Golden Star machine by AG Mason
 

Does anyone know about these machines? I found a very nice one locally, but know nothing about it. When where they made? Are they good working machines? It looks complete, but I have not inquired on details yet. Appreciate your opinions.

I should add that I've found a brief company bio, but not much detail. Apparently they were sold under many badge names. Would like to hear from anyone who has a similar machine. Thanks.

That is beautiful!

Yes it is, the cabinet looks just as nice. It seems this machine saw very little use.

Unusually nice. This is a Vibrating shuttle model made by White and distributed by AG Mason. Uses a 20x1 needle but a common 15x1 will also work if lowered a bit. Shuttle and bobbins are unique to White. I'd guess made in the 1910's but the serial number can be dated. White made excellent machines and were very popular, perhaps 2nd to Singer in machines sold. Top notch cabinet work.

Jon

Great - thanks. I may go look at it this weekend. I don't really need another machine, but it seems too nice to pass up ;-)

I've got the same machine with the name New Queen on it. It was my first "non Singer" and what sent me down the slippery slope of top clamp machines!

Well I'm glad to hear from some who owns one because I just bought it! It is in really great shape, including the cabinet. It came with a box full of attachments and the original manual. The shuttle is inside, but there is only one bobbin. How do I identify which bobbin it is, so I know what to look for?

I'm excited to get this little jewel. It just needs a gentle cleaning, lubrication and a new belt.

Cathy - can you offer any tips for setting it up and using it? Thanks.

Very nice! The bobbin will have a hollow core and the shuttle has a pin inside running it's length for the hollow core bobbin to fit over. This is unique to White and ebay usually has some available. Looks like you have a few different needles, the proper one is 1-3/4". The owners manual is a good starting point for oiling and machine operation. Also Muv has an excellent Sticky.

Jon

I was wondering about the different needles. Two are 1-3/4 and two are a little over 1/2. Thanks for clearing that up. I found two shuttles; a boat that the one bobbin seems to fit it, and a bullet. I have no bobbins for the bullet. I'll check ebay for them. Is the boat shuttle for an earlier machine? Boy, I'm learning a lot today!

Yes, the boat shuttle is for an earlier model and is pretty scarce. Should be worth quite a few bobbins.

Jon

Bobbins ordered! Is there a serial number date of manufacture reference on line for these? Thanks.

Katie Farmer can help you out:

[email protected]

Thank you, I sent her an email.

Doesn't look like it has seen a lot a wear. Good luck.

"Mr. DeMille - I'm ready for my close up!"

After 5-6 hours of cleaning, de-gumming, lubricating and polishing, the Golden girl was finally ready to be photographed ;-). I'm waiting on the bobbins to arrive and I need to order a new treadle belt. Other than that, she is ready to go to work.

Starlet, indeed!

Boy do I feel like a dummy! A little while ago I was moving the treadle cabinet and it felt like the front panel was loose. I thought uh-oh, the wood is coming loose. But then I looked closer and realized it was a drawer. What do I find inside? Four of the elusive White bobbins! So along with the two I bought off Ebay, I'm all set. I just feel like a dummy for not finding them sooner.

Looks like a good hiding spot.

Jon

Congrats on your pretty "new to you " machine!

Golden Star Manual
 

Hi,

I just inherited an A.G. Mason "Golden Star" sewing machine from my grandmother. My machine looks just like yours, but has a few pieces missing that I am trying to track down. The main thing I need though is a manual so that I can set up and operate it. I saw in your posting that you have a manual and was wondering if you could share photos of its pages with me. I haven't been able to find this manual anywhere online. I would very much appreciate your help!

PS - The pieces I am missing are the shuttle/bobbin and the cover plate that slides in over the slot in the base where you load in the shuttle. - I have found online a source for these parts for a White sewing machine and was wondering if anyone out there knows if the White parts will fit on the Mason Golden Star.

Thanks!

Joy

My AG Mason manual has been pdf'd and is available for download from the VSS. http://www.victoriansweatshop.com/po...pid=1292936149