Expert: Irene Schwall - 4/14/2006

Question
Hi Irene, at a recent garage sale I came across a sewing machine
and cabinet. The sewing machine is a Singer with serial number
G5371967 which i quickly referenced against the singer sewing
machine list and guess is 26 April 1917.

My question specifically is in regards to the cabinet. Would that
be a "Singer" cabinet or made by another firm. Would it date
from the same time ? Is what I have common ? Did I pay too
much for it at $260 US ?
http://www.lukegowphotography.com.au/photo/IMG_0856.jpg

Photo can be seen at the above address. I thank you sooo much
for your help. I am only starting out in the world of antiques !

Best Wishes Luke Gow  

Answer
Hi Luke,
Thank you for providing a photograph of your sewing machine and table -- It is always beneficial to be able to view the item being referenced.
In 1851 Isaac Merritt Singer founded the I.M. Singer Company in Boston, Mass. He patented his first machine in August, 1851 and it was called the Singer's Perpendicular Action Sewing Machine.
Your photo does not provide me with a close up of the machine itself, but you seem to have found the information as it relates to the actual sewing machine so I will defer to your research in that area. Suffice to say, the sewing machine itself really has little to do with value. The cabinet has far more value really.
I do not have a close up photo of the cabinet but it appears to be in fair condition and all original. Advertisements in turn of the century Sears Roesbuck & Co. and Montgomery Ward catalogs stressed the importance of the table or cabinet and proclamations such as "light and graceful in appearance", "handsome in design" were used. In reviewing old catalogs that I have, the machine was sold with the cabinet.  The machines almost always contained decorative iron bases, oak or walnut wood cabinets and storage drawers plus the latest in sewing attachments and directions for their use. Your cabinet would date to the same period as the sewing machine and it would have been sold as one piece.
Your question "did Singer make the cabinet?" -- I cannot answer this because nothing I have in my research library specifically talks about who made the cabinets.  If I had to guess, I'd say Singer but please confirm this with someone who deals in these machines or collects them.
The price you paid for the machine and cabinet is fair and no, you did not overpay.
Enjoy your purchase.
Irene