Expert: Irene Schwall - 3/17/2007

Question
Hi
I am cleaning out my parent's basement and we found a so-e-ze portable electric machine.  Is this worth any money?
Thanks

Answer
Hello Stacy,
My expertise is in toy or miniature sewing machines and not domestic sewing machines. But I did an internet search and this is what I found on your machine:
" Soeze (Sew easy)August 1898 to 1905
The Soeze Vibrating shuttle machine was introduced in 1898 to compete with cheap German imports which were flooding the British market at that time.
The name was chosen in June 1898 as the result of a competition which was reported in the Sewing Machine Gazette as follows:
"An interesting competition has been in progress during the last few weeks promulgated by Messrs Bradbury and Company, Oldham. It appears they are about to introduce a new lock stitch hand machine and they have hit upon the novel idea of inviting the selection of a name for the machine by some member of the great British public, and offered a "hand sewing machine and cover" free to the person suggesting the most suitable name. We understand that the successful competitor is Mrs Clements, 21 Brown Street, Burnley, and a hand machine and cover, value £5 17s 6d, has been sent to her. The name selected is the word "Soeze" (sew easy)."
This information was researched by a Claire Sherwell of the Needlebar Group.
This machine does not appear to have much value as a collectible item I am afraid.
Enjoy your evening.
Irene