Eweniquelyou

Hi all! I am not sure where to ask for help, and have check the vintage machine research sticky and couldnt find what I was looking for. So I am taking a chance and asking here. My aunt has surprised me with her brother riviera 1781 sewing machine but its missing the extension table, power cord and manual. It's a beautiful machine, she assures me it runs, but I have no clue where to find resources for it. I have searched google and haven't found anything. Does anyone know where I can look to find a manual or video or something for how to make it run and how to work it?
Thanks in advance!

OurWorkbench

Welcome. I initially thought that a Brother 1681 was a flat bed, but upon further investigation there is also a free arm model 1681. According to the pictures I have seen the 1681 and the 1781 are very similar. There is also a Jones 1781 and a Lemair Helvetia 1781 that I believe were made by Brother.

I was able to find manuals in few places. I am not affiliated, nor have I purchased from any of them.
http://www.devicemanuals.com/support...ual-83049.html
http://sewingwishlist.com/help/JONES-1781.html
https://www.sewingonline.co.uk/library/JONES-1781.html
and 1681 could be found at https://www.etsy.com/listing/6972692...era-1681-jones

I'm thinking that a foot controller for a 1681 would also fit a 1781.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brother-Riv...8AAOSw2x1dWrVj
or https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/fo...iant_id=281729

I also found these.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brother-168....c100010.m2109

As far as the extension, you may have to search a little harder, probably on ebay. There are some who have made wooden or plexiglass ones to match their machines.

I'm thinking that it may be what is called a "left-homing" machine. This means that when the machine is sewing a straight stitch the needle will come down in the left side of zigzag foot. Some machines will come with a straight stitch plate and straight stitch foot. I sometime have a hard time identifying the left homing straight stitch feet, especially without studying for a while.

I hope this helps (or maybe your aunt will find the missing items) and you can get this inherited machine back up and running smoothly.

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

Eweniquelyou

Thank you, janey!! I was starting to think maybe I wasnt supposed to know anything about this machine! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

QuiltMom2

Now that's what I call a reply! Isn't there someplace you can order the plexiglass extension tables by make/model of machine?

WIChix

Sew Steady makes those extension tables. I'm not sure if they can be ordered direct, but I have seen them advertised via Nancy's Notions.