Quiltingboard Forums - View Single Post - Vintage Giggles aka What are they smoking????

03-14-2013, 07:24 AM

#2623

QuiltFaerie

Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2013

Location: Southeastern Michigan

Posts: 136

http://toledo.craigslist.org/fuo/3658737314.html

Here is a chance to own an original piece of American history from the turn of the century.

I did quite a bit of research and as far as I can determine, this is the Burdick model 2-B sewing machine. It first appeared in the Sears & Roebuck, 1899 spring catalog and their last appearance was in spring 1903.

The "Burdick" was manufactured by the Davis Sewing Machine Company of Dayton, Ohio, in the early 1900s. The machine was later relabeled and sold as the Minnesota "B". 1900s-1910s
This machine is over 100 years old. It is complete right down to the original drive belt. Everything works, and it is in excellent condition for its age.

The solid oak cabinet is also in excellent condition and very solid. The front of the cabinet drawers were hand carved. The drawer pulls show their age but still in great condition. The drawer locks work but I do not have the triangle key. The cabinet is complete and the only flaw is where at some point someone added (what I think) was an electric lamp on the right side of the top. You can see the six holes in the pictures, but they just add character and imagination.

The cast iron base unit is also complete down to the original steel wheels. It has "Sears Roebuck and Co." on the sides with most of the original gold paint but obviously the foot pedal has the paint worn off.

Whoever used this machine probably made wardrobes for the whole family. It shows the ware as you can see the decal is partially worn and there is some paint decay in the center platform of the machine.

Some of the chrome has some tarnish that can probably be polished out but I left everything original for the new owner to decide.

The unit stands 30" tall closed and opened its 38" tall. Closed the cabinet is 34" wide and opens to 49½". It is 17 5/8" deep.

The slide plate has the serial # D913035 stamped into it.

Over all, the entire unit will make a beautiful display piece. It is 100 years old and has been used so expect normal ware.

I have researched the web and these Burdick machine are very rare and this one including the cabinet are by far in the best condition of any I have seen.

I know nothing about this treadle or if it is as rare as he is stating. I have no idea if the $600 the guy is asking for it is good deal or not. It just seems very high to me. The cabinet and machine both appear to be in very good shape. I am not planning on buying this one either.