What is this machine?
 

Hi all,

Can anyone please help me identify this machine?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]499358[/ATTACH]

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-image.ht...tionFlag=false

It looks like the handle for the hand crank is missing, but is there anything else I should check (especially underneath) if I want to make it work?

Make sure it has it's shuttle. I'm hoping Steve sees this. He's our expert on truly old machines.
Rodney

Check for serial numbers or any numbers for that fact. I would wipe it down with a damp cloth. Plain water no detergent or oil. Just see what you get with a damp soft cloth. I would check every nook and cranny with a magnifying glass. I always look for the numbers like VIN on automobiles and trucks.

Looks like a Howe. Just a guess, though.

please ignore the suggestion to use water on machines like this... Sewing Machine Oil only on the painted(or once painted) and your metal cleaner of choice on the metal. Water is BAD when the paint is no longer 100% and the water can seep under.

It is certainly using the Howe patents but it is not a Howe (neither AB or Elias)

Right off the top, I would guess Heid and Nau or the like. I would need to see the underside to make a better guess.

The key unique identifiers are:
two spool pins and their locations
the top tension and location
the needle screw
the base casting
Shuttle/bobbin
needle plate size/shape

100% correct that it is a bad buy without the shuttle and bobbin. In example, I have three machines that have no shuttle because the shuttle is harder to locate than the machine. I asked my expert buddy on one recently and his reply was to find a shuttle I would be better off finding a rusted out machine with one.

If you do decide not pursue this, let me know, I might.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I won't be out that way until after Christmas, so they will probably sell it before I can get out there to look at it; I was just curious as it isn't the kind of machine that usually shows up in western Canada. Steve, feel free to pursue it if you want!