khuxford

You all have been so inspiring! I knew I had some old machines I inherited from family members so I dug them out the other day and would like opinions on which one to keep. I've done some googling on both.

Kenmore 117.552 was hubby's grandmother's machine. Has foot on it, I see bobbin case, manual plus a cool parts list sheet stamped with '1947 price increases'. No accessories unfortunately. Greenish crinkly finish. Wheel will not turn. When grammy died in the mid 80s, it was given to me in a Sears cabinet. I'm guessing she last used it in the early 70s. Machine has been in the well of the cabinet in an extra room. No mice invasion. I don't see alot of rust (it was in So Cal until I got it in Colorado) but am sure it needs to be rewired. No foot pedal, but I see what I guess is the little box that makes it go with a knee lever attached to the side of the cabinet. All the wiring intact but worn looking.

White machine, model 3051-115. Have a small metal case of accessories and another small metal case with about 6 plastic cogs for various zig zag flavors. No manual, but have found one online. I bought this for my mom used in the late 70s. Luckily, the wheel turns freely, the accessory case has a business card of a sewing machine repairman and the piece of fabric under the presser foot looks like it was left there from last time it was serviced, as it is an example of all the stitches on a folded 4x6 piece of muslin so I'm guessing the last person to sew on it was a service person.

I'd like to keep one and find a loving home for the other one. I've been following these discussions on vintage machines for a few months but not sure I have the self confidence to tear open that Kenmore and start soaking it with machine oil and Tri Flow.

Here are photos of the two of them