Posted 10 years ago
AdaDodd
(1 item)
I am trying to date the machine, as well as find a name. The name on mine is completely rubbed off, on the front and back, both. I finally found a serial #, which was under lots of crud, under the throat plate. It is 2038333. What year was it made? I will probably never find out it's Brand Name, although I do realize that it is a Badge Machine. I can vaguely see a "B", (I think), at the end, where a name would be. Any help is appreciated.
Yes it's a National Vindex Top Tension machine. The wording with 'B' at the end could have been 'Harris B', or 'Excelsior B B', or 'Windsor B'? and you're right that name would have been put there by, or for, a retailer.
I think I have an original manual for this machine, I'll have to check the bag that came with my model. Nice piece! Seems everyone is using these for the bases to make tables these days. It's a shame, but the rest are painting antiques with yellows and greens because they seen it on T.V. ?
hickadilly1-how could I get a copy of the manual??? Please?
No matter what the name is on the machine, it's still a National Top Tension machine. Here is a link to the Paveway manual which is the 3/4 size of the Vindex, but it should get you by for instructions http://www.needlebar.org/main/manuals/regalpaveway/1index.html
I have the exact same machine though the base is different. It has all the same graphics but I can see the name area on yours has a different name remnant. Mine was branded "Improved Faultless" and was sold by the John M. Smyth Co. In Chicago 30 Sept. 1911. I have the original certificate and manual. The cabinet is in need of refinishing but I got the machine working great for its age. It came with a lot of old hand needles, a full box of accessory feet and attachments and loss of other little treasures in its drawers. A great buy for $20 and yes I'm planning on using it for its intended purpose! Hope the date info helps. My serial# is 501062
I believe this machine is actually a National VB-TT Type 5:
http://needlebar.org/nbwiki/index.php?title=File:04natvbtt3506951.jpeg
*snip*
Size: Full
Body Shape: Rounded
Inspection Plate(s): Shoulder
Upper Tension: Top Leaf
Stitch Length Control: Pillar Screw
Notes: (Arrow) New model shape. Low bobbin winder.
Size - 14 1/2" x 6 13/16"
http://needlebar.org/nbwiki/index.php/National_Vibrating_Shuttle_Machines
That would make it a bit older than Wayne Schmidt's:
http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/images/sm%20bessy%20small.jpg
*snip*
Dating antique sewing machines is often a combination of hunting and guesswork. In this case, the name may provide a clue. The Willamette D sewing machines were made by National for the Portland, Oregon-based chain of Meier & Frank department stores. While she has a serial number (2,296,351) there are no known lists of National sewing machine serial numbers and production dates, so that by itself doesn't help much. But, when compared to our other National machine, which has a 2,167,857 serial number and was dated to 1913 by other means, it suggests this Willamette D is slightly later, say around 1914. Additionally, assuming the name refers to the town of Willamette, which only existed from 1908 to 1917, this date seems to be reasonable.
Bessy (named after the lady who first owned her and handed her down through two generations before her granddaughter entrusted her to our care) is a VB-TT (vibrating shuttle - top tension) type 5 machine who still works after 105 years. After a little polishing and decal restoration she'll be a real gem.
*snip*
http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/Antique%20Sewing%20Machines.html
About National:
https://ismacs.net/national/from_eldredge_to_national_to_janome.html