tate_elliott

I was out on a walk in a different neighborhood and found this sitting at the curb, upside down. It was next to the home's trashcan, awaiting pickup. I got my car and my son, and went back for it. The serial number told me it was a 127. I didn't expect it to tell me that this was made in 1914. Wow.

To me, the cabinet is beyond repair, unless someone wants a real project. The machine doesn't seem to be in terrible shape and can probably be restored. I was mainly interested in the treadle irons for another machine I own. (I jokingly told my wife, "I wonder if one of my Rocketeers would fit?") Surprisingly, the treadle moves fairly easily, continuing for several turns after I stop treadling. It does squeak some, though.

I've contacted Treadle On to see if anyone is interested in the cabinet or the machine. Plus I've read several of their files.

I just wanted to post this to show that you never know what you'll come across.

Tate

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Mickey2

If the damage and lifted veneer are mostly on the top it's not beyond repair, it's something most of us can take on as a DIY restoration. Lifted vereers can often be steamed or lighly dampened, ironed straight and glued back on using simple tools and basic wood glue. The finish shine up very well with basic cleaning and the right furniture polish, but can of course be refinshed with shellac. It takes a while, a few hours invested in it, but it's not too much to have as a side project, neither is it expensive. Some projects like this often look much worse than it is before you start. The top veneer can be replaced if the old is too splintered, freyed or too many missing pieces (a lot can be done to fill in missing areas, even out cracks and glue together joints here and there). It takes a week or three with an hour spend on it now and then. If there are accessories, and any bits and pieces in the drawers I know there's someone out there willing to take it on if it's for free :- )

maviskw

I wouldn't throw that away. If the top is too bad, something new can be added. The drawers look beautiful.

SunlitenSmiles

that was my thought...the drawers look great and that is the most difficult to repair IMHO

KenZ

That cabinet is totally repairable. I restored one in not much better shape than that one. I got old material from an old dresser that I found by a trash can.

Tartan

Poor old thing! If no one wants to restore the machine or cabinet, save the irons and drawers. My FIL put selvaged boards on the top and bottom of the drawers to fasten them side by side and I have the cute little cabinet in my sewing room.

Geri B

Oh my, I have its twin in my family room BUT in pristine condition and working order! I marvel at the lovely designwork on these old cabinets. So sad, but someone, somewhere is just itching to roll up sleeves and begin the project!

Wanabee Quiltin

I was expecting a cabinet in much worst condition. This one can be repaired, look at those lovely drawers.

saperry

If no one shows interest in the cabinet and you don't want to restore it, I'd sure be interested in the small long drawer in the middle. Matches the cabinet on the one my grandmother in law had but that drawer is missing.