barny

The stitches are perfect and beautiful. It's hard to believe something this old can still make this perfect stitch. what a joy to see. Barny I'm 85 and she must have started sewing when I was born. She's still at it and I am too. LOL

SteveH

Umm, not sure, I'll ask tonight.

newbiequilter58

Pretty sweet the way the top lays out to make a large sewing surface! That's a design sewing cabinet makers need to bring back, but I doubt it would catch on because the top would not be flat when closed up.
And to have the priviledge to know all the history behind it and to see that this machine has been taken care of by each generation. It's a shame more people don't see the significance in a sewing machine being a family heirloom instead of "some of Grandma's old stuff I got stuck with" and personally think is junk, but they can get a quick $400 for on Craig's list or ebay for it.

SteveH

She got them at the Oakland Coliseum Swap Meet

wolph33

wow,awesome machine

Quincunx

I looked up the patent dates. The December 28 date has a patent for an "improvement in ruffling attachments for sewing-machines" which is a close match to how the piece looks. And the patent talks about "The present invention may be considered as an improvement on the [ruffler] patented to J. O. Fairbairn, August 31, 1869" which I cannot get out of the Google patent search. Enjoy.

SteveH

very cool! thanks for the research! and welcome to the board!

yobrosew

I have so enjoyed and appreciate this history lesson. It is the perfect compliment to the early-morning quiet and cup of coffee. SteveH, you are a great teacher. Thank you for sharing not just your acquisitions but also yourself and your brain!

Mariposa

Steve--Congrats on the fabulous find! Such a beauty of a machine. All your pics, info and comments are great. We get the opportunity to learn from you. Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

MFord

That fold-out table is soooo cool!!