Howe model A treadle - looking for information pls help
 

Disclaimer: wall of text from non native speaker incoming

Hi ya'all! First of all pls excuse any mistakes, I am not an english speaker and I might mess up some vocabulary when it comes to sewing machines.

Here's the story, about 15 years ago I saved the machine from my granny's attic before her house got torn down. When I discovered it on the attic I was like "this looks cute and old, I'mma carry it out and take it home" - after that the machine stood in our garage for another 15 years until I rediscovered it recently during our move. Initially the plan was to remove the machine, get a new wooden top, repaint the metal and use it as a nice decorative little table in the house. Now my fiance's granddad came around and I told him what I'd like him to do with the treadle, and he straight out refused to "destroy" it before I did some research on the machine. I tried to do research some years ago but to no avail, I figured it was worth something like one of those Singer's around 30 bucks and I thought well, can as well make a table out of it.

So now that I did proper research I found out the following:

Seems to be an early Howe Stockwell Model A from 1868-1869?
It still has needle, bobbins and shuttle?
the condition is probably horrible.

I researched the internet to find out what it is worth, but I could not find any proper information. As far as I can tell, it seems to be a rather rare item even in this condition.

Now here's where I could use your help:
I am from Austria, afaik the machines were produced in the USA and UK. Is it somewhat uncommon to find such a piece in Austria?
Worth: I know it's "worth what someone is willing to pay for it". I still want to do my decoration table but if you cry out "stop! This is a very rare piece don't destroy it" I might not do the table. Do you think museums would be interested, can you put a monetary value on it? What should I do next?

Can you give me any more information about it, where it came from, how it came to Austria. I researched what's on the "sliders" but couldn't find any information. Also this 18 M.O. 69 in the corner of the table, what does that one mean?

I will attach some of the pictures here, but I also did an imgur album with more pictures if you want to check it out here: Photo album

Thank you all for your help, greetings from Austria

This is indeed a very early machine, worth restoring or selling to someone who will. Visit victoriansweatshop.com there are several people there who love these old machines and can tell you more about the history, and how to restore. It really is a special machine, even in current condition.

Welcome. Very good from non native - better than some native speakers.https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wink.png

Good that he refused. -- That machine should be saved and returned to its original purpose.

Maybe a little later, but not much. Having needle, bobbins and shuttle is a very big plus. I don't see any drawers that would have more bobbins, but it does look like since the shuttle is there with thread coming out that it should have at least one bobbin.
Granted the condition isn't very good. It does take a lot of work, time and patience to restore these old machine. It took a lot of time to get in that condition, so don't expect immediate results. Here are a couple of images of a newer machine with a lot of rust.
https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...img_9169.1.jpg
https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...2-img_3600.jpg
These were found in the rather long thread, but has some amazing before and after images. https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...d-t216857.html

I'm guessing that this would be the maker of the treadle base and either the year (1869) that it was made or the year the company was formed.

Please, please, please do not make it into a table!!!!

I have no idea how it got to Austria, but it is a neat find and worth it to be saved.

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

Thanks for your answers :D

I don't know how I managed to take pictures without the drawer shown, but it has a drawer with what I think is another bobbin inside? (see pics attached)

Also another interesting thing is that on the "sliding things" next to the patents and the number it also mentions the Legion d'Honneur that Howe received, all worded in German

Yes, I see the bobbin. Nice looking drawer.

The patent dates are for patents United State patent numbers 4750. 21258 and 63483.

Thank you for the additional pictures.

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

The slider is called a bobbin slide on many places. Yea it will be a great looking machine. Well worth saving intact.
If shipping weren't an issue I'd trade you my Puch moped for it. It might like to go home.

Welcome form Kansas in the middle of the USA..

And I'd instantly trade it for the Puch :D :D :D

Howe Treadle
 

Hopefully I can provide you a few answer's to your questions. Please do not alter the table or machine. Your serial number which is found on the back plate shows a production date after 1878 or 89. The principal offices of the Howe Machine Co. were world wide. Vienna's office was located at 15 Karnthner-ring. Hamburg was Itr. Branswiete, No.13. Having the shuttle and two bobbins is gold, are these are often misplaced. There is a lot of information on the Internet regarding the history of this machine as well as how to thread it for sewing.
Here is a link to assist you in dating the machine: https://www.fiddlebase.com/american-...ing-howe-amas/
There area several knowledgeable people who can assist you in restoring your machine. Enjoy!
http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/howe.htm