It was my grandmother's, and for as long as I can remember it stood just inside her back door (which was, like most older houses, actually the 'front' door by which everyone entered the house), and was used as the phone table.
It isn't just a table however, it's much more. If you unfold the top like so....
...It reveals her glorious, old treadle-operated Singer sewing machine.
Isn't it gorgeous? They sure don't make them like that any more.
The attention to detail...
...on even the simplest of parts, is quite wonderful.
According to the serial number and the Singer website, this machine was manufactured at the Kilbowie factory, Clydebank, Scotland, in February 1939, and it's a model 15K.
It comes complete with the original instructions luckily, so I have some reading to do :-)
I'm not sure who did better out of the weekend present-wise, me or Miss Seven! Frankly, I think it was me ;-)
17 comments:
Oh I think you scored exceptionally well!
What an absolute beauty! They sure were proud of their workmanship way back when. Have fun with this great machine! :)
Wow.. that certainly was a gift and a half.
Kind Regards
Belinda
In the early 70s just after I had my first child I had one of these wonderous machines. It served me well for five years until I could afford an electric one. I donated it to a charity that sent them to Fiji (I was living in New Zealand then) and I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't still going well. They made them to last.
Oh Julie I love the Singer and you have just reminded me that my nan had one inside her back door too as a side table with a little cloth on it! Thanks for the memory revive!
Hi Julie. I well remember using both the treadle machine and the clippers. The clippers move sideways, don't they? They are great gifts and I bet you could easily pass them on, many years from now to your own kids.
I have a similar Singer that is used as my phone table! Thanks for the link to the website - I'll have to open ours up and see what it's serial no is.
What great treasures! You are certainly all set for when the power grid fails. Pedal power to the rescue.
My Grandfather used to cut my hair with a pair of clippers like those. I never did look forward to haircut day when I was a small boy!
Gav
That is beautiful and it must be even more so for you because it was your grandparents'. I have a few pieces that have lived in other homes and every time I look at them part of me is seeing the old home too.
Wow! I am so envious! I love the old Singer machines! I learned to sew on my grandmother's treadle Singer machine! In a class of its own!
Those clippers are amazing! My mum always cut my dad's hair, but with an electric clipper; I've never seen one that didn't end in a plug.
Hello Julie, You certainly scored! I have an old traditional style Singer machine with beautiful detailed timber work but I have never seen one like yours. It looks like it is in wonderful condition. I have mine in the entrance hall and get lots of comments about it, mostly from people whose mother or grandmother had one.
Regards Patricia
Hi ladies,
Thank you all so much for your positive comments - I feel so lucky to have scored this beautiful old machine! I'm very much looking forward to getting to 'know' it :-)
Cheers, Julie
Oh, that's beautiful! Back when I used to do Meals on Wheels one of the ladies had a sewing machine table very similar to that. Sadly, her arthritis means she can't use it anymore.
PS: I finally made a tofu stirfry tonight! Success! Thanks for your help a few months earlier on how to prepare/cook it :)
You lucky girl. Thanks for the link to the Singer site. Now I know I have 1955 and 1920 machines. I have a pair of the clippers too and I can't get the knack of them ,i always end up pulling the hair so I use the electric ones instead.
That is beautiful!
Hmm You got gifts for your child's birthday - why not after all it was you who put in the hard work on that day 7 years ago!
Gorgeous machine, I love treadle machines and always wanted one. Last birthday my husband got me 2 of them - he had bid on 2 auctions and won both. Then later I bought another from our local church. I intend on having them all in working condition, not yet touched 2 of them but the other one works wonderfully.
I wish my machines had family connections, I am very envious.
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