Originally Posted by Lyncat (Post 5571980)

I always had trouble poking a hole in that round leather.

Originally Posted by helendking (Post 8138485)

Hi I just purchased a wilcox and gibbs as well but ball is missing can you tell me where to purchase one as in Australia. thank you would be very appreciative.

Originally Posted by Kittywolf13 (Post 5567448)

i am currently on an antique sewing machine kick! three weeks ago i went to an antique mall, for curiosity sake and in search for a vintage doll. I turned the corner and saw this adorable little sewing machine sitting all by itself in a corner. She looked worn and used, but her cabinet was in good condition. I jotted the name down and went on my way. But the machine was stuck in my head. i was in love with it, i did some research, joined a message group (treadleon) got information and went back a week later and bought it. Brought it home and i've been slowly restoring her. It is a Willcox & Gibbs Chain Stitch machine. She is so adorable and wonderful. she runs like a dream and i am so in love with her! (i'm still missing the treadle belt so i havent actually been able to sew on her yet!)

I nicknamed her "Eleanor"

I've since polished her up, but its a work in progress. I love that she looks like shes seen use and is worn. almost all her decals are missing, and some paint is missing, but all her innards work and she purrs perfectly! I really dont care and in fact am more enamored with her with her worn look that im not interested in repainting her or re-decaling. (maybe one day she will get a pretty sister who will just look nice!) im still working on cleaning her up as i wait for the last remaining parts for her to come in. She was built in 1896, and is a 116 years old! I cant believe that she runs as well as she does! she runs better then my 95 car! Hahaha! :D

I am simply in love with this machine and cant wait to thread her and see what she can do! I just got a replacement treadle ball for the brake the other day! Yes this treadle is unique in that it actually has a brake to make sure you are treadling in the right direction! its nifty!

Are there any other W&G fans out there? I hope so!! if not let me shower you (a.k.a. it just excites me to ramble on about this beauty) with the information i've gathered!

Originally Posted by cwillis (Post 5579209)

Actually Willcox and Gibbs did not connect the treadle belt with a staple like most other machines. They used a little ferrule which screwded on to both ends of the treadle belt to connect it together. Unfortunately they were often lost when the old belt rotted away. By good luck a couple of years ago I purchased an old W&G machine that still had a ferrule attaching the two parts of a very rotten belt that was in pieces but had not been thrown away yet. The original ferrule is in the center while the homemade one is on the end. They are 3/16 inch in diameter and 3/8 inch long. I thought it might be helpful if I explain how I made my DIY ferrule.
Attachment 369036
1. I started with a 1/2 inch brass Chicago Screw (aluminum also works). Cost about $1.00.
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