I bought it.. so what do I do with it?
 

It's my DH's fault. He encouraged me to get this.... rusty, dirty, not what I usually buy. But it's unusual. There isn't a bobbin so I assume it's a looper machine (not sure that's what they are called). And, the hand wheel moves, the pressure foot goes up and down.... After I wiped off some of the dust I saw the decal and some numbers on the slide plate.... if that's what this is called. It's rusted shut.

So, I don't know what kind of machine this is. And I probably need some really good ideas as to where to start on this one. Maybe it's not worth doing anything with. Can anybody tell me anything about this one?

Oh wow, interesting old timer you got there.

SteveH might be able to help you with the details. He likes the oldies.

Joe

Thanks, Joe. I was thinking of Steve when I bought this one. It is kinda rough but that's okay. Maybe the DH was thinking he needed a new anchor.... we'll see. I'm going to tinker with it a little... just not today.

Hi,

Your husband has excellent taste---it's a very early 1870's Davis Low Arm walking foot. Davis was incorporated 1868. Very uncommon. I'd clean it up and put in a place of honor but Mike at Wolfegang's Collectables on ebay might have a shuttle and bobbin if you'd like to take it for a spin.

Jon

Thank you, Jon. This actually might have the shuttle and bobbin in it. I can't get to it yet but from looking at the bottom, maybe they are there.

I guess I have to try and loosen up the slide plates first to check it out.

I presume that this was a treadle?? There is only a couple pieces of wood that the machine sets on and I'm sure I wouldn't be able to find the irons. Perhaps I can put some type of hand crank on it.

You've gotten me a little excited now.

Easy enough to mount on orphan treadle irons with new top or retrofit to old top.

Singer and Wheeler and Wilson built 30-40000 machines for Davis under contract at the Davis factory in Watertown, NY from 1870 and into 1872. This machine might be one of them. Davis claimed the machines were intentionally built poorly to sabotage the new company and Davis had to repair the machines scattered all over after Singer and W&W left the shop.

Jon

So sabotage is not a new thing??? That's very interesting. I saw some history information about the Davis Co. on Ismacs site. I'll have to go back and read it..... love to hear about all these machines. I hope I can do some things to help her come back to life.

THAT is an EARLY machine!. I bet it would sew great once cleaned up.

It is a VS or vibrating shuttle machine. Brasso or Wadding Polish will bring the metal bits to life, be VERY VERY careful with the painted parts. most likely the clear coat is gone....

Sewing machine oil soak for a day, then maybe a few drops of Kriol and those slides will move. be careful they may be brass and soft.

I w would rough guess the date to be 1868-1970

here is one in a treadle
http://sewingmech.blogspot.com/2010/...-machines.html

here is the ISMACS links to Davis info
http://www.ismacs.net/davis/home.html

Here is needlebars dating. NONE as early as this.
http://needlebar.org/nbwiki/index.php/Davis

Thanks, Steve. I can read the serial #. It is 17040. I'm wondering if the tension is missing. There is just a wire and post on the face plate. I'll try to take a closeup of that area tomorrow if anyone is interested. This one may well be more than I know what to do but I'm willing to give it a try.

I've oiled down everything on the top. I'll turn it over and oil everything on the bottom in the morning... then let it sit and soak.

I don't know how to thread it or even what all the gizmos are for. You all are going to have to help me with that.

Sorry for the late reply but when I get something old that is mechanical, I just start wiping down with a damp cloth then some WD 40. Go from there! Obviously others know more about this machine but atleast that's a start.