Originally Posted by
Mizkaki
Nancy,
That machine is a Singer and technically that is not a reproduction. It is a modern machine made to look like the old ones. It's "nostalgic".
I do however think you are between the rock and the hard place. This is not a win situation. She will not be happy when she finds out, whether or not she finds out from you or anyone else.
I probably would tell her, as gently as I could. Do remind her that it is a Singer.
cathy
Cathy, I love the term "nostalgic!" Well, my friend is really disappointed. She didn't know about the reproductions, I mean 'nostalgic" machines! Cathy, why do you say remind her it is a Singer? Do you think because it is a modern Singer, it is a better machine? Just curious as I really respect your opinion of the manufacturers, and I have always thought the modern Singers are not very good machines!
Monica, why to you say the repro's wind a bobbin better? Again just curious, I love to learn new things about these machines!
Miriam, you are right that machine is not a plastic wonder, but what is it made of? I have never picked one up. I've seen a couple treadles at the sewing machine repair shop. To me they looked cheap and were already falling apart. I'd love to really get up close and personal with one of the "nostalgic" machines just to see how well they are made and what they are made out of! Anyone know? Remember when Billy was going to import and sell those machines?
Joe, thank you for the link to the India manufacturer! I sent that link to my girl friend to try to make her feel better. They are very pretty machines!
Pumpkinpatch, yes those machines do exist in hand cranks and in treadles. A very big clue is the color of the decals. The decals are always over the top, kind of gaudy compared to the original decals. A second clue is that there is no serial number on the bed next to the arm of the machine! All the very old Singers had a serial number right where the arm came up from the bed of the machine! If you see a machine with a weird color or different decals and there is a serial number on the bed - it is probably a re-do of a very old machine!
Jean thank you for the compliment, but you have the wrong person! Like all of us, I am learning something new all the time about the vintage and antique machines!
Nancy