Monica, this is interesting. So far

Playswithcolor has 031503 Free #5 bought at end of WW1 1918 or 1919?

Monica's Free 0240726 - is it a Free # 5?

Nana's Free 827313 - is it a Free #5?

My friend Deb's Free #5 - C76088

My Free #5 - C83642

Do you all have the Free #5? Does anyone else have one with pending patent dates written on the cabinet top?

Does anyone have a Free with patent dates on the slide plate? If so, what are the dates?

Nancy

Please make sure I have the correct serial numbers. I want to try and figure out why two of the serial number start with 'C'? Something to do with patent's still pending on those machines or a different factory?

Yes, that is what happens if you go over the decals with any cleaner - they silver. When you actually start using this machine, you will love it! My Free is now my favorite piecing machine!

Nancy

Wow, very nice machine! I love the way the base is shaped with the back corners shaved off!

Nancy

Ok Dirtymom, here is a link to some information on your machine. http://www.ismacs.net/domestic/home.html
I didn't realize that Domestic was an actual company because there are so many machines called 'domestic.' Anyway, there was a Domestic Sewing Machine Co that started making machines before 1869, but the machines didn't say Domestic until 1869. Domestic was in business until 1924 when White bought them out. I have been confused on your serial number since you posted it because on the White dating site, your number does not fit in! I understand why now -- your machine is not a badged White, but a Domestic!

Again beautiful machine and cabinet!

Nancy

Hi...welcome to the forum. Do you have any pictures that you can share? :-D Sorry to hear about your decals changing color :-( I recently bought a Singer model #66 and the decals were silver. Doesn't matter, in the end, as long as you can sew on it.

Monica what page is the picture of your Free posted here?

Nancy

Do you all have the Free #5? Does anyone else have one with pending patent dates written on the cabinet top?

Does anyone have a Free with patent dates on the slide plate? If so, what are the dates?

Nancy

ok I just looked at the slide plate. It says Patented Feb 11-02,
Oct 17- 05, July 30-07, Sept 15-08, Dec 21-09, Jan 4-10 and states other patents pending.

These patent dates are pretty consistent with when I was told it was purchased using ww1 war bonus.

Serial number 031503 no letter prefix on serial #

Hope this info helps with dating your machine.

Ok, if your machine was bought brand new at the end of WW1, that would make your machine a 1918 or 1919 model. That is a start, but I can't figure out why 2 of the machines have a 'c' in front the the serial number?

Can you post a picture of yours or did I miss the picture?

Nancy

Nancy I have three Free Machines, one treadle and one electric.
The treadle serial number is 873674 the patent numbers go from June 11, 1902 thru Jan. 4, 1910.
The electric is a number 8 CE53077 Last patent Feb. 11, 1902 thru May 20, 1913
One is in a parlor cabinet. It's covered up right now and I can't get the number from it but here is a picture.

I will take its photo and get it posted. I have a new computer and need to load photo software first.

I forgot to share that ISMACS has the manual for the Free No 5 on line. It is 22 pages. It printed out nicely- fairly clear and readable. A couple of the diagrams are iffy- the #s of the parts are difficult to read.

The manual is a hoot to read. It says in numerous places to use quality thread, quality needles, quality sewing machine oil, and warns against letting a handy man or someone who sells other brands of machines make adjustments or repairs.

It shows a picture of the needle length it uses but I didn't see any kind of # or needle size. I need to read a little more to see if I can find it.