That would be a true holy grail. Any 1850s machine would be extremely rare by now.
Thanks for posting those ads Steve. Have you seen any of the optional accessories for the home motor in person?
Rodney

seller accepted my offer, so if it survives shipping, I'll be able to cross the early Boye case off my list. I was hemming and hawing about it, but after typing on this thread I decided to go put in an offer.

Woo Hoo! Congrats

I had an opportunity about a year ago to buy an 1858 machine and still regret not buying it....

I have seen the fan set up at an antique shop once, same base as mine

Good Luck. The Boye cases are super slick, I'm a big fan. I also like the old wood cabinets with machine needles, sort of like the old thread spool cabinets. I passed up on an old Excelsior cabinet with all the different compartments marked by maker and size. Should have nabbed it but hindsight is 20/20 :)

Can't wait to see some photos. I've been looking into how Boye supported the old style numbered cabinets once the new style came out and your case and contents might help out.

Jon

I want KenmoreGal2's avatar! The rose/beige Kenmore!! I've let two slip through my hands, (one because I was too lazy to drive 3 hours, one because of price) and seen several that were super expensive. What can I say, I just love that color! (I'll get a purple one some day, as well - already have blue, turquoise, 3 greens, black, beige, brown, white...).

Same here, FEATHERWEIGHT, is my Holy Grail!!!!!!

I have been searching for a Willcox Gibbs. I know they are out there and I see them on ebay, but the PRICE! What makes them so high? Is it because I only want things that cost too much?

Mine would be an early Wilson machine, or as Steve said, anything from the 1850's. But the Wilson is much more likely. .

Suzanne

Congrats on the Boye case Cathy!
I passed on one like in Kenmoregirl's avatar. I kind of kick myself for letting it go.
OTOH I have plenty of machines to keep me busy for a while. A sensible person would work on getting them in working order before he goes out and gets more. I'm not that person. I love the hunt too much.
Rodney