I posted on the Vintage Machine site topic but no one responded so I thought I'd try under main topics...

I have a chance to buy a 1876 Domestic D Treadle in great condition for 50.00...needs new belt...no rust on the machine. Cabinet in nice shape...
Was unable to open the plate to see the bobbin or if there even was one...Anyone know what type of bobbins they take?
Was unable to see the underneath of the machine since it was being held in place in the cabinet by a metal plate..I'm assuming they look the same as a Singer and just need grease and oil.
Can anyone tell me anything abt this machine...did google very limited information...

I don't know anything about this brand but treadles are usually easy to fix up/maintain. My only caution for you is to find a way look in the bobbin area and make sure one is there. Some of the vintage machines use the bullet type bobbins and certain ones are really hard to find.

Thanks never heard of those...I'll make sure I pry open the plate...I tried to open but couldn't...but will make sure if I buy I get it opened before committing.

I don't have any information for you but I'd be tempted to take a chance on it. You might be able to tell if it is rotary (round bobbin) or vibrating (long narrow bobbin and plate) by looking at the slide plate. I have a late 1800's treadle that can use class 15 and class 66 bobbins in it in addition to the original ones that came with it.

The plate on mine lifts up it doesn't slide - just wondering if
the domestic is the same way.

another good pt...never thought of lifting...only sliding...will give that a try...thanks...I did notice the plate is narrow so I'm thinking it might be that bullet type now......

Don't be afraid of the bullet types because some types are readily available--just look on ebay. PM Billy (lostn51) here on the board--he'll probably know which one that machine will use and how available it is. I think the clue is if you have one plate it's probably a round bobbin but if you have 2 long plates it'll be a bullet type but ask Billy. I'm by no means an expert!

Does it look like this machine in the picture?

If so then the bobbins are not easily found nor are the needles the needles are more then the bobbins but still it can be a challenge and expensive if you really want to use it


If it doesn't look like this then I dont know what you have

but here is my Domestic from 1880

Thank you! That's exactly what I meant! Pictures beat a 1000 words! :thumbup:

What a beautiful machine

if the throat plate is large, look for an indent towards the end - there may be a spring push thing - push that and the throat plate should now be easy to remove...

it may or may not be a Singer 15 clone -
make sure the pitman rod on the treadle base pedal is not broken - if you pedal and everything appears to work ok, then it should be fine....

turn the hand wheel and see if everything appears to move ok...

These machines were all made back in the day when things were supposed to last (that's why they are still around!) - not disposable like 'nowadays'