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Posted 7 months ago
Tawnypelt
(1 item)
I bought this late 1800's sewing machine a few weeks ago, intending to restore it. I've been researching what it is, but I don't know what model of Domestic it is. I looked on this website to identify its model: http://www.kelsew.info/Domestic/domesticmodelsnolinks.html
None of them match. It comes very close to being the fiddlebase model, except the stitch length control knob isn't behind the pillar, it's in front. Also, the thing on the top of the arm is a bit different, and the gold designs are not the same. It's not a New Domestic, it's not a Domestic C or D, it's not a handcrank or a high arm, and it's not any of the other models listed on that website.
It comes in a cabinet with a flip top, but it's not the desk model. It's not the model with two cabinet doors, as it only has one door that opens to the left. It has a foot pedal, so it's not an electric model.
I would really like to know more about this machine; as much as possible, in fact, so that I can return it to its original state. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Non-Singer Sewing MachinesSinger may be the name most associated with sewing machines, but the compan…
Also, its last patent date is April 14th, 1874. Its last date after re-issue is May 16th, 1876.
Tawnypelt :Because of the shape of the base it IS a fiddle base which makes it an early model machine . Are there any numbers on the underside of the front edge or the underside of the machine itself ? There is also an M under the Domestic name on the bed decal . That does not necessarily refer or mean machine . Not sure what it does mean however . This is a treadle machine ( foot powered only ) and takes a shuttle bobbin . I own a Domestic treadle machine myself . Mine is also a fiddle base , but mine has what is called a coffin top . A wooden box that just sits over the machine . My machine has the same last patent date of May 16th , 1876 . Also my machine is the same shape as yours but mine does not have the stitch regulator in the same place . Mine is on the front of the pillar . It is a knob that you turn . Mine also has a leaf tension on top on the arm of the machine where that round gizmo is on top of your machine. I have no idea what that thing on your machine is for . The decals were all gone from my machine when I got it . It is nice to see what it might have looked like at one time . I have never really tried to look up much of anything on my machine . It seems like every time I touch it something on it breaks . Frist the spring on the bobbin broke when I tried to thread it , then just now when I was looking at it the part that holds the foot on came apart when I touched it . Lol !!!! Maybe I should just put it away and leave it alone !!! Ha ! I can get another bobbin and I can get another part to hold the foot on . Those 100 + year old parts have just seen better days . The machine does sew . The way my pressure foot attaches is also a bit different than yours . Mine has that same type of screw at the back , the little wing thing that you would turn is what came out when I touched it . The screw itself stayed in . If you find out anything more about your machine let me know and I will do the same .
Tawnypelt : I just noticed something else about the decal on the bed of your machine . Besides the large M there is also a C and an O so I would say that it does stand for Domestic Sewing Machine Company . Duh !!!
So there are at least two different TYPES of fiddle base machine? Because it definitely has that shape, it just has a few different things than the model does on the website I found. Thanks for your input.
It's a lovely machine. Looks like it's an in-between model to the ones pictured on the website you linked - the early fiddle bed with the stitch length on the rear of the pillar, and the Model A. The round thing on top is your tension, there should be a way to slip the thread through it. These machines turn in the opposite direction to a 'normal' Singer and this causes a lot of people trouble when they try to use them.
There is nothing unusual about small variations to design - it's a fiddle base because of the shape of the bed, and it may or may not have had a model designation given by Domestic.
You know by the patent date that it can't be 'earlier' than May 16 1876.