Kelsie

I have just picked up another old metal attachment box. One is a "Free", the other a "Greist". The last one is rather mucky. Should I use sewing machine oil to clean the exterior or can I use soap and water? It does have a loopy decorative border as well as the name on the top. And can someone tell me how to pronounce Greist? Thanks.

leonf

I haven't paid much attention to borders on boxes. If they are decals, the water could ruin them. I'ld go with oil until I knew for certain. Greist is German and rhymes with Christ. The last vowel is the one that is said.

Kelsie

Thanks Leon, I will play it safe and use the oil.

Macybaby

Like leon said, don't use water.

I've been packing up my collection of vintage attachment sets - got 5 totes (two layers) of them, and then two boxes filled with puzzle boxes. Greist was working for Singer at the time the puzzle boxes were being made, and later went out on his own.