Question About a 1902 Singer Sewing Machine

[fureverywhere]

I have my grandmother's sewing machine in the living room as a curio table. I was busy cleaning around it and had a thought. Perhaps I could paint the cabinet in some fanciful way. From what I understand they were basically mass produced so they don't really have value as an antique. Does anyone know? Keep it natural or get out my paint box? This is what it would look like naturally restored...

 

[SifuPhil]

I'm sort of a traditionalist and also have memories of Mom having that exact machine. I'd leave it natural, but then that's just me.

 

[NancyNGA]

I wouldn't paint it either. It's beautiful the way it is.

 

[Cookie]

Please don't paint it, it is a beautiful collector's item, and although not monetarily very valuable, a real treasure nonetheless.

 

[Arachne]

I would keep it as it is, mass produced or not it is a historical piece and is lovely.

 

[Don M.]

Definitely keep it a Natural finish, if the wood isn't all split and cracked. I've had good luck refinishing older wood with a product called "Watco Danish Oil"...available at most major stores...Lowe's, Home Depot, Menard's, etc. Any wood restore product will have some odor, so you might wait until you can open a couple of windows. Also, put some newspaper, etc., under/around it if you use any stain/oil..to keep any drips off the floor.

 

[Kadee]

I had an old singer machine almost exactly the same ,I would not paint it ...I sold mine after shifting into this home 9 years ago,as it didn't look right in this house ..I sold it on eBay and got $440 for it ..
I was told by someone you can put the machine code numbe in the singer sewing machine Site and it will give you a date of manufacture.
I never tried looking up the one I had up so I can't vouch if the info I was given as correct or not

 

[Warrigal]

I learnt to sew on one of those machines at the age of nine and the sewing room at my high school (1955) had machines that were 90 years old at that time.

 

[fureverywhere]

Agreed I'm keeping it natural I'll have to try the Danish oil. Just Old English and lemon polish and it looks happier already. The only painting was using a glossy black to cover some chips on the bottom, it made the Singer logo and side designs just pop! My grandfather's house was paradise when I was a kid. This sewing machine and I go way back. Now it's time for me to take care of her ya know?

 

[SifuPhil]

Here's Sewing Machine Steve, with loads of info on treadle machines ...

 

[jujube]

I sold my grandmother's 1904 Singer, quite similar to yours except it had six drawers with rosettes on the front. The lady who bought it was an elderly Cuban lady who was actually buying it to use it. She had no interest in a modern sewing machine but wanted one just like the one she had back in Cuba. Luckily, mine was in excellent working condition and we ended up BOTH of us happy.

 

[Butterfly]

Good decision to leave it as it is, Fur. Those old sewing machines are beautiful as they are.

Does it work? I learned to sew on an old treadle machine just like that one.

 

[Linda]

I'm glad you are leaving it natural. Those old sew machines are beautiful. I hate it when people change antiques. My daughter takes vintage dolls and cuts a hole in their tummies and puts in a diorama of tiny cows grazing in a green pasture. People will buy them though.

 

[fureverywhere]

I remember my grandfather's housekeeper sewed on it. That was probably the early 70's and still the same parts. I can do nice handwork but machine sewing I never figured out.

 

[vickyNightowl]

Traditional!

I have my moms too.

 

[chic]

That's a beautiful piece Fur and in great condition too. Both of my grandmothers owned one. My maternal grandmother had a sewing room for hers. It's great to see one again.