Hand Crank Sewing Machines

For the past several years, I have been displaying my collection of Singer machines, mostly electrics and mostly Centennials. With the recent opening of the Treadle On list, for active users of treadle and hand crank sewing machines, it seemed appropriate to update these pages. I am now showcasing hand crank sewing machines on this page, and treadles on another. Hope you enjoy them, and if you have an interest in actively using these machines, by all means, go to the Treadle On page and subscribe to the list.

Singer Model 185J Hand Crank… a very modern hand crank machine

Singer Model 201K Hand Crank. Yes, even this big brute was in a hand crank version.

Singer Model 128 Hand Crank. A lovely little 3/4 size. Several Treadle On list members consider this their favorite cranker

Singer Model 66 Hand Crank, with the much discussed decal that is variously considered an Egyptian Lotus or a thistle. I suspect the Lotus is correct, Egyptian motifs being very popular at the time.

Vesta Hand Crank… German made for English marketing. An exceptionally smooth machine

Singer Model 99 hand crank

 

Willcox & Gibbs Hand Crank - Low Wheel

Circa 1881, cast iron base, complete but needs clean up… watch for future developments…

 

Model 12 New Family with the Mother of Pearl inlay… gaudy, but I don't know of anyone who would pass one up!

How was Mother of Pearl inlay done in steel? It wasn't… the pearl was glued onto the raw base, then the enamel built up in layers to equal it's thickness, finally, the decals were applied.