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

Candace, my Elna 62 is missing a lot of paint on the bed and some on the flywheel. The funny thing I don't care because I know how it got that way. She's been mine since her birth in 1973 and every ding means Dan got a new zipper in a coat, my brother got a fireproof suit shortened, I made a belt for a boy too obese to go to prom, I repaired numerous dog leashes - one this week, etc, etc, etc. She also made many prom desses and at least seven wedding dresses, so she deserves her badges of honor. I do think that pretty baby blue paint is weak. Other machines do these things and don't look like this, but the areas missing paint are shiny metal, no rust, so for me what is, is. She's a crummy quilting machine, but wonderful in every other way.

Try not to make any errors sewing with yours. The seam is so balanced and strong, it'a b--- to take out. And don't hit any pins. The SM needle doesn't glance off, but chops the pin in half.

Originally Posted by chris_quilts

As to the Davis, how will I know if the shuttle is complete? I have never seen a Davis in person and the seller is a non-sewer so there's no help there. Also, are the Boye #20 needles available thru EBay or some other source. I know I've seen the #10's on Ebay but can't recall any #20's. I knew you ladies would be able to help me out. Thanks in advance for any and all help. ~ Chris

Hi, just before the holiday I bought a Davis VF in great shape. I paid more than what you quoted but around here they're like hen's teeth and it came complete, with extra attachments that I don't know their purpose, 15 needles, 6 bobbins, an original ad, and a drawer of corset stays LOL . Mine is dated May 12th, 1895

Originally Posted by hootnannie

Hi, just before the holiday I bought a Davis VF in great shape. I paid more than what you quoted but around here they're like hen's teeth and it came complete, with extra attachments that I don't know their purpose, 15 needles, 6 bobbins, an original ad, and a drawer of corset stays LOL . Mine is dated May 12th, 1895

with envy over the stuff you received with yours. This is the 1st Davis I've seen listed here so wanted to check it out. Hopefully, it'll be worth the drive and the money if I decide to buy. Thanks for the information.

Originally Posted by hootnannie

Hi, just before the holiday I bought a Davis VF in great shape. I paid more than what you quoted but around here they're like hen's teeth and it came complete, with extra attachments that I don't know their purpose, 15 needles, 6 bobbins, an original ad, and a drawer of corset stays LOL . Mine is dated May 12th, 1895

Please consider joining the Davis VF Yahoo group and submitting your machine's information to the database.

What is the serial number of your machine? Does the slide plate say Watertown, NY or Dayton, OH?

Originally Posted by Charlee

Please consider joining the Davis VF Yahoo group and submitting your machine's information to the database.

What is the serial number of your machine? Does the slide plate say Watertown, NY or Dayton, OH?

It says Watertown NY. Above the dates it has 390953. Is that the serial #? I've only had Singers and this is all new for me. I'm off to work (nursing) but will check the board later.

Yes, that's the serial number! I think Jon estimated my machine to be from 1889, and your machine's serial number would be above mine on the database list at the DVF yahoo group. The first serial number before mine (426889) on the list is 368663. That machine has a warranty date of 5/26/1887, your machine's number is only 22,290 numbers after that one, and I'd say your machine is most likely early 1888.

How cool!