I love quality machines. I love machines that last. I love machines that are beautiful to look at.
As John likes to say: China doesn’t make heirlooms. And while I’ve got plenty of cheap, plastic items (that I love), it’s true that there is something really special about things that are made to last. Not only are they durable and sturdy, but they were meant to be cherished and passed down through generations. They have history. I don’t know where John got this machine, but he’s had it for years. He had it repaired, put in a new motor and it’s been hiding in his office until recently, when I got the urge to make something that didn’t require weeks (months!) of knitting.
It sits on my sewing table (with pink notions).
A detail of the side panel.
Threaded and ready to sew.
The instruction manual is in pristine condition. It successfully taught me how to thread and load the shuttlecock (aka bobbin) and adjust the tension. There are instructions for oiling the machine as well, but I’ve not yet done that. Note the date on the manual cover: April 1920. It is just a few years younger than my oldest living relative.
It came with this cute oil can. These cork-like things hold needles.
And this is its much younger accessory, the Buttonholer! (1948)
Best of all, the machine works beautifully. And I’ve been using it.
judy higgins 
Judy,
That is so cool! What a treasure, and such a plus that it actually works.
Your blog is very interesting, by the way. Glad you’re posting so often.
Thanks! Just think, your grandmother probably sewed on a machine like this. And now you’re teaching me the tricks she taught you. Full circle.
I learned on a machine just like this! My mom still has it. Very cool!