jillaine

Not planning to buy another machine before I'd finished refurbishing my 1910 Red-Eye, my husband spied this "Ambassador" machine at an antique mall outside of Keene, NH. I was about to walk away, but he said, "honey! it's only $35!" (came with case and accessories and they took $5 off at check-out because it's Christmas Eve or something). "I'll buy it for you!"

It is heavier by far than my vintage Montgomery Ward Signature (c 1975). I can't find much of anything about it online. Does anyone know anything about it?
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miriam

It is for sure Japanese. Those are great if they are all metal. I have one sort of similar - I'm still looking for a manual. Do all the knobs turn? Mine have two knobs still frozen.

jillaine

Set it up; works elecrically, anyway (haven't sewn on it yet). Light works, pedal works. needle goes up and down. What's fascinating is that while it includes a manual, NO WHERE in the manual is reference made to the name of the machine, nor is there a copyright year on the manual. I did, however, find a serial number:

ja 19.m-na 20854

can't find anything about it.

Candace

The JA is for Japanese made machines. They are tanks but can be very cool looking and retro. I have a couple. One looks very similar to yours. Many were "badged" machines. Meaning, the body type was cast the same and then sent out to different customers who put their name on it. So, quite a few of these are the same but different colors and "names" on them. This one was made in the 70's, probably. Enjoy.

ppquilter

I just got for free from step-SIL and i am having trouble finding out much on it too. American Beauty made in Japan. The motor does say made in USA

jillaine

It does look very similar. I plugged mine in yesterday and all seems to function; haven't sewn on it yet.

ppquilter

I threaded mine and sewed on it but not sure of all the knobs. Have 2-3 other feet with it not sure about. I threaded from left to right and it did sew straight and zigzag. Would love a copy of your manuel to see if it would help with mine. there was a lawsuit by singer in the 50-60's about these being tradedmarked American by a Japan made machine.

sewbizgirl

It was made by Morse, in the 50's. They made the Deluxe and the Ambassador. Check out this blog post:
http://chopstickknits.blogspot.com/2...g-machine.html

thepolyparrot

I was just going to say it looks a lot like some Morse machines.

I had a chance at a gorgeous blue Morse Foto-Matic once and I didn't jump on it and I have kicked myself ever since. I'm glad you got that one - sooooooo pretty!

jillaine

Update:
Mine ended up not sewing well at all. I gave it away to someone who had more interest in trying to get it to work than I did.