Ooohhh… Look at my Valentines Day Present! Isn’t it pretty? I got this today at an auction sale, along with some other goodies (a lamp and a table). I’ve been trying to research this well-loved sewing machine all afternoon.
This sewing machine has no obvious identifying marks. I can see where there once was a name plate of some soft, but it has long fallen off… There is a number, “131693” stamped into a metal piece on the front of the machine. I can tell this sewing machine got a lot of use, as the gold detail is worn off where fabric would have passed over it, over & over again. An inlaid mother-of-pearl flower has also “Disappeared.”
It seems to be in working order, and came with one wound bobbin, in the shuttle already in the machine. I haven’t threaded it yet, but have oiled it up and all of the parts move as they should.
The case it came in is beautiful on it’s own – inlaid along the top, and with a beautiful silver handle.
I’ve scoured the bottom of the machine, underneath the machine, inside the case, everywhere – to see who made this machine so I could try to date it, but nothing! I am told it is a German make, and it does resemble the Frister and Rossmann or Herman Kohler machines. I think it looks to be anywhere from 1880 to 1910. What do you think?
I just love old sewing machines… I can’t help but daydream about the woman who had used it before me… what she might have sewed, and for who… what her life was like. I am so excited to get this machine threaded up, and bring it back to life again!
We also picked up this rather unusual lamp… It’s only about 5′ high and has a long tassel pull on it. I think we are going to paint it white. It has made it’s home (for now) next to a lovely old wing-back we got from Dan’s Grandma, which she had upholstered in beautiful grey cut velvet damask.
2 Comments
A.J.A.
February 13, 2012 at 5:57 pmYour machine is sooooo beautiful. In a bit of a coincidence, I just saw this machine on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/310379106488?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1287
I had never seen a "fiddle base" machine before. They are gorgeous!
Joyness Sparkles
February 20, 2012 at 4:49 amThis machine is a work of art! SO beautiful! You are a fortunate lady. 🙂
Love your blog, I am a new follower and I found you through "A Few Loose Threads." I look forward to reading more of your posts!