I thought the same thing, Nancy about the machine not looking so rare. Though the decals are not seen every day, that's for sure!

I agree, I think it is a very cool looking machine, but I don't think it is that rare - maybe? Miz Johnny, Billy, or someone else on here might know? Just looking at the bed of the machine, it is exactly like my Japanese 15 Morse, even has the knob that drops the feed dogs on the bed. Except for the decals, it looks just like a Japanese clone from the 40's or 50's, with the really nice face plate. It has the spoked hand wheel that looks like it was originally a treadle?

I agree with Charlee, I would love to own that machine, but this guy is taking bids and who knows if you really are being outbid or if the owner is just jacking the price up!

Nancy

Ok it is time for me to get some serious work done! I need to get off this computer!

I just got off the phone with my sister (the one who gave me the FW) and we got to talking sm (go figure) and she needs help with dating a couple of hers. I looked up the ones with the serial numbers, but one has the plate missing but does have patent dates on the plate: oct 8, 1870, Nov 1872, Jul 6 1880, Oct 28, 1880, Mar 20, 1883. It is a Singer treadle with "scallops" for decals. She says there is wheat and flowers in the center.
Next one is a coffin top and the serial number for this one is hard to make out...10181 081...she said it could be IO 181081, but I couldn't find any serial numbers beginningn IO, so if I go to no letter prefix and assume is it as first written I come up with an 1891 which would go with the last patent date on it of July 13, 1887. It has leaves in gold/green/dull orange on the flat of the machine (I call it the floor) and decals over the belt guard. Is there more information I can glean from this group or the internet about these machines??

The swastika is just below the lions on the center bed of the machine...very well integrated.
I agree that you wouldn't know if the guy was jacking the price or not... :(

I have to share - I got a FW 221 yesterday. No extras, but in great condition. The decals look as if she was not used. Serial number AF866066, indicating an allotment date of April 1, 1941. She is a little stiff (who wouldn't be after sitting on a shelf for 20 years!) and needs some care. The belt is leather. I had not seen one in leather before, other than treadles. I feel lucky to have her.

Congrats! If she is a little stiff you might want to oil her with Triflow - get it at a bicycle shop or on line. It will free it up very quickly.

Hurray, Quilt Mom!!! You've been bitten!! Have fun loosening her up and send pics!!

not crazy about the NAZI, but i'd take the machine

I nominate you Miriam, it was your idea, well at least you voiced the idea. I myself would like to see such a thread, so that I can see what I need to add to my, just recently started, collection. Have a few we've managed to pick up here & there, and the sewing room is being set up to allow for future additions; these smaller machines take up less room :)