KristinJ

Recently received my grandmother’s old sewing machine from her attic. My mother thinks it belonged to my great grandmother at one time. I always loved it as a kid. Was looking to see if anyone has any information on it? I love antiques but I’m absolutely clueless about sewing machines. Thanks ahead of time. -Kristin

IrisIrene

this was sold by Sears, rebadged. Made by someone else. It is called a vibrating shuyyle or a long shuttle machine. Should be very servicable.

IrisIrene

shuttle.. no ys

OurWorkbench

Welcome, I always like it when people get a machine from a family member. Thank you for the pictures. We like pictures.

As IrisIrene said, Minnesota machines were made for Sears by a variety of manufacturers. I usually do a lot of research to make sure I'm giving correct information, but I'm answering mainly off the top of my head right now. Most of the Minnesota machines I have seen have a large letter to tell you which model you have. (It may be under the piece of fabric around the arm of the machine.) From what I remember there were actually a couple of different "Model A" machines. One of the ways to tell which manufacturer made is the shape of the needle plate. I believe the rectangle needle plate like yours indicate it was made by Davis??

I'm pretty sure that some of the Minnesota machines take a different needle system than what most modern domestic machines take.

There is a search box in the upper right as there are several threads here about Minnesota machines. However, the search function here has had a glitch for a while. After the search result show up and you click on a link the content text doesn't show up. It will if you refresh the page. I found the easiest way is with the circle arrow next to the address bar of the page. It depends on the device you are using as to the location of the said arrow. I found out on the Android devices one has to click on the " . . . " and then there will be a refresh icon (circle arrow).

Many times this type of machine is missing the front slide plate. I see yours is there and it has the serial number on it. Many times the serial doesn't help much as to dating it.

There are some here that know more than what I'm telling you, like which manufacturer made your machine and which needle system it uses (Jon or Macybaby are more knowledgeable about these machines). It might be a bit before they see your thread.


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

KristinJ

Thanks for your respond and information Janey! I looked under the fabric there is no marking on what model it is. From the little research I did I think it’s a model A, but it may be an earlier model as it isn’t marked with the model number. At least what little info I could find it said that. My grandmother and I were very close but she passed 13 years ago and I was young then. Wish I had more backstory to the sewing machine. My grandfather recently had to move out and he knew I loved this machine from when I was a kid so that’s how this fell into my possession. I will dig into the threads and see what I can find as far as more information. There is still a needle attached and there is a bullet shuttle present. 3 of the drawers were filled with old buttons and thread. There was also a vintage looking black tin box marked attachments with all sorts of gadgets in it. Not sure if that’s original with it or not and what those “attachments” are all for. 😂 Thanks for the info I have never used a sewing machine in my life but this has peaked my interest as it means a lot to me knowing it was well loved by my grandma. Would like to get it running but not sure how difficult that would be.

Kristin

jlhmnj

This Minnesota was made by Davis for Sears mail order catalog in 1903. Perhaps Great Grandmom was married then? A couple years later the models were renamed and this became Minnesota A which was the top of the line. The Davis neeedles are not made anymore but old stock and modern substitutes are available if any sewing is planned. I'm certain everyone here would encourage you to take the old sewing machine for a spin.

Jon

OurWorkbench

Thanks, Jon, I knew you would know.

Kristin, it is neat that you have the attachments. The usual ones are ones so that you can do tucks, ruffle, narrow hem all with straight stitch. Most manuals have instructions on how to use the attachments. Maybe you have a manual, too???

I learned to sew with an electric machine and the one time I tried to treadle, I decided at the time it wasn't for me. Then my brother and I refurbished the treadle machine my sister learned to sew on for her. She doesn't use it as much as she would like, but sure enjoys it when she does. I finally got a treadle and just played a bit with it and it really is fun, so now I know why so many enjoy using the treadles.


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Sewjourner

If you read through the stickies at the top of the forum you will find a lot of great information on cleaning and oiling your new machine. It looks to be in great shape! You might also enter “Minnesota site:quiltingboard.com” into google. Don’t put in the quotation marks. I find this works better sometimes than the search function here.

OurWorkbench

Good points. I agree totally.


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

OurWorkbench

Good points. I agree totally.


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.