Eldridge two Spool machine by National bought
 

The local Marketplace from Facebook listed an Eldridge Two Spool Treadle for sale at $150.00 with its original stand. I messaged the seller and asked to see it. Sure enough it has the capsule bobbin case with a spool in it! The machine and case have been indoor only. The case works perfectly, but has been a plant stand and needs veneer. All attachments were in the original box in perfect shape.
Three problems. One drawer is locked and no key. How do I open it? Next problem is where do I find the oak veneer? Where do I find a Manual?

I was able to get a treadle cabinet key on eBay for just a few bucks. Oak veneer should be available at a wood company where they sell better wood, or check on line.

Do a search for woodworking and you'll get some hits. There's a local place I use named, Rockler. I think it's a national chain, as they send brochures in the mail. They have tools, glues, stains, veneers and finishing chemicals.
You might get a brochure the same way. Just do a search for "Eldridge Two Spool Treadle manual" and will probably find it.
Good luck.

bkay

Lucky you!

Can you shine a light into the key hole and see what shape it is? There are a variety of keys used for sewing machines. http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachi...keys/keys.html shows some https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...a-t198150.html shows some other and homemade ones. I've made some for bentwood cases.

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also made one from a skewer for my Weed.

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I purchased a key from Ace Hardware for a Pfaff K.

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My brother made one for my sister from an old skeleton key (don't have picture easily accessible). I also had a triangle key that I sent to my sister for a friend of hers, but it didn't work, as it was the wrong size.

If it is a square, one can find a flat head screwdriver to fit in diagonal corners to use. Sometimes a flat screwdriver can be used to open the bentwood cases. Before I made the one for the Weed, I tried some square screwdriver bits. I have some "security" bits and there are a few sizes of what look to be similar to Philips heads, but are only three-sided that would probably work for triangle shaped keyholes.

It looks like there are manuals for Two Spool machines at http://woodlan2.wwwss40.a2hosted.com...ool-Manual.pdf and http://needlebar.org/main/manuals/el...ol/1index.html

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

I used a hand forged nail, it was a triangle shape and it opened up my drawers on and old machine.

Oh! Patricia--I found a hand forged nail in my Singer treadle and wondered about why it would be there--maybe it was used as a key?! Will have to check this out.

I have an Eldridge Two Spool also. The thing that holds the spool of thread under the machine is not called a bobbin case. It is called a "can". As you can see, it looks like a can. I made a reproduction quilt with my two-spool, but haven't used it much since. I paid $125 for it about 5 or 6 years ago. No stand. Good luck on your two-spool.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]617210[/ATTACH] This is my national showing it's can.

As I was going through the little desk that was moved to put the Two Spool cabinet and machine in its place I found a ring of ancient skeleton and other similar keys. I suspect my father found them in 1942 tucked away in our already old house. I put them somewhere “safe”. I bet one would open that lock . . . If I could find them again!