Larry and Carole Meeker

Internet
 Antique Dealers & Brokers
 

www.AntiqBuyer.com

LCM@AntiqBuyer.com

530-620-7019

Antique Toy Sewing Machine

Sales Archive

 

The Baby Grand   This machine is the first of this model that I have ever had the opportunity to sell.  I especially like the metal "ribbon" or banner-shaped plaque that is attached to the front of the machine with the manufacturer's information on it---it was made by the same company (The Metallograph Corporation of New York) that made another neat machine which also has a graphic attached logo plaque---the Martha Washington Sotoy.  This Baby is in super condition and complete with its seam guide and thread tensioning pieces.     SOLD!   

 

Smith & Egge's Little Comfort Improved Child's  Little Comfort Improved has to be one of the most sought-after of all antique American toy or children's sewing machines.  Manufactured in Bridgeport, Connecticut by the Smith & Egge Mfg. Co. and dating from the early 1900's, this this small sewing machine was produced with several different body designs including one with a rectangular body shape and another that was more rounded.  These were extremely well-made "toys" promoted as being "practical", "reliable", "economical" and "portable".  We are offering the rectangular version of this handcrank antique child's cast iron sewing machine here, in its original box, with its original instruction sheets, and in excellent condition.  Nowadays you just don't find examples in this nice condition except in long-time collections.            SOLD! 

 

Muller 20 Cast Iron Small Antique Sewing Machine   The F. W. Muller Company was one of Germany's premier toy sewing machine manufacturers.  This cast iron sewing machine, designated as their Model 20,  dates from around 1900 and is both decorative and elegant in design.  It measures about 4" x 6" at the base and is about 6 1/4" tall.  The overall condition of this example is very good with some minor crackle to the finish of the paint and vivid gold decoration.  The stitchplate, handwheel and the other unpainted metal parts had some surface rust which I have cleaned off, so they are missing nickel, darker in finish and not shiny-bright.  The needle is missing but the set screw is included.      SOLD 

 

 

Smith & Egge Automatic Antique Sewing Machine in the Box  It has been said that Mr. Egge had the reputation of being one of the best and most ingenious mechanics in the country, while Mr. Smith was active in local politics.  Together they formed a company headquartered in Bridgeport, Connecticut that manufactured, among other things, some of the finest hand sewing machines of their day.  This example is stamped with the Smith & Egge Automatic model name on a textured plate attached to the front of the machine.  Dating from right around 1900, it comes complete with its very unusual original cardboard box.  After 100 or so years the box, as would be expected, is in fragile condition.  The lid has been reinforced with tape on the inside, it is missing one side flap, and there is a fairly good size ding in it as you can see from the picture.  But the image of the Victorian-era woman operating her sewing machine while sitting in a wicker chair is absolutely charming!  The machine itself is as close to perfect as it could possibly be---I think it would rate a 10 on anyone's condition chart.  It is complete with the original clamp and tattered, though still readable, instructions.  This one is definitely special!             SOLD

 

F. W. Muller #6 Front Crank Sewing Machine in the Original Box   One of the most strikingly beautiful and ornamental sewing machines ever produced is this elaborately designed Muller No. 6.  The decoration that is cast into the body of this nickel-over-cast iron antique sewing machine is extremely detailed and is accented with gold wash highlights.  Dating from the late 1800's, this is one of the very few models to use a front crank mechanism, and the operation actually functions surprisingly smoothly.  This elegant little machine measures just 5 1/2" across the base.  Most likely this sewing machine was marketed to well-to-do ladies of the time as a "boudoir" or travel machine although it was probably also high on the wish list of young girls as well.  This example is complete with its original wooden box and on the inside of the box lid are paper instructions for the other front crank sewing machine of the F.W. Muller line.  Like many other manufacturers, Muller used the same box for several of their models, and they obviously were exporting these sewing machines to all parts of Europe as well as the US as these instructions are written in Italian!  The machine itself retains nearly all of its gold highlights and is extremely bright and shiny.  The stitchplate is clearly marked "Muller 6 Kinder-Nahmaschine".  This one is an absolute showpiece!!           SOLD!

 

 

Cupid Toy Treadle Child's Sewing Machine   They say every little girl wanted her own treadle sewing machine just like her Mom's, but few were lucky or wealthy enough to have their wish granted!  The child who owned this toy treadle probably had no idea that 100 years later antique sewing machine collectors would still be wishing for her beautiful little machine!  Manufactured by The Cupid Mfg. Co. of Chicago, IL this cast iron machine is one of the least frequently found of the toy treadles.  The machine head features colorful decals of two different Cupid figurines on the front and back in  nice condition.  The oak tabletop is original and has been refinished to a rich golden color.  It features a little drawer that opens and closes and a drop-leaf end.  The treadle stand is wrought iron and was powder coated in a rich, thick, black enamel finish.  This example is a showpiece!            SOLD!

 

Bavarian Skeleton Sewing Machine  We bought this rare version of a Bavarian sewing machine here in California a few years back at an Antique Street Fair that we do not even bother going to anymore because it has gotten to be so bad.  This particular show had 400 or more dealers a few years ago but has fallen off to the point where the crafts dealers and food vendors now outnumber the antique dealers.  Sad but true, and contrary to the spin or hype that the promoters of such things put out for the public's consumption, I am afraid that these venue's days are numbered as a source for anything more significant then the shabby-chic white stuff that seems to be permeating the shows here in CA.  This style of machine also comes in a version with an integral clamp but this model is far less common, and very few are known and even less come on the market for sale.      SOLD!

 

Unusual Small French Sewing Machine  This fragile antique sewing machine measures only 6" or so in length and is almost certainly French in origin, dating from the 1870's-90's.  It strongly resembles several of those "Made in France" sewing machines shown in Glenda Thomas's second book of vintage and miniature toy sewing machines, but it is yet another variation, the exact one of which is not pictured.  This machine is nickel plated and the casting is extremely delicate.  Unusual features include a built-in folding clamp, double spool pins, and an extremely unusual horizontal rather than vertical thread looper on the underside of the base.     SOLD!

 

Special Note:  We have many other sewing machines, including more Featherweights available for sale on our sister site www.patented-antiques.com.   Please take a look if interested. 

  Note:  To see more sales results we have had over the years visit the Past Sales Archives on our sister site www.Patented-Antiques.com

BACK