Vintage Minnesota Treadle
#11
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: SE Kansas
Posts: 7
That is a beauty! I think it looks like a Davis E - Minnesota A as seen at the link that I had linked as "Minnesota A" ( <-that is a link to the same one as Joe did - https://ismacs.net/sears/sears.html ) If I remember correctly some one else had one of these on QB. If you google "jlhmnj "Minnesota A" site:quiltingboard.com" there should be one that tells which needles are needed for this machine.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)
All afternoon I have been reading all of the posts regarding Minnesota A and my brain is just about mush. I did look to see what was in the drawers of the cabinet and I did find a rusted needle and of course it is 2" long exactly. From what I read that tells me it took Boye 10 aka Davis Long needles, of course it would. I did read that I can substitute MTx190 just need to be sure they match up. I have a really good tech for all my machines that just might have some Boye 10 needles. Now if I can just find out the approximate date of number D1122918.
Lawanda
#12
From my understanding, the Model A, didn't get the "A" until 1904 and I think that starting in 1910 the more streamlined "A" came about. I originally thought that the spool pin placement may have moved toward the hand wheel about 1910, too. I could be wrong. As you have found that serial numbers for most sewing manufacturers are practically non-existent. I think I'm fairly safe in saying that your machine was probably made between 1904 and 1910.
I agree with Leon about the filing cabinet.
I thought that maybe it would take the Davis Long needles. Sometimes you can find some on ebay, like https://www.ebay.com/itm/Boye-Davis-...IAAOSwoCtdPEge It looks like the substitute needles are round shank, rather than flat shank as indicated https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Davis-Lo...0AAOSwydNdSeAJ
I have a reproduction Sears catalog from about that time frame, but have misplaced it to see if your machine would have been advertised in it.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)
ETA: I think your picture size is just right.
Last edited by OurWorkbench; 08-17-2020 at 06:22 PM. Reason: additional thought
#14
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: SE Kansas
Posts: 7
I have lots of people that like the filing cabinet. When I had my office I kept my orders in it. I had one client that wanted it for his wife. I told him when I was ready to part with it he would have first chance, however, sadly he passed away a couple of years ago. The small drawers are perfect to hold CD's.
Lawanda
#15
'fraid not. I have never liked the taste of coffee/. But I do love to sniff it. Sometimes I'll go bug a co-worker just to smell the coffee. Experienced ones won't offer any. They know the answer.
Janey and I have met. She's really good at research.
Janey and I have met. She's really good at research.
#16
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: SE Kansas
Posts: 7
I wrote a really long reply to Janey thanking her and letting her know what I found. Apparently you get kicked off here if you are typing for a little bit. When I hit send it told me to "sign in". Just haven't gotten back to it.
#17
You are welcome. I like to do research and help others, with the information I have found. There used to be a really good resource at needlebar.org, There is still some good information on that site, but the picture gallery has gone AWOL and probably will not be repopulated. I can't remember if there is a Facebook or io.groups for Davis machines. I don't have any Davis or their associated badged machines, so don't think I would be able to help with any specific info.
Have fun with your beautiful machine.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)
#18
Member
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 3
Can these decals be purchased anywhere? I have a Minnesota I acquired from my grandmother in New York. The decals are somewhat worn.
Also there seems to be a gap such that the machine keeps falling into the cabinet. I am attaching a photo of the small gap where the machine is not supported by the cabinet. Hopefully you can see what I mean.
Also there seems to be a gap such that the machine keeps falling into the cabinet. I am attaching a photo of the small gap where the machine is not supported by the cabinet. Hopefully you can see what I mean.