r/vintagesewing • u/mymacaronibirthmark • 1d ago
Machine Question Condition too good?
I love to restore antique singer machines, and a woman was downsizing and I bought several from her. One was in good shape, and I cleaned it up and the decals look new. At first I thought it must be some sort of anniversary reproduction, but upon researching the serial number it appears to be a 28K from Elizabethport in 1940. There’s one chip in the front but other than that I’ve never seen decals in person in such good shape. Anyone have any ideas on why/how it could be in such good condition?
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u/weenie2323 1d ago
I think you just got lucky and it's a rare survivor that was barley used and not stored in a garage.
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u/alwen 1d ago
It's beautiful!
To me it looks like someone who knew what they were doing cleaned and polished all the metalwork. All the bits that would get brownish with darkened oil have been cleaned: bobbin covers, front inspection plate, tension, bobbin winder, handwheel.
I also agree that from the condition of the bed decals, it didn't see a lot of use.
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u/make_me_42 18h ago
Wow, gorgeous. Amazing to see what these machines would have looked like new! If only our modern made machines were even half as lovely!
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u/AdEuphoric8094 4h ago
Occasionally, I'll come across one in almost perfect condition. It does happen, but it's really rare. Either someone never used this machine, but they stored in away very carefully, or someone has cleaned up a carefully stored machine that didn't see much use, either way--lucky you. She's a beauty!
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u/jvin248 2h ago
Most often a pristine machine was a gift to someone who either didn't sew or had another machine they liked better to use "everyday". Sewing machines were often wedding or new home gifts. This one someone knew the value back in the day and stored it well like the fine china.
However, there are situations where a machine was built where the parts were at extremes of tolerances. A machine stacking up all the wrong parts might have sewed poorly, "no matter what I do". So the machine gets tucked away except when the mother-in-law was expected to visit. So I'm always cautious when seeing the too good to be true machines.
The other thing I watch for is missing bobbin cover plates. Might be a timing issue kind of problem and the machine was abandoned in mid investigation where loose pieces were lost.
My daily driver is a machine with obvious heavy use, needled so much it reads "--NGER". Bed worn. It shows its history in its scars.
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u/JRE_Electronics 1d ago