Pfaff Model R, Transverse Convertible Treadle/Handcrank - Donation!
 

I posted a couple of CL pics of this machine on another thread when it was still just a possibility.

This Early Pfaff Treadle machine was purchased 10 years ago by a very nice lady (awaiting her reply to me asking permission to include her name in the machines written history) while she lived in Texas. It was purchased from an antique shop, and it was frozen solid.

She had it as a decoration for a decade and then recently decided to sell it.

I corrected a couple things with her ad (politely) and we began talking about it over emails. Quite a charming person, and truly cared about the machine. I explained that I could not afford to buy it for a couple months and thought we were done.

She emailed me a few days ago saying she decided to "Donate" it to my collection. I explained that we are NOT an 501c3 (non-Profit) and i was just a collector. she was adamant that it need to go to me.

Well, it is now in my living room.

My DD's took a drive Friday while I was at work and headed to the coast (Half Moon Bay). The two of them on a grand adventure for Dad... hehe

They had a lot of fun amazing the lady with their knowledge of old machines and how to manage them into cars!

My Daughter could not wait to open the box and sort the "junk from jewels" so here is what i came home to...

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up close.
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How about a pic of the machine in your living room? The other stuff looks pretty interesting too me.

Joe

I'm glad to see she gave it to you Steve! I think it's in the right place. That machine and cabinet is a beauty. I love the attention to detail in the veneer work. Are those gnomes on the accessory box?
Rodney

I was thinking this same thing. I so desperately wanted to see the machine that I reached up toward my computer screen to try to take that wooden box lid off. That didn't work. Stop teasing us. I have a Pfaff treadle and wanted to see if it looked anywhere near the same. Probably not. So glad you got this. That lady knew what she was doing.

the Machine with and without flash
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the back
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the bottom
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Transverse means that it moves in a straight line so these are usually boat shuttles (open and flat on the side that makes contact on the race)
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This is difference
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Here is the beginning of the "convertible" part.
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with the removable liner removed
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And my favorite!!! with the portable base removed. FILTHY, but Cool!
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straight on, you see the big openings to the right for the belt and the four corner rounds where the feet of the portable case go...
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and clean
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the works
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as a treadle
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yes Gnomes
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HEAVY seam guide (underneath to show it is solid) and two unknown feet. (MACYBABY??)
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the original (or dang old) bobbin winder wheel - white!)


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removed intact, ready to be labeled and store with the machines stuff.
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Badge
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serial number
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Wow!!!!!! Lucky you!!!! I have 2 Pfaff machines and love them both! This one would be a great one to have!! I am so glad you have her and will appreciate her for being the treasure she is!

I love it when people just want a good home for a machine. Very lovely.

SteveH, I love how you show each and every part of a machine. So nice. The machine is so pretty. Lucky you, and us for showing us. We may never see another one.

Beautiful, just beautiful. The paint on those irons is amazing. Is a wheel missing on the base?

Okay, this time I think I read everything carefully; do you know the year that this was manufactured?

Judy, LOL, 1908
source:here

yes one is gone but the axle remains, wooden wheels BTW...

I also really like the pin cushion on the accessories drawer. needs to be redone, but still cool

Steve,

I believe that that type of shuttle is called a 'hybrid'.

Very beautiful machine and extra nice to use as a handcrank as well! I love the accessory box! The goldwork on the irons is just the icing on the cake.

I had no idea that your new machine was so unique and wonderful. To be able to use it as a treadle or pick it up and go as a hand crank seems to me to be the perfect set up. Really ... very special and as amcatanzaro said, it really is great that you got this machine because you will treasure it and take good care of it too.

OMG! The irons alone are enough to die for. You must have done something marvelous to be so blessed.

What a treasure. So glad the lady decided to donate it to your collection.

So completely awesome! Everything!

You got a great machine here. We used one just like in Germany when station there for 6 years and can just kick myself for not bring many of the old German machines back to the states with me. My wife would pick them up off the street on junking day there. Uncle Sam just would not see it my way a pay for the shipping. Enjoy this machine it is a good one.
Skip

It couldn't have a better home, smart lady and so happy for you, enjoy her.

I love the way that one converts from treadle to handcrank. The cast iron grid in the opening is a nice touch. A beautiful detail that was done because they wanted to, not because they had to.
There are nice details throughout that setup.
Rodney

I have a Pfaff treadle. It is an 1877. The bobbin case is like half a case the bobbin goes in on the side. Wonderful old machine. It was froze when I got it. the needle bar was glued with dried oil, when we got that clean it now coasts with a spin. I haven't put a belt on it yet.
The irons have decals and are painted. I will try to post a picture.

Ethel

My Pfaff
 

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Here is my 1877 Pfaff. It sews!! No belt on it yet, but coasts when spun, don't make them like that now days.

Ethel

How divine! Absolutely love the table and removable case design. The ironwork where the case sits in the table is just the most beautiful detail. It makes me long for things to be made like this again.

Lovely pictures...awesome machine and love the irons.

What a neat machine and treadle!! Love all the grill work! Perfect that the lady and you connected, and that she decided to have you give it a home. Very nice.

Very cool indeed!

WOW what an absolutely awesome machine! I have never seen one like it before. A hand crank that transitions to a treadle, it must have been a very expensive machine for its time. The tin is totally cool as well I believe that she felt the machine had a history that needed to be shared and that you would preserve it and share with the future. Thank you so much for sharing I have always loved Pfaff machines and this is just one more piece of there history.

Do you have a manual for the Pfaff R? I have this machine and am looking for someone who can copy a manual for me. Thanks

Whoa! Your one lucky person! Have you sewing on it yet??? Fun!