Question regarding my newly acquired Damascus Grand
 

does anyone know where I can get manufacture date of my Damascus Grand by its serial number. A similar site like Singer has.

There is no National SMCo database. I assume the records are lost. Best bet is to get ahold of Damascus Annie who has a collection of warranty dates. I'm uncertain which sites she is active on these days.

Jon

You can get an idea by the model - and since Wards sold rotary machines with the Damascus Grand for many years, a picture would help to determine that.

I have one of the older style, really like the looks of that machine!

National was headquartered in Belvidere, IL and Free (including New Home) was headquartered just a few miles away in Rockford, IL, both close to Chicago. I did some research on both companies at the local libraries there. The chart I have says the Damascus (it doesn't say Damascus Grand) was manufactured in 1937, and I own a Damascus with a warranty certificate dated 1937 but I'm sure production spanned more than one year. But 1937 is a good starting point. One thing to remember is that all of the American sewing machine manufacturers quit manufacturing sewing machines during WWII and produced war materials. National supplied the machines for Montgomery Ward and there were several models in the line. I read a post by Damascus Anne a few months ago in which she said even with her years of research, she still had a hard time matching pictures people sent her with her research.

"Damascus" was used for the VS machines, and "Grand" for the rotaries.

The older style is more boxy in shape, the newer style is more curved, especially the pillar.

Cathy,

I never knew that. I guess it can be wrong, but the according to the ISMACS Needle List, National made Damascus Grand Vib. and Damascus Grand Rotary. Any idea why? There are others listed too, but my brain is not up to the challenge right now!

Trying, but can't add a PDF here.

On the other hand, see the ISMACS needle list here http://ismacs.net/searchresults.html...list&sa=Search

There are lot of conflicting lists out there - and put out by who knows who. I've seen many that had errors so I don't worry about that. I have several manuals, and seen lots of vintage adds, and the Grand is always the Rotary model (considered higher end).

Hi Maria,

Not Cathy but I haven't spotted a Damascus Grand Vibrating shuttle. If they exist there not as numerous as the Rotary models.

dwhitesmith likely has a Rotary model which uses Eldredge Rotary, Boye 21, or DD needles. A picture never hurts to confirm.

Jon

Now Jon, you don't sound like Cathey at all. I don't think I would have mistaken you for her!

My Damascus VS in not a Grand. I started to include the needle info but was hoping you would jump in. Agree pic would be nice.