Originally Posted by
leatheflea
My mom gave me this machine this week. Its in sad shape. I've gotten some information from quilting blogs. And I did find out that it was made in 1897. But other than that I know NOTHING. I don't even know how to thread it, or make it sew. It needs a new belt and lots of TLC. Would love to know what you all might suggest. I'm afraid to do anything for fear of making it worse. Cleaning the machine and the decals is my biggest concern.
It's not sad. Unhappy, maybe, but that can change. I would be careful around the decals. Especially around the edge of the silvered parts. I would recommend just sewing machine oil on a soft cloth and work in small areas at a time. The cabinet looks sound for something that is over 100 years old. You can try refinishing it. It looks like a good woodworker could make it beautiful again. You have to be careful because it has a very thin veneer on it. It isn't all that bad of shape, machine or cabinet. But that is my opinion.
~G~