Posted 2 years ago
lostharibo
(1 item)
I am wondering if someone would be able to help me identify this sewing machine I have in my possession.
The machine is a Hexagon, however on the unit itself it reads, "The Referee, A.W.GAMAGE Ltd, HOLBORN E.C.". The serial number is, X14944.
I cannot seem to locate this exact machine online anywhere at all, I am looking for a guide price for selling this.
Hi, lostharibo. :-)
A vintage hand-crank vibrating shuttle sewing machine. Cool.
When you say that you were unable to find this exact machine, I suspect you mean exact as in the same right down to the decals.
What you have is what's known as a "badged" sewing machine.
A badged sewing machine is one that has a name prominently displayed on it that isn't necessarily the name of any actual manufacturer of sewing machines, but rather something chosen by a seller who contracted with a manufacturer.
David Best has a picture of a Hexagon-badged machine at his sewmuse website, along with some background about the actual maker (the Standard Sewing Machine Company), the dealer (The Hexagon Sewing Machine Company), and some production information:
http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/standard%20sewing%20machine.htm
Here is the mentioned Harris No. 5:
http://needlebar.org/main/harris/5/index.html
Here is the mentioned Singer 128-8:
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/decals/domestics/domesticpics/bp128_8godzillapclips.jpg
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/decals/domestic-decals.html
Hexagon was indeed a known badge name for the Standard Sewing Machine Company:
http://needlebar.org/main/makers/usa/standard/index.html
Your machine is further "badged" by A. W. Gamage LTD. About A. W. Gamage LTD:
https://cosgb.blogspot.com/2011/03/w-gamage-ltd.html
Here is a 1920's vintage A. W. Gamage LTD advertisement featuring a sewing machine (this one is not the same model or the even same class/family as yours, but rather something known as a traverse shuttle):
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-original-1920s-vintage-print-advertisement-in-english-consumer-magazine-49709608.html
Here is a Hexagon-badged hand-crank sold by an Etsy seller:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/845627394/rare-hexagon-vintage-handcrank-sewing
I myself found that sold price listed a bit eye-popping, but the seller deals in many vintage sewing machines. They also advertise free shipping, so that possibly explains it. Vintage cast-iron sewing machines are not light.
The listing is good in the respect that it has many photographs from various angles.
The seller also has other listings for Hexagon parts:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/820969230/rare-hexagon-sewing-machine-face-plate
https://www.etsy.com/listing/673171909/rare-hexagon-sewing-machine-face-end
This listing is for Hexagon attachments that would look familiar to vintage sewing machine enthusiasts, because they're very similar to vintage Singer attachments, such as the tuckmarker, the adjustable hemmer, the seam guide, the wire handle screw driver, the thumscrew, assorted bobbins for a vibrating shuttle, etc:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1443743032/hexagon-hand-crank-vintage-sewing
Here's the November 25, 1913 patent for the tuckmarker:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US1079329
Vintage Singer attachments:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/gallery_accessories
Valuation isn't done at the Collectors Weekly Show & Tell forum. An appraisal can be obtained from this outfit under the Barneby's corporate umbrella; however, it isn't free:
https://www.valuemystuff.com/us/appraisal
Here is some free advice to consider from one of the experts at the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society (ISMACS):
https://ismacs.net/sewing_machine_articles/how_much_is_my_sewing_machine_worth.html