Expert: Irene Schwall - 9/5/2006

Question
i have in a wooden box a "mini"or "toy" stitchwell sewing maching by the national sewing machine co, belvedere, ill and am trying to find out information on it. it is quite small with a manual turn handle.  because the label is torn i can only give the 6 middle letters "--itehwe" that is on the top of the label. i would like to sell it but am not sure if it would be worth it.
please help if you can
thanks

Answer
Hello,
It seems you have a small Stitchwell Sewing Machine and it was manufactured by the National Sewing Machine Co. Belvidere, Ill., New York and Chicago.
The National Sewing Machine Co. of Belvidere, Illinois was started under Barnabas Eldredge.  Mr. Eldrege was a very industrious fellow and he was quick to realize that it was possible to sell more of the same thing if you marketed the cast iron machine under different names and with slight variations in design.  
Montgomery Ward for instance was able to put a specific branding on the sewing machines that they ordered because of the quantity they would order.
These sewing machines vary in value and I have seen them listed in the $150 range and up to $400 depending on the name on the machine and also the condition. Having the orginal box does increase the value of your item.
Irene