My birthday was last Friday, and my in-laws gave me $100. Yesterday my husband and I went to our local flea market to see what they had, and I scored this gorgeous treadle sewing machine for $75. It is in absolutely excellent condition, *and* has all its original attachments (and the little metal box they came in), two bobbins, 6 needles, a belt, and the original instruction manual (now crumbling, but still legible). It looks like all it needs is a good wipe-down and oiling, and I should be able to sew with it - as soon as I read the manual to learn how!
It is a "New Williams" machine, built by the Williams Maufacturing Co. I've done a little bit of research, and discovered that it was manufactured in Montreal (my hometown) sometime around 1906. The factory building where it was made is still there.
If Billy or anyone else who has restored a treadle machine has any tips on how best to clean it (it has almost no rust, just a lot of dust and age grime) I'd really appreciate them!
Jan