Posted 11 months ago
BertieBiz
(1 item)
Antique sewing machine Revene in the family for 39 years or more still works was my moms whom just passed away
Revene Sewing machine | ||
| yougottahave…'s loves1255 of 8927 |  |  |
Revene Sewing machine | ||
| yougottahave…'s loves1255 of 8927 | | |
Posted 11 months ago
BertieBiz
(1 item)
Antique sewing machine Revene in the family for 39 years or more still works was my moms whom just passed away
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Hi, BertieBiz. :-)
My condolences on the passing of your mother.
So, a DELUXE MODEL SDL FAMILY SEWING MACHINE, made in Japan, and it's at least 39 years old.
It's not really surprising that it still works, because those old mostly-metal sewing machines were built to last.
Here's a sibling (not quite a twin, but very similar):
*snip*
Universal Deluxe Model SDL Sewing Machine, Copper Color
*snip*
https://www.thecuriousphoenix.com/store.php/TheCuriousPhoenix/pd5043026/universal-deluxe-model-sdl-sewing-machine-copper-color
That one has a "UNIVERSAL U.S. REG. PAT. OFF." plate on it, which was quite common for post-WWII Japanese sewing machines.
Rather than try to link to the USPTO Trademark database which seems to become less friendly with every passing year, I'll just link to my post on vintage badged sewing machines:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/308614-help-for-vintage-badged-sewing-machines
It strikes me that the badge name on your mother's vintage sewing machine might read not "REVENE," bur rather "REVERE." There are more than a few VSMs out there with that badge name.
Here is one with the same style of font used on the badge name:
*snip*
Cap Flip Up Spool Pin Japan Supreme Deluxe Precision Revere Sewing Machine
*snip*
https://www.bonanza.com/items/like/116884761/Cap-Flip-Up-Spool-Pin-Japan-Supreme-Deluxe-Precision-Revere-Sewing-Machine
It doesn't looks like the same model as your mother's but that wouldn't be unusual for a VSM badge name.
The history of badged VSMs is such that a particular badge name not infrequently was put on a variety of VSMs, not just different models, but makers as well.
If you include "Revere" in your search criteria, you'll find quite a variety of VSMs with that badge name.
If you want to find the actual maker of your mother's sewing machine, you could look on the undercarriage for clues.
Frequently, there are "JA" or "JC" codes stamped into/onto the chassis that will identify the maker (scroll down on this page to see lists):
https://www.doubleveil.net/zssmp/resources.htm#jajc
Hi again, BertieBiz. :-)
Just a couple more tidbits.
I don't usually like to link eBay listings, because of their lack of permanence, but I found a near twin of your mother's VSM there:
*snip*
Vintage 1950s Revere model SDL Deluxe Zig Zag Sewing Machine With Case Clean
*snip*
https://www.ebay.com/itm/385000198745
If you need a manual for your mother's VSM, probably your best bet is this large VSM group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VintageSewingMachines/
Unfortunately, it's a 'black box' to non-users, so you would need to apply to join, but they do have a library of over one thousand VSM manuals in addition to many knowledgeable VSM enthusiasts.
Hi again, BertieBiz. :-)
If it seems to you like I can't let go of this VSM, you're possibly not alone in that impression. };-)
A few more tidbits:
It strikes me as possible that your machine was made by Toyota. I say this, because its near-twin at the thecuriousphoenix website I linked earlier has a crown at the top of its "Universal" logo plate:
https://www.thecuriousphoenix.com/store.php/TheCuriousPhoenix/pd5043026/universal-deluxe-model-sdl-sewing-machine-copper-color
https://dragonpoodle.blogspot.com/2020/06/universal-mz-zigzag-machine.html
Except for the "Universal" instead of the "Revere" badge, and the copper-colored motor case, it could be a twin for your mother's machine, and it's possible that the motor on your mother's machine is a replacement.
Yes, Toyota made (and continues to make) sewing machines:
*snip*
After the war in 1946, the first Toyota sewing machine was constructed under the strict supervision of Kiichiro Toyoda himself. He viewed the sewing machine as necessary to the success of the company because “people will always need clothes”. To Toyota, style was important. His thought is that if every home should have a sewing machine, the machine should also look good in the home!
The first model was the HA-1
*snip*
https://anniesmith.net/?p=616
As to the age of your mother's VSM, I tend to think it's older than 39 years, simply because of the style of the body. I don't think it's as old as the late 1940s or early 1950s, but it could be late 1950s or early 1960s.
VSM enthusiasts at various other forums such as the Facebook group or the victoriansweatshop might have better informed opinions on this.
In case you're wondering why it seems difficult to pinpoint the provenance of a badged Japanese sewing machine:
*snip*
Over 5000 different "brands" have been identified, manufactured by 15 or so companies.
*snip*
http://sewing-machines.blogspot.com/2006/05/japanese-clones-of-40s-50s-and-60s.html