Gwyn

You do have a treasure. I can't tell you what you would be able to charge for this machine if you wanted to sell it. I have an antique singer machine. My husband took it to the Sewing Exchange in Ogden, Ut. He was able to get a new belt for it. All I ever do is add a little sewing machine oil at Christmas time when I use the machine as part of a Santa's Workshop. There is also an electric motor that was sold as an add-on in the early 1900's. I love my machine. It is the one I use to sew blue jeans because it is so strong. If you contact someone who does wood working, you could have a new drawer made to replace the one that is missing. Use lemon oil on the wood cabinet to help it stay nice. :wink:

Butterflyspain

I know you can buy the belts for these machines on Ebay. They are made from leather and fit any treadle machine. You will I think have to oil it with a good sewing machine oil. apart from that you have a great little machine.

elle

Quilt4u

Wow!!!!!

MNQuilter

All of the info is great! I realized after I posted the pic that I had forgotten to put the drawer back in. I had pulled the whole thing apart looking at the treasures left inside. I also got a bunch of threads and two match boxes of buttons. All of the drawers seem to be in good shape. I plan to check out the treadle on website to figure out how to clean it up and then find a belt so I can actually use this machine. Right now it is just gathering dust. :)

Debra Mc

Deja Vu! I learned to sew on one of these. My sister still has it. Mom repainted it. (cabinet)& painted the metal stand shiny black. I'm 54, starting sewing on it when I was about 6 or 8. We had the sewing machine man work it over & make sure the tension was right & ordered us a new belt. They are real long. Sewed a million miles on it. I use to make doll clothes on it. Mom was using the electric making clothes for us so I couldn't always use it. In the past before I got a fancy computerized machine, I would have trouble sewing some types of fabric, so we got out old stand by treadle. Wish I had room to bring it home so dgd could learn to sew on it. I really enjoyed it learning to sew on it no electricity required, just feet power. I say you have a priceless treasure. Hold on to it.

JJs

there is a treadle yahoo group that you might want to join...
also this one: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagesingers/

yes it is a 'treasure' - but only to you - because it was your grandmothers and it is in good condition... as far as monetary value, they don't sell for much because so many were made...
that said, I paid $300 for one (an exorbitant price by the way) but the cabinet had been totally refurbished, and the machine had been completely cleaned etc - in other words the whole thing is in fantastic condition -
would I pay that for one in a ratty cabinet that was rusty? no, or one that was 'ok' but needed work? - no

join that vintage singer group to find out how to clean the machine safely, there's a lady on there that sells the belts, you can download the manual (singer 66) from the singer site, etc

seagrass

It's not the kind treasure of thousand's of dollars your dad and you were looking for. It's a family past on treasure. Somthing you shouldnt have to question.

Ellen 1

Yes you do have a treasure. Not only was it your grandmothers, but looks in excellent condition. Check out -- treadlelady.com Donna Kohler "rescues" treadle machines. (she also has a realtor website). Very interesting lady. -- There is also a website for treadle machines - -treadlesewingmmachines.com.

#1piecemaker

You've got a treasure there for sure. Treasure it always. A good oiling probably wouldn't hurt. Anyway, hang on to it girl. When you get it lined out it wll sew better than a new one.

omak

that is one beautiful machine.
Congratulations!