A picture would help, but one idea comes to my mind is, it was probably a treadle to begin with, then someone "electified" it.

Always nice to have a piece of sewing history!!!

glad you found us. This place is a great source of information for old machines. Good for you for rescuing your vintage machine from Goodwill. Cant wait to see the pics.

Does your machine have a belt on the right side to turn the hand wheel? sounds like the cabinet base was neutered. Maybe it was a treadle and it was converted to have a potted motor. Maybe an electric machine was put in the cabinet and some one took off the treadle plate. With a little effort it could be made into a treadle again if the machine has a belt and you can find a plate for the cabinet. Post some pictures. If it runs well you might just keep it ellectric. Nothing wrong with that. She sounds lovely.

Here are some photos of my machine. I did find a number on the slide plate. It appears to say 1850982. Obviously a later model, but I think that dates it around 1900.

Here are some photos of my machine. I did find a number on the slide plate. It appears to say 1850982. Obviously a later model, but I think that dates it around 1900.

I added photos to my thread. Check them out and if you have any info let me know. :-)

Photos of my machine. Again, I think it dates to 1900. Pretty common. Made by New Home, and it appears to be the New Ideal Brand. What do you think? Any info on it??
Jamie

Very nice cabinet. I still wonder if it is the original treadle head but a motor was added and the treadle base removed. I have seen more of those. I bet you could revers that if you can find a new base for the cabinet. She looks like fun. Have you taken her for a spin yet?

I have not yet. I think I need to oil her and clean her up a little. I am not that familiar yet with the vintage machines. This is a new hobby for me. I think you are right about the motor/machine added to the base. The base has holes with threads where bolts/screws used to be. I would love to convert it back. I guess I am now on the lookout for those type of things. I need to do more research on how to clean her up. I don't know the best way to go about getting her into looking good. I know that if I try to replace the paint or gold embellishments it will decrease any collectable value. Not that there really is any now. I don't plan on ever getting rid of it or selling it. It is purely of sentimental and decorative value to me.


Thanks for the comments.

Jamie