In need of advice
 

Let me start by saying I a clueless about old machines. I always thought it would be nice to have one sitting on a shelf in my sewing room just to look at. Then a couple of days ago hubby was helping his mom gather items for donation to a hospital fund raiser. Amongst the inventory was this machine which had been her mother’s. She lost her mom at quite a young age and was quite torn about letting it go but she simply doesn’t have enough space to keep it. I volunteered that I would take it to display in my sewing room and then she would be able to see it when she visited. She was thrilled with this.

It isn’t in the best shape....the wooden base is extremely brittle and damaged by oil. What is underneath the base? Can it be removed? A motor and light has been added which I would like to remove....is this ok or will I make more of a mess of things?

also any general information about the machine would be appreciated. Thank you for your help.

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It's a model 27 from 1902. The machine looks like it's in good shape, most machines of this age have wear to the decals. Singer cases are usually very solid, even the very old ones, sometimes the veneer can crack or come off in places. The plate under can be replaced, my old Singer has a cross-veneer bottom, painted some kind of murky burgundy inside. Missing veneer on the exterior can be replaced. You can buy oak veneer, cut it into shape and glue it on. (I think the cases are mostly stained oak or pine) The machine needs to be gently cleaned, be careful with the worn decals, the will easily damage further. Maybe have a few layers of shellac on the finish if you plan to use the machine. Originally the guildings were covered with layers of shellac, but on used machines, it can be worn off in places.

The case will clean up well with the right type of furniture polish, maybe soapy water and a well wringed cloth on the inside. Be careful with the electrical parts too, the motor usually works, but the insulation on the wiring can be in terrible shape if they haven't been rewired. From the picture it looks like it's in pretty good condition, but check it. It looks like your machine once was a hand crank or treadle, and later convered to electrical. It looks like it needs a new drive belt. You can repair most things on this if you like the idea of it, they sew rather well too.

Clean the machine head itself with a soft cloth and sewing machine oil. No water, other cleaners, or type of oil. The sewing machine oil will not damage the shellac not the decals.

It looks like a treasure to me and definitely worth keeping. She's a beauty!

She is a beauty!

1 screw each to remove the motor and light. Easy peasy.. There are hinges at the back of the bed to let the head tilt back for oiling underneath. but in a case like that it is easy for the whole thing to tilt over. Be careful
The silver arm at the right front will swivel to let you raise the front.

What a treasure to have as an addition to your sewing room. To get in back to its original state will be a wonderful adventure.