You are here:

Collectibles-General (Antiques)/stitchwell sewing mach. Salesman sample??

Advertisement


Question

pictures
Hi
I have a very small Stitchewell sewing machine that looks like it could be a salesman sample. I have sent a photo along with this question (I hope it came along). The box is about 10 in long and 5 inches high, the machine fits inside of the box, so that is about how big the sewing machine is.  There is still a paper advertising on thbe box, reading The Stitchwell Sewing Mschine, manufactured by National Sewing Machine Co. Belvidere Ill. Chicago, New York. The top of the wooden box has a sliding lid and slides in grooves on the top of the box.  Hoping you may be able to tell me something about it. Would be happy to send extra pictures if it would help. Thanks. Jerry

Answer
Hello Jerry,
Thank you for including a photograph with your query and as much information as you have, this always helps me to answer the question as best as I am able.
The National Sewing Machine Company, Belvidere, Illinois ceased business in 1954.
Many of their toy machines were quite similar in style but they had different names.
Your little toy sewing machine is known as the JUVENILE and it dates to the 1920's. It is very similar to the Stichwell model that was manufactured by the National Sewing Machine Co.
As shown in the photo, it is highly decorated and hand operated. It also has a round rather than square or oblong sewing plate. According to information that I have on file, the mechanism is operated by a geared hand wheel and it sews a chain stitch. The hand-wheel has a nickel plated rim.
I hope this information helps you.
Regards,
Irene

Irene Schwall

Expertise

I have been a collector of antique sewing tools and thimbles for over 30 years. I am also a dealer in this field and sell on eBay under the name -- serengeti2. I am NOT, and I repeat NOT an expert on antique or vintage domestic household sewing machines used for everyday home sewing. I can offer help when it comes to TOY or miniature collectible sewing machines ONLY.

Experience

See information provided above.

Organizations
Thimble Collectors International
SCTC - Southern California Thimble Club
SDTC - San Diego Thimble Club
OTS - Ohio Thimble Seekers
Priscilla Nutmeggers - CT/MA/NH
Dorset Thimble Society - UK
Rund um den Fingerhut - Germany
www.925/1000.com
Cyberthimble on Yahoo



Publications
I belong to Thimble Collectors International & I chair the committee 'Publishing/Grants' and oversee the research and publication of booklets relating to sewing tools and thimbles. I have also had articles published on needlework related topics.

Education/Credentials
See information provided above.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.