singer from 1886
Hello! I have a really old singer. The serial number is telling me it was made around 1886. Thing is, this poor girl is in rough shape. Lots of grime, the needle doesn't move, foot doesn't seem to move. The hand crank spins beautifully, but nothing else seems to move. Id love to have it restored to working condition.
Does anyone have suggestions for where I can go to learn how to see if its worth the trouble? I'm afraid to open or clean it, in case I cause more damage. Im willing to take it to a professional, but it will be difficult to do, so im hoping to find some info and clean it up/assess it a bit, before carting it to someone. Sadly, most of the gorgeous painting work has been rubbed away, and there is just a ton of grime (i think maybe oil? its clearly been used a lot)
Also, I have a singer 501 and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how I can determine its limits, as far as sewing heavier material. I've tried two layer heavy canvas, and it took it fairly poorly, though I'm a novice and it may just be my lack of skill. Thank you!