Locate the Sewing Machine Serial Number
All sewing machines – even vintage models – have serial numbers imprinted on them. Usually, the serial number is located somewhere on small plate on the front panel of the machine. Once you have located the serial number, jot them down.
General Electric: Serial No. In 1928 the Standard Sewing Machine Company was licensed by the Frederick Osann Co. To produce the Sewhandy sewing machine and when, in 1929, the Standard Sewing Machine Co. Became a subsiduary of Fredrick Osann Co. Production of the Sewhandy continued. I have this old sewing machine. The kind in the cabinet that pops up. It is a Universal brand machine from Standard Sewing Equipment Corp. The model is KAB-M Serial number 300755. So what I really need to know is how to work it. I can not find any manual that is free online, so I figured I would try this.
Do Some Research
Now that you have the serial number, you can dive into the history of the machine by doing a little bit of research. There are plenty of places that offer sewing help, including assistance with identifying a vintage sewing machine. In fact, you can even find charts online, or you could ask a local seamstress for some input. Another option is to speak to someone that specializes in antiques. Older sewing machines, particularly Singer sewing machines, are extremely valuable and many people who have interest in antiques will likely have some knowledge about the history of these machines.
Assess the Accessories
If, for some reason, you cannot locate the serial number of the sewing machine, or if you are having a hard time finding information about the serial number, the accessories can serve as clues to the age of the machine. For example, determine if it's a manual or an electric sewing machine. True vintage sewing machines were manual, and as such, they will not feature any electrical mechanisms; therefore, if the machine in question does not have any electrical parts, there's a good chance that it's been around for a while.
Take a look to see if the sewing machine features a hand crank mechanism and a foot pedal; if it does, that definitely means that it is manual and therefore, vintage. The hand crank mechanism and the foot pedal are what were used operate and guide the needle. A different world seasons 1 6 torrent. The materials that the sewing machine is made of can also give you some insight into its age; for example, vintage sewing machines were often made of cast iron and other highly durable metals, as well as dense woods.
Summing It UpWhether it's a family heirloom or something that you found at a flea market, a yard sale, or an antique shop, a vintage sewing machine is a wonderful thing to have. We recommend holding onto it for safe keeping; however, depending on the age and the history, it could be worth a good bit of money!
The NeedleBar Guide to
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
By Claire Sherwell & Alan Quinn
The names on the following machines are examples of the models offered. National probably produced more badged names than any other company. In particular, identification is sometimes difficult because many different machines across the range were sold under the Eldredge name (after Barnabas Eldredge, founder of National). The following pages attempt to identify the various features of the differently styled models produced by National.
If, for some reason, you cannot locate the serial number of the sewing machine, or if you are having a hard time finding information about the serial number, the accessories can serve as clues to the age of the machine. For example, determine if it's a manual or an electric sewing machine. True vintage sewing machines were manual, and as such, they will not feature any electrical mechanisms; therefore, if the machine in question does not have any electrical parts, there's a good chance that it's been around for a while.
Take a look to see if the sewing machine features a hand crank mechanism and a foot pedal; if it does, that definitely means that it is manual and therefore, vintage. The hand crank mechanism and the foot pedal are what were used operate and guide the needle. A different world seasons 1 6 torrent. The materials that the sewing machine is made of can also give you some insight into its age; for example, vintage sewing machines were often made of cast iron and other highly durable metals, as well as dense woods.
Summing It UpWhether it's a family heirloom or something that you found at a flea market, a yard sale, or an antique shop, a vintage sewing machine is a wonderful thing to have. We recommend holding onto it for safe keeping; however, depending on the age and the history, it could be worth a good bit of money!
The NeedleBar Guide to
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
By Claire Sherwell & Alan Quinn
The names on the following machines are examples of the models offered. National probably produced more badged names than any other company. In particular, identification is sometimes difficult because many different machines across the range were sold under the Eldredge name (after Barnabas Eldredge, founder of National). The following pages attempt to identify the various features of the differently styled models produced by National.
Further details may be found in NeedleBar's Picture Library.
If you have examples not featured or other information please write to the NeedleBar Forum and send pictures to Claire at nbforum@btinternet.com
Dating information is being collected by Annie Kusilek who may also be contacted in the NeedleBar Forum.
Click on the links below for information about identifying National sewing machines:
Sewing Machine Serial Number Database
National Vibrating Shuttle Machines
National Rotary Machines
Standard Sewing Machine Company Serial Numbers
The National pages are still under construction
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