AboutIrene 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.
Please note:
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 My expertise is in ANTIQUE sewing or needlework tools & thimbles, gold, silver, brass, ivory, bone etc. Modern thimbles are not necessarily my strong point but I may be able to help so don't hesitate to ask. I am also very well versed in the identification of Hallmarks on sewing collectibles.
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.
Question QUESTION: Hi Irene ,
I have a Vulcan Junior Child's sewing machine which I think is about 45 to 50 years old. It is in it's original box and is in good condition. It is a blue metallic finish and cost 37/6d ( thirty seven shillings and sixpence) when new ( on the box). I was bought it new as a child and just wondered if it was worth anything ? Many thanks for your time
ANSWER: Hello Susan,
Thanks for contacting me and for your query. The VULCAN, Made in England machine is considered one of the better toy machines. Before answering your question in full, can you tell me where the VULCAN lettering is on your machine? They made different models and therefore they are of different value. Is it a robin's egg blue or a darker blue? What color is the hand crank? Is the VULCAN lettering on the base in a yellow decal, red decal on the mid section of the machine or perhaps on the side of the top?
Thanks.
Irene
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Irene,
Thanks for such a prompt reply. The lettering is in yellow and slightly raised. VULCAN is written on the front of the machine on the overhead arm which houses the needle and carries the bobbin. "Junior" also in raised yellow lettering is on the front base area to the right under the bobbin. the machine is a mid teal blue colour and the handle is ivory attached to a silver wheel. On the box front there is a girl in a pink top holding the handle by her thumb and finger. It must actually be older than I first thought as I would have had it in the fifties sometime I think.
Kind regards
Susan
Answer Hello Susan,
Thank you for the additional information about your toy sewing machine.
Your machine was made in Poole, Dorset, England by a company by the name of Sydney S. Bird and dates to the 1950's-1960's.
If your machine is in mint condition (no paint loss, all original working parts) AND with the orginal box I would estimate that it is in the $250 - $375 range.
Hope this helps.
Irene
