Caroline S

She is beautiful, decals are pristine and she is heavy, heavy.The coffin top was damaged on the top from shipping, I wish people would try to remove the thread spool before shipping. And the veneer is peeling on one side. She came with the "foot" pedal and the original wiring looks pretty good for her age. But I don't know if she runs yet. I did hook the pedal up to the machine but got nothing. I guess I will do a little exploratory antique wiring troubleshooting. I can't find much on the Internet regarding who she was manufactured by and how old she is.

MrsBoats

I Love the little pull chain on the light. It's so cute! Great machine-nice find!

quilt addict

Wonderful machine. I haven't seen those decals before. Sorry not much help on identifying the manufacturer.

carolaug

Wow...now that is different...so Awesome!

Caroline S

I did find a little more information on my Damascus, I think. She was likely made by National and the closest model she looks like is an R40. There is a patent date of October 10, 1920 so she was manufactured after that date. I am sending the power cords and foot pedal to my brother in South Carolina so he can do a fix and restore on them. So far I have not been able to sew with her and am sure hoping that the motor is still functional. If not, I might consider converting her to a treadler. Will have to do more research on that idea.

I am going to order a manual from TIAS for the R40. It is a great place to look for manuals. Here is the link http://www.tias.com/stores/relics/. The sewing machine manuals are available as downloads or hard copy.
I sure hope she can be brought back to life and not become a doorstop or decorator piece.

jbj137

I love the foot peddle.
Nice machine.
J J

Caroline S

I really purchased the machine because I wanted the foot pedal. LOL. Now it will be going to my brother to see if it can be fixed. He is the electical go to guy for me. If it is not fixable then it will be a conversation piece.

jaciqltznok

why not make her a hand crank?
she is too cute to be a door stopper!

Caroline S

Yes, great idea, either a hand crank or treadle. But she would take up less room as a hand crank. I am going to seriously consider this option. I wonder what kind/make of hand crank would work?

jljack

Very pretty!!!

Those were manufactured by the National Sewing Machine Company. They look just like all the other badged Nationals of that era.

I have a Western Electric 1917 manufactured by National, and my friend has a Damascus Electric 1917, also by National, and they have identical decals and bases. All the basics of the 2 machines are identical.