How old is my Domestic treadle sewing machine, #604790?
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First off everyone, they are looking for the AGE of the treadle machine, NOT the value.
The Domestic Sewing Machine Company of Norwalk, Ohio, made a small number of machines till 1869. It then relocated to NY City. In 1871, they made 10,000 machines, and quadrupled that production in 1872. They held a secure spot in the industry, and was well known for making good quality, light running models, and stayed independent until 1924. It was then taken over by the White Sewing Machine Company, who kept it as a subsidiary. Over the years, White made machines branded with many other company names, including: Domestic, Franklin and Sears(including Minnesota, Franklin and Kenmore). In the late 1920's, a new "Crinkle Finish" was used on sewing machines to reduce glare and provide a more resilient wear finish. You can find more info. about White Co. and Domestic Co. at:
I couldn't find any info. about your model # 604790, but if your machine doesn't have the "crinkle finish", then it has to be prior to the late 1920's. From a couple of owner manuals I found on-line, and Ebay listings, I'm guessing your treadle machine is most likely late 1880's to maybe 1910 at the latest. After that, more electric machines were being made than treadle machines. Here are a few clues to the age of your machine:
Does it have a presser foot? If no, then it is from before 1900, which is when sewing machines came with a presser foot to hold the fabric layers together.
Does the stand/cabinet it's mounted in have a wood box that covers the machine head? If yes, then it's from the early 1880's.
Does the stand/cabinet it's mounted in have a "drop-head", which means the machine head lowers down into a cabinet? If yes, then it's from the late 1880's to late 1900.
Does the stand/cabinet it's mounted in have a "drop-head" and full cabinet, also called a Parlor Cabinet, which means the machine head lowers down into a completely enclosed cabinet that covers the treadle part too? If yes, then it's from the 1890's to late 1900.
This may be not enough OR too much info. given here, but I'm just trying to answer your question as to the age of your Domestic brand treadle sewing machine. Hope it helps.
Thank you so much for the info. I got this machine for free and instead of destroying it we are restoring it.
Treadle sewing machines can sell for up to $200
This Domestic sewing machine is in a cabinet & lists for $150:
www.ebay.com/
This Domestic sewing machine is not in a cabinet & lists for $100:
The second listing for the machine NOT in a cabinet is an ELECTRIC not a TREADLE machine. Not a help, sorry.
Perhaps another member will be able to identify your machine with the information you have supplied, but in my research, I have not found any machine that shows this number.
You can contact Ismacs and they will help you identify your machine.
They will not discuss value.
You will have to join the site (free - newsletter) before posting your question.
ismacs.net/
There is no way to provide information on the value of your machine without more information, and then it would be a lot of guesswork.
Here is a vintage Domestic (anything like yours?) that is listed for sale on eBay - asking price $150. This machine has been listed for sale for over 18 months and has not sold.
If you check eBay's sold listings, you will find that treadle machines do not sell very often and usually the treadle machines that sell are Singer models.
www.ebay.com/
Location will determine the final value of your machine, as many times an area will not pick up a free machine sitting by the curb. Other areas may be more receptive, so you will have to check out your area as shipping would be very expensive.
Since we cannot see the condition of the machine; cabinet or sewing machine and have no idea if it is in good working order, you should take several good pictures, list the condition of your machine and post it on several sites.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are two good sites and there are more sites to check out.
Maybe start with a higher price (according to the condition) and accept offers, If no offers are received after several weeks, lower the price and wait again.
Search patent date on your sewing machine.
Domestic Treadle sewing machine with serial number #1100371 and patent year 1876 sold at $155.74
Domestic Sewing Machines brand was made by the Wm. A. Mack & Co., starting at roughly 1861. They received a patent for its version of the sewing machine in 1863. Wm Mack's brother joined the firm after serving honorably in the Civil War in 1866 and began selling the Domestic sewing machine from a wagon.
I see you are interesting in the age of your sewing machine and not in value of it. Sorry, but the serial number on your Domestic sewing machine will not be much help to you as there are no records about it. A photo of your sewing machine would help in this case more than its serial number.
Your best bet is to contact the businesses that deal with antique sewing machines or write the histories of them.
For example:
sewalot.com/
This site has photos of Domestic sewing machines from different years:
Maybe there is a photo of similar sewing machine. I hope this helps you to identify at least an approximate year.
Thanks for the link. I found one that was similar but I couldn't see the knobs well enough, my cabinet is missing them. I wanted the sewing machine for the base. The one I got was offered on the marketplace for free. I don't have the heart to tear it apart so now we are restoring it and I don't sew lol. Thanks
Domestic Sewing Machines brand was made by the Wm. A. Mack & Co., starting at roughly 1861. They received a patent for its version of the sewing machine in 1863. Wm Mack's brother joined the firm after serving honorably in the Civil War in 1866 and began selling the Domestic sewing machine from a wagon.
The serial number on each machine will not be much help to you as there are no records. Your best bet is to contact the businesses that deal with antique sewing machines or write the histories of them.
For example:
sewalot.com/
I found information that models with serial #469723, with a wood cabinet may have been produced after 1924 and before the company's demise
Thanks so much for the info.
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