Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 9/5/2005

Question
I have and old Pedal sewing machine.  The name on the front of the machine is Bartle.  It has 2 side drawers on each side and a drawer in the middle.  The machine is colored black with gold and rust design with the name Bartle in the gold colored design.  The serial # is 808397.  How old is it and what would be the value?  It still works. I have searched the internet and the only hit i had was a Brittish site that sold things like ebay.  Went there and could not find anything on the Machine.  Help!!

Answer
Hello JeanPaul.  

Sewing machines are not my area of expertise, but I can tell you there are a number of books out on the subject.  And there are a number of collector sites, too.  Check out http://www.ismacs.net/ or http://www.treadleon.net/ There is a sewing machine museum in Duncanville TX that may be able to help you.  Or you may want to contact a profession sewing machine appraiser at jws100@pacbell.net.  Good luck with your search for information.  Barbara