it? I can't guess. :-D

Linda, I saw a blue "Home" machine in the antique mall I frequent. It is beautiful and I want it so bad, but it needs all rewired. For $39! I figured he should come down in price with t he work that needs to be done, but he won't budge.

Where do you all find the info on old machines? I picked up a singer EF223014 today but need manual.Also a Eldridge rotary 296524 any help would be great.I post when I can find the time.This board is awesome thanks to all,keep up the good reading if I miss a day or 2 20 pages behind! Love it.

Originally Posted by sew wishful

Originally Posted by SewExtreme

Originally Posted by quiltdoctor

I found this machine in a thrift shop today. I don't know what model it is. I didn't get it because I want to kow if the bobbins and the cover plate will be available. Can anyone help me??

Jan in Texas

Oh Jan, I love the color of the machine you're showin'. Hope you go back and get it. One thing I want... someday, is a turquoise or blue vintage sewing machine. I passed one up a while back and am sorta kicking myself. What model is it? I can't guess. :-D

Linda, I saw a blue "Home" machine in the antique mall I frequent. It is beautiful and I want it so bad, but it needs all rewired. For $39! I figured he should come down in price with t he work that needs to be done, but he won't budge.

He won't even budge $10? Silly guy... doesn't he know that machine needs TLC in your home? :lol:

Originally Posted by SewExtreme

Originally Posted by sew wishful

Originally Posted by SewExtreme

Originally Posted by quiltdoctor

I found this machine in a thrift shop today. I don't know what model it is. I didn't get it because I want to kow if the bobbins and the cover plate will be available. Can anyone help me??

Jan in Texas

Oh Jan, I love the color of the machine you're showin'. Hope you go back and get it. One thing I want... someday, is a turquoise or blue vintage sewing machine. I passed one up a while back and am sorta kicking myself. What model is it? I can't guess. :-D

Linda, I saw a blue "Home" machine in the antique mall I frequent. It is beautiful and I want it so bad, but it needs all rewired. For $39! I figured he should come down in price with t he work that needs to be done, but he won't budge.

He won't even budge $10? Silly guy... doesn't he know that machine needs TLC in your home? :lol:

My thought exactly!!! :lol:

OK - it's a clone? Oh for Heaven's sake (and here all along I've been thinking I have something unusual). Picture enclosed - that's OK 'cause none of the "real" ones sew as good as she does anyway ..... lol