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Determining the Age of an Old Sewing Machine?

July 20, 2022

How old is my Domestic treadle sewing machine, #604790?


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Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 425 Answers
July 23, 20220 found this helpful
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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:

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ismacs.net/domestic/thoughts_on_the_domestic_sewing_machine_company.html
and:
ismacs.net/white/white-sewing-machine-company-history.html

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.

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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.

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5 More Questions

Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

January 31, 2021

How much is this Singer machine worth and how old is? Does it contain red mercury?

An old sewing machine.
 
The markings on an old sewing machine.
 
The markings on an old sewing machine.
 

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
January 31, 20210 found this helpful
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The value of anything depends a great deal on the overall condition and how well it is working.
Your machines looks kinda 'beat up' but pictures do not always tell the whole story.

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Does the machine run properly?
Does it need servicing?
From what I've found it appears this machine was made in the 60's but you should contact some of the forums to find out more.
Most forums will not tell the value but they may help you identify the type of machine you have so you can research what they may be selling for - but remember - condition matters.

Here are some sites you can join and ask for help. They will want good pictures of full machine (all around) to be able to help you.
www.quiltingboard.com/.../
ismacs.net/digest.html
www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/15

www.facebook.com/.../

www.singer.com/.../machine-value

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December 8, 2021

I'd like to get an idea about when this Singer was produced. Ser # AA489854 with motor number 4064039. Thanks.

An old electric Singer sewing machine.
 

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Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 425 Answers
December 8, 20212 found this helpful
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It looks like your machine is from May 1925. Check out this chart:

ismacs.net/.../singer-aa-series-serial-numbers.html

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April 5, 2018

How many years old is it?

Thanks.

Determining the Age of an Old Sewing Machine - ornate antique sewing machine
 

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
April 5, 20180 found this helpful
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All Singer sewing machines have a serial number and a model number. You will need at least one of these to identify your machine.

Most 20th-Century machines were made in the millions, and most survive in great numbers. In many cases, this will hold down retail value.

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May 14, 2022

My Eau Claire Super Deluxe Precision sewing machine model 24 - H5515876, what's it worth?

A vintage sewing machine.
 

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Bronze Tip Medal for All Time! 59 Tips
May 14, 20220 found this helpful

Looks like your particular sewing machine was branded under several different name brands:
This machine is listed for $120:
www.ebay.com/.../185329390827?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr...

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This machine is listed for $35:
www.ebay.com/.../224941257545?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM...
This machine is listed for $150:
www.ebay.com/.../265606676348?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM...
This machine is listed for $200:
www.ebay.com/.../265606676348?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM...
This machine is listed for $190:
www.ebay.com/.../394026039903?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt...
This machine is listed for $180:
www.ebay.com/.../224597148906?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM...

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
May 14, 20220 found this helpful

This one is asking $120 and has not sold yet. picclick.com/Precision-Built-Deluxe-Model-35-Sewing...

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
May 14, 20220 found this helpful

Your Eau Claire Super Deluxe Precision sewing machine model 24 is most likely a clone just like most of the 'for sale' listings being listed for your information on 'value'.
Clones were named anything the companies buying the machines wanted them named - maybe even after their grandmother if they so desired - just like Sears with their 'brand' - Kenmore.

Generally made in Japan and sold to American companies.
Japan usually always used a Singer to make their clones and most of these were good machines.

You can look at how many similar clones are listed for sale online but especially on eBay.
However, you cannot determine value by looking at similar 'for sale' machines as a buyer can ask any price they desire but until it is sold; it has no 'value'.
Only a sold listing can provide any kind of 'value' as this shows what a person was willing to pay for that item.
No 2 machines will be the same so that is another fact:
so condition, shipping, working?, accessories, does it have a case?,
all have to do with value.
Some similar machines listed for sale that you can check to see if yours is similar and in approximately the same condition. if so, place a watch on the listing to see if it sells.
www.ebay.com/.../bn_7022494375
www.ebay.com/.../185329390827

You can always check eBay's sold listings to see if someone has sold a very similar machine and maybe those sold prices can provide a starting point for the value of your machine.
www.ebay.com/.../i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Deluxe+Sewing...

Here are a few similar machines that are on eBay's sold site:
www.ebay.com/.../275301104476?hash=item4019397b5c...
www.ebay.com/.../265406707077?hash=item3dcb78f585...

You can always join one or more of the sewing club forums and ask your questions. They can probably tell you more about your machine, which Singer it was cloned after and perhaps where to find a manual.
They will not provide information about value.
ismacs.net/digest.html
www.quiltingboard.com/.../
sewing.patternreview.com/.../21

If your machine is in very good working condition, has a case, and can be reasonably shipped, I would say to try listing on Craigslist, Facebook marketplace or similar sites with a starting price of $125-$150 and see how it goes.
If no one shows an interest then you may have to lower your price.

(Here is something to consider; many of the machines listed for sale have been listed for months/years and may never sell.)

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Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 1,298 Posts
May 15, 20220 found this helpful

You can get rough idea on eBay, but when I searched sold - I don't see any that officially sold.

Only similar kinds: www.ebay.com/.../i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=EauClaire+Precision...

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June 12, 20220 found this helpful

I found an Eau Claire Precision Sewing Machine at $109.99:

www.ebay.com/.../255477064122

It is not in functional condition, but motor and pedal works, pedal slightly sticks sometimes.

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June 12, 20220 found this helpful

Eau Claire sewing machine was made in Japan. Companies, or in this case, town names were printed on the fronts.
kiddosandcrafts.blogspot.com/.../my-dream-machine.html
There may be more than 5,000 different vintage Japanese sewing machine "brands".

I found Turquoise De Luxe Eau Claire model 24 sewing machine, serial # E5512793, in excellent shape, it works great

www.worthpoint.com/.../vintage-de-luxe-sewing-machine-1924274064

Start free trial to see what it's worth.

Vintage Eau Claire Sewing Machine Precision was sold for $16

shopgoodwill.com/.../74791672

Vintage Eau Claire Deluxe Sewing Machine in cabinet approx 34" x 18" x 32" was sold for $42

smithauctions.hibid.com/.../

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January 13, 2022

Janome sewing machine seral number 535029970. How old is my machine and what is it worth today?

An older sewing machine.
 
A close up of a sewing machine.
 
The cabinet underneath a sewing machine.
 

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
January 13, 20220 found this helpful

In my area, sewing machines are routinely given away, as there is not much demand for them. I would start at $75 and reduce the price accordingly.

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Bronze Tip Medal for All Time! 59 Tips
January 16, 20220 found this helpful

You may be able to sell your machine for $100.
www.ebay.com/.../i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=vintage+janome...
Here's the support link for Janome: www.janome.com/.../
Also some interesting history here: silverbobbin.com/.../

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