Antique Kohler Winselmann Sewing Machine?

I have an antique Kohler Winselmann sewing machine and would like to learn more about it. The whole machine is solid cast iron. The machine base has hinges connecting it to the top part. The upper part can be tilted back; perhaps to be able to work on the internal mechanism.

I have found one picture of the machine online, but I cannot find anything else. Most of the machines I see manufactured by them seem to be much more technologically advanced. I am very curious about when the machine was manufactured, and anything anyone can tell me.

By Kym

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Frugal Sunnie
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October 29, 20121 found this helpful

There isn't a lot of info out there (especially in the US) on Kohler-Winselmann machines, but this site does have some info:
www.sewmuse.co.uk/Kohler%20sewing%20machine.htm

Click around on the top navigation bar too, for the German rooms and for Kohler.

I am a vintage and antique Singer user. I've found a lot of fantastic information on mine at ISMACS and Treadleon-they have information on other brands of wonderful antique and vintage machines. Use the search features, and contact info-they do accept questions on machines:

www.ismacs.net/home.html

www.treadleon.net/

I've also found a lot of good information on this site:
www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.../index.html

Be warned, lol, researching a vintage or antique sewing machine becomes an addiction very quickly! Try the search term:
kohler-winselmann sewing machines uk

Your machine was likely brought to the US by a pioneer family (it looks to be in the 1850s to 1870s manufacturing range era), or by a war bride of either of the two world wars.

These machines were treasured, valued companions by families and new brides on immigrating to the US.

I have several pre-WWI Singers that were in use right up to as recently as last year; I have several that are in use right now in my sewing school. When I lived in the US I often found Singer, Howe, and the very occasional K-W machines that had been brought to the US by brides in the later years of the 19th century from all over Europe and the UK.

Here in the UK, nearly every family has at least one hand crank or treadle dating back to the late 19th century, and most of those were wedding gifts to a newly married couple just starting out in life.

kpnolte

September 10, 20170 found this helpful

Thank you so much for the information!

stevegern1

December 29, 20180 found this helpful

Old machines are certainly an addiction!
After really searching I have found a bit of info. about my Winselmann and have done a preservation restoration on the old gal.

I think she takes a 13x1 needle and I'm still searching. I managed to sew her off with a needle but the shank is a smidge too thick, but she still sewed.
As I posted before the machine is very similar to the one Julie posted above.
Will continue to post as I find out more, if any one is interested.
Someone asked about value. I would guess my machine would fetch between $ 300 to 400. Beauty and price is in the eye of the beholder. I think my machine is priceless because of the joy and satisfaction she provides!!

Tony A.

July 22, 20190 found this helpful

I also Have a Winselmann. I picked it up locally. It is hand cranked and has mother of pearl inlays - it has the mark - Sole Agent C. L. Foster Markett Str.

(and a warn part that looks like Gainsborough) It has no needle clamp - can anyone post a photo showing how the needle is held?

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