Wheeler and Wilson #9
SN 3097397 (Between 1905 and 1910)
This is my new (to me) Wheeler and Wilson #9 treadle. I have wanted one of these since 1960 when someone borrowed my original one, that my grandmother had given me, and never returned it!!
I had decided that if one ever came up on ebay that was within driving distance, I was going to win that auction and, By Golly, I did!! I probably paid more than I ever should have for it but it is as someone once said, "The value of something depends upon how badly you want it". Believe me, I really wanted this. Also, maybe it wasn't so bad since I didn't have to pay shipping on it!
It has the original manual with it and the old attachments. The price on the front of the manual says 5 cents! Imagine that? Getting anything for a nickel. The cabinet is in nice shape and the whole thing actually works and is very clean. I think I can begin to sew on it just as it is. Now to try to remember how to treadle!! I have been using my Featherweight since 1960. I hope it is like riding a bike! (You get a little rusty but you don't forget?)
201 Cabinet 201 Head
This 201 with the school desk cabinet was given to me by my daughter, Janie. She is a postal carrier and when making her rounds, she saw this on someone's porch and asked if they wanted to sell it. At that time, it looked as if it had been out in the weather for a long time. I thought I was going to have to completely strip it to do anything with it. NOT SO! When attending a TOGA in Turlock, Cindy Kooistra was selling something called KRAMER'S BEST ANTIQUE IMPROVER.
I used that with some 0000 steel wool and it looks just beautiful. It will probably take a couple more coats to look even better. (Wish I had taken some before pictures.) The name of Cindy's shop is CLOTH AND QUILTS in Turlock, CA for those of you close to there. (I'm not affiliated in any way, just a very happy customer!)
My beautiful Jones Family CS handcrank
This is the ca. 1920s Jones Family CS handcrank that I bought from Gary Nelson in Texas. The decals are really gorgeous, the picture doesn't even do it justice. I have sewn many exchange blocks on this one!
Singer Spartan
SN ER066592 (1960)
This little Spartan was given to me in exchange for servicing a Featherweight for my quilting teacher. It was originally electric and with the help of Dick Wightman (Captain Dick), I converted it to a hand crank. This will be great for smaller children to use.
When I got it, it was a dirty mess with cords all frayed and dangerous looking. I think it cleaned up pretty good and sews a great stitch, now.
1922 Electric 99K
This is another machine given to me by a friend. It looks to be an original electric model 99K. The knee lever is missing and no place to plug in a foot pedal so will convert this one to a handcrank, also. The cords actually look pretty good but I would be afraid to use it as an electric. I am really hoping I can save the light on it. It is the cutest thing and actually has a little chain to turn it on and off (the light, that is)! I found the knee lever! It was inside the domed cover all the time!!