Airli

Hi,
i have recently come across my great great grandmothers sewing machine. I have no previous knowledge of sewing machine but from doing a bit of research I think it is a model15-30, maybe 1906 with if tiffany decal. The serial number is h495243 (from memory)
just wondering if anyone could give me some info on whether I'm right, details about the cabinet, and what I should do if anything about the condition. I would say that it is very well used.

omacookie

Personally I would keep it running and use it. It is a beauty.... Hugs

Airli

At this stage I have wiped the dust off it and given the wood a polish, but I don't want to do anything else until I know what I'm doing. I'm hoping I can get it working, but don't think I want to fully restore it. I like the idea of it showing its use from family mending and sewing. What do other people think?

J Miller

Arili,

That's a dream of a machine. To me family heirlooms mean much more than the monetary value of machine. They were made in the millions, so they are terribly rare.
IF I had the great fortune to get my GG Grandmoms treadle, ( I know who has it ) I would make only those repairs and servicings that were needed to return the machine to working order. Then I'd use it.

Joe

Airli

Thanks joe. I agree with you about that. I would never sell it, and even though I think these machines are cool anyway, it means so much more knowing that it belonged to a family member.
Im just trying to learn a bit more about it.

Silver Needle

I love to use treadle and other vintage machines. Congratulations on your family find. We have oner 20 featherweight 221's -at the moment.

Airli

Are there any singer experts on here who can tell me if I'm right about the year, model etc
any advice about restoration?

khuxford

I loved your photo. Brought back nice memories. My mom's machine was in that exact same cabinet.

manicmike

If that's what you want to do, I'd suggest watching Muv's excellent videos on cleaning and lubricating a vintage sewing machine (see here). With a cloth, some cotton swabs, singer oil and a bit of elbow grease, she'll look even more beautiful than she does now.

You've probably already found that vintage machine enthusiasts is an unusually positive part of an Internet forum (to be honest I don't look at the quilting bit much), full of helpful people whose #1 aim is to help look after old machines lovingly, so you'll get grandma's machine looking and working exactly how you want it. Please just ask.

Oh, and yes, your GGM's machine is a Tiffany 15, made in 1906. Here's a useful link

Mike

Caroline S

How exciting for you Airli, to have your great grandmother's sewing machine. Both machine and cabinet will clean up wonderfully. BTW, welcome from all of us Vintage Machine addicts/enthusiasts.

Did you get any goodies with your sewing machine? Sometimes the contents in the drawers are just as exciting, for us, as the machine itself, LOL.