I found a website that gives a little information on the Free Sewing maching company. There were several different styles made. I didn't see anything about how to date using serial numbers, though.

http://www.ismacs.net/free/home.html

I'm happy to hear you are using your Singer treadle and all is working well. These machines are fun to use. Have fun treadling!

I could be wrong but singer site lists serial number 827313 as made in 1871. Is that correct, anybody?

Hi !
I just got my grandmother's Singer, it is an old Treadle marked 191P. I think is Canadian. Not long ago she was trying to teach me on it and she would laugh because I would do it backwards.
Anyway, I would love to know how to thread it and where to find a new belt for it.

My youngest daughter found me a 'desk' for my 301 at the Salvation Army. After several reminders, I went to look at it. I had trouble finding it because I was looking for a compact cabinet- hah. The building was a coat factory in its former life. What she found me was a huge, heavy looking table with a hole and a large metal tray from the factory. It still has the treadle attached, but no other hardware. Apparently, there are more to choose from upstairs. I didn't want any, thank you. I'm hoping something will turn up this Summer. In the meantime, the 301's making good use of the serger table.

[quote=Weedwoman]

Sewbizgirl, I got the machine last night.

I found my belt and the friction ring at a local Singer shop.{actually it is more like a small LQS that sells more than just Singers now} It used to be the Singer Center, but now is Sewing Center. I think I paid about $5. Because it stretches a little, I ended up using a tip I found here...after trying the staple a few times. I connected it with dental floss.

No, the slide plate is under the needle -- what you open to get to the shuttle/bobbin area. My slide plate has a series of number printed/engraved in the plate.

Nancy

Congratulations HisPatchwork! You will not regret this journey!

Nancy