leonf

This was in an open shed at an antique store. I'd glanced at it and thought it was a clone of a 128.
American. Who names a machine "American"? It has a shuttle and a bobbin so when the guy said $10. I jumped on it. Later I read National on the motor. Great. Now I have a 3/4 National to keep other 3/4 VSs company.

mawluv

She's a darling!!! Bet she'll clean up real pretty!!!!

Macybaby

That is just a badged National machine. I don't know if there are any "clones" of the 128. There are of the Singer 15 because Singer allowed the Japanese to use it's design in Occupied Japan - and then afterwards. SO technically, there are no "clones" made before WW2 - may be some copies, but not clones as they were not made from Singer's design.

All Singer Clones have side clamp feet too - not top clamp like the American.

National was the King of badged names. I've read somewhere between 600-1000 were used. Basically, what ever the reseller wanted. There are a few where National owed the name (like Eldredge) but for the most part the name on the machine was picked by the reseller.

leonf

Thanks Cathy,
I figured that out after messing with it for a bit. I will enjoy playing with it and wondering if I will see another.
I had not heard about the side clamp difference.

Mickey2

If you get around to clean and polish it up post a second picture of it :- ) It looks very nice with the minimal art deco decals and the chromed hand wheel. I've never seen those decals before, neither have I had the pulley type driven motor either. A superb find. Does it stitch?

The crinkle finish machine looks like it's in very good condition too. I made a mistake and polished a crickle finish with a white resin type car polish. It was hard to polish up from all the cracks, go for the clear version in stead, with out the gritty polishing ingredient. You might be all onto it, but I just felt I had to warn you with such a nice condition machine.

Best of luck Leon
:- )

leonf

Haven't tried stitching wither either machine yet. I was gong to clean but not try to polish the crinkle. Thanks.

leonf

Did some re-wiring and it runs now. Not pretty yet.

Singer is now working as a hand crank.

Spicermommy

I'm working on a badged Natuonal as well. It's an "Eatonia" and looks just like your American.
The wires are shot and has no foot controller. The handwheel is not compatible with a reproduction hand crank either so I'm not sure how to bring it back to life yet.
This is my first National.

leonf

Hi Spicermommy,

Does you Eatonia have a spoked handwheel? I've used a tractor supply steering wheel knob to turn a machine.
It loses the 3:1 ratio ( and reverse direction ) of a Singer crank, but it mounted to the wheel without a need for the Singer boss. Though I will admit I haven' worked it hard (yet anyway)