Posted 8 years ago
Shepuz
(1 item)
A vintage Lada 121 sewing machine I received free from a colleague from work. Apparently this is supposed to be a some sort of singer copy from the old Soviet era Czechoslovakia. At one point it found its way to presumably East-Germany, I'm basing this on the fact that the machine came with original manual in german which contained a lot of technical terms not found in modern german language. + it's a soviet era machine from ex-soviet country so East-Germany is my best bet. At some point it was imported through official commercial channels to Finland, something which is apparent from the fact that it has the logo and the name of the finnish Helkama company which imported it. The Lada 121, at least according to the manual, was originally a manual, non-electric sewing machine (you had to pedal it). Someone after the 70's installed a danish made electric motor to drive the belt. Why after the 70's? Because the plug on the cable is the grounded type and finns didn't have grounded wall sockets before the 70's. The machine itself seems to be in good working condition although missing few minor parts here and there (more of that in a bit). I've already used it to fix couple trousers and shirts and it works rather well albeit it's a bit tricky to use.
I have some questions about this machine to those who might have seen similar ones or know what this machine is a copy of.
I seem to be missing few parts on the tensionplate assembly (3rd and 4th pictures). If anyone out there could identify the missing parts and could point me in the right direction regarding what, for example, singer parts I could use to replace the missing ones, I would be quite so very grateful.
Cheers and thank you for your time.
hi veltino97, I agree. It was indeed loved, that much is apparent when you turn it upside down and take a look at the insides. Everything has been kept well oiled and in working order. No apparent wear or tear or anything broken when it comes to the mechanical parts. There is some surface rust on the exposed metal parts but the paint (where it was applied) is still pristine and in excellent condition. This machine has been kept well over the years and still works just perfectly even with the missing parts on the tension assembly. Also the reason why I'm trying to figure out what parts I can use to keep this beautiful machine working for many more years to come.
Great old machine.
All I can suggest is searching using a Czech translation through google to see if any spares are available there.
I am new here, so please excuse the 11-month delay. At an estate sale, I bought a Lada treadle machine in wooden (possibly hand made) cabinet. The manual appears to be in Lithuanian. I estimate the machine to be from the early 50's. I'm interested in determining the value, and I'm in the Chicago area. I can post photos later if there is any info. Thank you.