If you are fascinated by the history and craftsmanship of antique sewing machines, you might be interested in starting your own collection. But, how do you know which machines are worth buying and how much they are worth? In this blog post, we will give you some tips and resources to help you identify, value, and find antique sewing machines from different brands, models, and eras.

What is an Antique Sewing Machine?

An antique sewing machine is a machine that was made before the 20th century, usually between the 1850s and the 1890s. These machines were the first ones to use a needle and thread to stitch fabrics together, replacing the tedious and time-consuming process of hand-sewing. Antique sewing machines were not only functional, but also beautiful, often featuring elaborate decorations, ornate decals, and intricate mechanisms.

Some of the most popular brands of leather sewing machines include Singer, Wheeler & Wilson, Davis, Howe, Bradbury, Gresham, and Shakespear. Each brand had its own distinctive features, such as the type of stitch, the feed system, the tension mechanism, the bobbin case, and the shape of the machine. Some machines were designed for domestic use, while others were made for industrial or professional purposes.

How to Identify an Antique Sewing Machine?

One of the first steps to identify a sewing machine is to look for the serial number. The serial number is usually stamped on the metal plate or frame of the machine, and it can tell you the year and place of manufacture. You can use online databases or books to look up the serial number and find out more information about your machine.

Another way to identify an antique sewing machine is to examine its features and parts. You can compare your machine with pictures and descriptions of different models and brands from online sources or books. Some of the features and parts that can help you identify your machine are:

The type of stitch: 

The most common types of stitches are lockstitch and chain stitch. Lockstitch machines use two threads, one from the needle and one from the bobbin, to form a tight and secure stitch. Chain stitch machines use only one thread from the needle to form a looped stitch that can be easily unraveled.

The feed system: 

The feed system is how the machine moves the fabric under the needle. The most common types of feed systems are drop feed, needle feed, walking foot, and vertical feed. Drop feed machines use metal teeth or dogs on the bed of the machine to move the fabric. Needle feed machines use the needle itself to push the fabric forward. Walking foot machines use a second presser foot that moves in sync with the needle to move the fabric. Vertical feed machines use a rotating hook that grabs the fabric from below and lifts it up to meet the needle.

The tension mechanism: 

The tension mechanism is how the machine controls the tightness or looseness of the stitches. The most common types of tension mechanisms are spring tension, disc tension, and rotary tension. Spring tension machines use a spring that pulls on the thread to create tension. Disc tension machines use two metal discs that squeeze the thread to create tension. Rotary tension machines use a wheel that rotates around the thread to create tension.

The bobbin case: 

The bobbin case is where the bobbin, which holds the lower thread, is placed. The most common types of bobbin cases are shuttle bobbin case, round bobbin case, long bobbin case, and bullet bobbin case. Shuttle bobbin case machines use a metal shuttle that holds a long bobbin inside a metal carrier. Round bobbin case machines use a round metal bobbin that fits inside a round metal case. Long bobbin case machines use a long metal bobbin that fits inside a long metal case. Bullet bobbin case machines use a bullet-shaped metal bobbin that fits inside a bullet-shaped metal case.

Final Remarks

Finally, you need to know how to buy and sell antique sewing machines. You can find them in various places, such as auctions, flea markets, antique shops, online platforms, or private sellers. You should always inspect the machine carefully before buying it and ask for as much information as possible. You should also negotiate the price and check the authenticity and legality of the transaction. If you want to sell your machine, you should prepare it well and take good photos of it. You should also write an accurate and appealing description of it and set a fair price.

Collecting antique sewing machines can be a rewarding hobby that combines history, art, and technology. You can enjoy the beauty and functionality of these old machines and appreciate their craftsmanship and innovation. You can also connect with other collectors and share your passion and enthusiasm. With some research, patience, and luck, you can find some amazing pieces that will enrich your collection and your life.