Nice looking machine. From the research I have done, it looks like your machine should take the same system needle as current domestic machines take. The 16 could be the size of the needle shaft
and/or the Boye number.
Did you check out the links in this post??? >>
Originally Posted by
OurWorkbench
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The Minnesota machines were sold by Sears and were made by different manufactures - so a picture would help identify. As far as how old it might be, it would be an approximation based on who actually made your machine and maybe some other factors. A couple of links about Minnesota A machines here that have some good info are
Coolest MN A treadle table I've ever seen! and
Minnesota Treadle - my great-grandmother's machine
Probably there are some others as well, but those are good starting places.
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It looks like the Burdick machine (manual linked to in second link) is similar, but I think the top thread guide from the spool needs to go through the guide at the top of the face plate then to the tension dial and then to take up lever.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.