This is just a sample of the many
antique toy sewing machines we have sold.
Click link to see other
Past Sales Archive Pages on this Site.
We Buy Quality Antiques
Contact Us at
AntiqBuyer@gmail.com
Special Note Concerning Prices Seen Below:
Most prices seen reflect actual sale results from this website.
Prices seen
span a long period of time and may not reflect current values. Some
are selling for more, many now sell for less.
On some pieces you will see no price, or a price range,
with or without an explanation. The reasons for that are discussed on the FAQ page.
Our current offering of Antique Toy Sewing Machines for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.
Stitchwell
/ National Sewing Machine Co. Variant Collection
The National Sewing Machine Co. of Belvidere,
Illinois was the brainchild of a fellow named Barnabas Eldredge. Like
other shrewd entrepreneurs of his day, he seemed to catch on quickly to the
notion that you could sell more of the same thing if you marketed that thing
with different
names and with slight variations in the design, making for a toy sewing machine collector's
dream! All of these cast iron machines feature geared handwheels but there
are several variations in design. The standard name on these machines was "Stitchwell" but
you could apparently order a machine that was personalized for an individual,
and several ingenious department stores jumped on the advertising and promotional
bandwagon and had machines personalized with their company or other names.
There are many more to be found but here are
five different variations we are offering for sale to get you well on your way
.
All are in excellent condition, four of the five are in their original boxes,
and original instructions and clamps are included with several as well.
Excellent . . . .$1595.00 / Lot SOLD
Stitchwell TSM / Toy Sewing Machine Marked Duquesne
Fine condition and the only one w/ this name I have
ever seen.Excellent . . . .$295.00 SOLD
Stitchwell TSM / Toy Sewing Machine Marked Eldridge
Fine condition and one not seen very often.Excellent . . . .$175.00 SOLD
Stitchwell TSM / Toy Sewing Machine Marked Wanamaker
Fine condition and one not seen very often.Excellent . . . .$375.00 SOLD
Stitchwell
"My Lady" TSM Toy Sewing Machine in Original
Box As nice as one could ask for. Different, and nice!!
Fine . . . . . . .$495.00 SOLD!
Busy
Bee / Stitchwell TSM Toy Sewing Machine
Different, and nice!!
Fine . . . . . . .$195.00 SOLD!
Stitchwell
"Little Lady" TSM Toy Sewing Machine in Suitcase Box I have never seen a
Stitchwell / Little Lady before, and I have never seen any National Sewing
Machine Co. TSM by any name in a suitcase box like this one. I am not sure
if it is factory, or owner built by some little girl's dad back when she first
got it in the 20's or so. The machine is carefully and well mounted to a
piece of oak that perfectly fits into the box. The box is outfitted with
an area for spools and a box for accessories. Very different, and nice!!
Fine . . . . . . .$395.00 SOLD!
"Senorita"
Patented Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine
The Senorita is one of the rarest of all child size
patented sewing machines. This is the only one I have ever seen, and
there is not one pictured in either of Glenda Thomas's books on sewing
machines.There is a reference to one in Thomas's second book in an ad for the "Cupid" sewing machine, another rare machine that also hailed from Chicago. That ad refers to the A. M. Crane co as a distributer for the Cupid Mfg.. Co. but this machine is marked Patented and A. M. Crane Mfg. so there is research to be done to figure out exactly what the relationship is between these two machines, and names. The ad indicates that this machine was being marketed towards invalids who were not able to use treadle sewing machines, and that it was a high gear rapid stitcher, the equal to any other machine costing $60.00 or more. Marketing at its finest. The sole reference I could find using Google gave the date as approx 1901 but there was no other info than a line listing.
The condition of this "Senorita" sewing machine fabulous. The black japanned finish is excellent, as are the colorful gold decals running up the column on both sides. The manufactures name and patent info are on the base under the sew plate.
Fine . . . . . . .$975.00 SOLD!
Rare
Spenser Sewing Machine with Auxiliary Crank
It is not often that this machine is found
complete with its auxiliary speed mechanism. It is a geared affair that
attaches to the base of the machine and efficiently converts one turn of the
geared wheel into about three revolutions of the inner handcrank. The machine
itself is marked with the Spenser name, denoting the Boston, MA firm, as well
as with several patent dates. The condition of the black paint is good
although slightly dull in finish. The metalwork is darkened a bit, showing
some loss of nickel. The speed attachment base has had a professional
repair which is hardly discernable, right at the skinniest portion of the base.
It was silver soldered / welded to be as strong as new, and then carefully finished
smooth and repainted. The solid gear wheel of the auxiliary mechanism
is marked "Pat. Apl'd For". This piece is priced to account for the one
apology---it's a rare one!
Good . . . . .$675.00 SOLD
Antique Smith
& Egge Automatic Toy Sewing Machine / TSM in the Box
It is complete with the
original clamp. Very nice!!!
Excellent . . . . .$375.00 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!
Excellent . . . . .$450.00 SOLD
F
& W Reliable Cast Iron Sewing Machine
This unusual Foley & Williams sewing machine was marketed as a machine that
was reliable enough to be used by adults, yet small enough to be used by children.
It is the version with the geared handwheel rather than the simple cam-type
hand crank. This example shows some nickel loss and a bit of paint loss
on the base, but the floral decoration and the Reliable decal are good.
The tension assembly and the spool pin have been professionally remade by The
Watkins with the same precision as the originals.
Good . . . . .$225.00 SOLD
F
& W Reliable Cast Iron Sewing Machine in Original Box
This unusual Foley & Williams sewing machine was marketed as a machine that
was reliable enough to be used by adults, yet small enough to be used by children.
It is the version with the geared handwheel rather than the simple cam-type
hand crank. This example shows some nickel loss and a bit of paint loss
on the base, but the floral decoration and the Reliable decal are good.
The tension assembly and the spool pin have been professionally remade by The
Watkins with the same precision as the originals.
Good . . . . .$375.00 SOLD
American
"Baby" Antique Toy Sewing Machine
This small
cast iron toy sewing machine is a favorite among collectors. The word
"Baby" is clearly stamped on the stitch plate along with patent dates from 1882,
1883, and 1894. The presser foot on this machine is very distinctive with
its curled up edges meant as a patented feature to protect little fingers.
This example is complete with the needle and ready to display.
Excellent . . . . .$195.00 SOLD
Little
Comfort Improved Hand Sewing Machine in Box
The Smith & Egge Co. of Bridgeport, CT made several
versions of their "Little Comfort" sewing machine. Their "Improved" model
featured a geared handwheel rather than the chain-drive or the direct-drive
versions of their other machines. This is a really well-designed, well-built,
sturdy little machine. It measures only about 7" tall but with it's oversized
base for stability it is quite a bit heavier than many of the other cast iron
"toy" machines. It was no doubt marketed as a "real" working machine capable
of doing all sorts of mending jobs by adults as well as being a first machine
for young girls. Note the interesting spool pin which requires that you
push down on the spring-loaded mechanism to release it from the locked position
in order to insert the spool of thread. It also has a complex tensioner
that is activated by the up-and-down motion of the upper arm as the machine
is cranked. The stitch plate is marked with the Little Comfort name on
the angled front edge as well as with the patent dates of 1896 and 1897.
This example is complete with the seam guide, the needle, the clamp, and a very
tattered cardboard box. And although the metal work on a portion of the
stitch plate and one spot on the hand wheel show some loss of nickel plating and
a little texture, the rest of the metal parts are bright and shiny original
nickel, and the black paint on the body is excellent, so overall it displays
well.
Good + . . . . .$395.00 SOLD
F
& W Automatic Cast Iron Antique Sewing Machine
This machine, produced by the Foley and Williams Co. of Chicago, dates from
just before the turn of the 20th century. At first glance you will notice
a similarity in the design of the rounded double upper arm to that of the popular
Wilcox and Gibbs sewing machine. But the F & W is a significantly smaller
sewing machine, marketed both as a child's machine and for family mending, and
unlike the Wilcox and Gibbs the F & W was produced for just a short period of
time. This example is in nice condition with pretty gold and red decoration.
As with many of this model machine, the spool pin is missing but replacements
are available. The groove in the gearwheel suggests that the machine was
made to be run either by hand or hooked up to a belt or treadle. This
one will display nicely amongst your other Victorian-era sewing machines!
Very Good . . . . .$275.00 SOLD
Smith
& Egge "Cordova" Chain Drive Cast Iron Sewing Machine
Very few chain-driven sewing machines were manufactured no doubt due to the
higher cost of manufacture. You occasionally find them marked "Smith &
Egge Automatic" and sometimes marked as "Little Comfort", but seldom found or
offered for sale is the version labeled with the "Cordova" nameplate.
There is no question that this machine was one of the Smith & Egge variations---aside
from the obvious resemblance it is clearly stamped with the manufacturer's name
and patent information on the stitchplate. This example is in excellent
original condition with shiny black paint and bright metal parts showing no
rust or corrosion. This antique sewing machine dates from around 1897
so it is remarkable to see one of these hard-to-find models in such outstanding
condition. It is definitely a top-shelf item you'll be proud to show off!
Excellent . . . . .$375.00 SOLD
American
Gem Sewing Machine w/ Speed Enhancer This is a
great looking, and very hard to find antique child size sewing
machine. The overall condition is good +. The black japanned finish is
nice with minor losses at the base and along the edges. The typical American Gem cast iron sewing machine has a interesting design base that was meant to resemble a real treadle stand. It is unique among toy sewing machines in this respect, and this design sewing machine is a favorite with toy sewing machine collectors and collectors of early full-size machines as well. It is approx 6" across the legs, and stands about 9" tall. This one has the doubly hard to find speed enhancer built into the design.
The sewing plate on this example is marked "Pat. Apld For", and in both of the references on sewing machines I have there is no information on the actual maker or any further patent information. I would estimate this machine to date from the 1880's or so from the look and decoration. It sews a simple chain stitch like other early machines from this era, and a special note should be made that it has oil or lubrication holes at the important bearing points, a feature that would indicate this machine was also marketed as a small working machine for seamstresses and not a simple toy.
This sewing machine is all-original with no breaks or cracks in the casting and it has not been touched up or restored. This early sewing machine is sure to be a standout in any sewing machine collection! And a really fine addition of Americana for your collection!
Very Good . . . . . . . .$1750.00 SOLD!
American
Gem Sewing Machine w/ Speed Enhancer, and Original Wooden Base w Advertising
This is a great looking, and very hard to find
antique sewing machine. The overall condition is the best i have ever seen
or had for this machine. This is the second time i have offered this
machine for sale. Over 20 years ago I first saw this machine in a
window at a place we were buying a iron stove along the shore of Mass near
Boston. We expressed interest, and although were originally told it
was not for sale a strong offer changed the owners mind. We sold it to
a dealer collector shortly after for a premium because of the condition and
base. It was sold again, and then sat in a collection for close to 20
years before we took it on consignment to sell for the widower of the last
collector. And so the circle continues. The black japanned finish is super nice with just minor losses. The white and yellow Daisy flower decoration running around the perimeter, up the arm, and in the center of the sewing table is near perfect. Over the years we have seen quite a few of these sewing machines and the decoration on almost all has been different on each machine, indicating they were hand-done. Some have birds, others have red, green and gold grape-like vines, but this example w/ daisy decoration is certainly one of the nicest and most elaborate flower motifs we have seen
The American Gem cast iron sewing machine has a interesting design base that was meant to resemble a real treadle sewing machine stand. It is unique among toy sewing machines in this respect, and this design sewing machine is a favorite with toy sewing machine collectors and collectors of early full-size machines as well. It is approx 6" across the legs, and stands about 9" tall. The condition of the original wood base is exceptional, and there has never been one seen or found this nice. The two references on toy sewing machines picture this type of sewing machine, but they have no info on the maker or location. All of that info is clearly stenciled on the base under this machine. The condition is fabulous!!
The sewing plate on this example is marked "Pat. Apld For", and in both of the references on sewing machines I have there is no information on the actual maker or any further patent information. I would estimate this machine to date from the 1880's or so from the look and decoration. It sews a simple chain stitch like other early machines from this era, and a special note should be made that it has oil or lubrication holes at the important bearing points, a feature that would indicate this machine was also marketed as a small working machine for seamstresses and not a simple toy. These machines are found in two different styles with the more common version not having the speed enhancing second large wheel that this one does. I would say that the models with the speed enhancer are at least 10 times harder to find, and again, never has one been found with this nice a base.
This sewing machine is all-original with no breaks or cracks in the casting and it has not been touched up or restored. This early sewing machine is sure to be a standout in any sewing machine collection! And a really fine addition of Americana for your collection!
Fine + . . . . . . .$2750.00 SOLD!
Peerless
Automatic Antique Cast Iron Sewing Machine
When it comes to marketing and advertising it seems that the more things change,
the more they stay the same! The Smith & Egge Manufacturing Co. of Bridgeport,
CT, like so many of its other competitors of the day, made several variations
of the same basic sewing machine, giving each variation a different and very
carefully chosen model name that was sure to inspire confidence in the buying
public. The "Peerless" is one you don't find very often. The basic
difference between this model and the more typical Smith & Egge models that
you see is that the name is cast into the base rather than stamped on an applied
steel plate. This example is in really nice condition and although the
accompanying wooden box is missing the lid and has had some repair to the bottom,
it did its job of protecting the machine for the last hundred or so years.
There are original instructions included though they are just a bit tattered.
Not one that comes along very often!Excellent . . . . .$275.00 SOLD
Peerless
Automatic Antique Cast Iron Sewing Machine w/ box & Instructions
This example is in really nice condition w/ wooden box
and instructions.
Not one that comes along very often!Excellent . . . . .$375.00 SOLD
Little
Comfort Chain Drive Sewing Machine
Not a lot of these chain-driven cast iron machines were produced, as most
manufacturers of the little cast iron machines took the cheaper route of designing
simpler, less costly drive mechanisms. These small machines were marketed
as real machines to be used by adults for mending work as well as toys to inspire
young girls learning to sew. This example operates flawlessly and is in
excellent condition. The black paint is shiny and clean and the metalwork
is bright and shiny with no rust. if you are looking for an example that
is close to perfect this is it!
Excellent . . . . .$275.00 SOLD
"The
Pansy" Integral Clamp Sewing Machine
This vintage sewing machine, the Pansy, is
the only type I can think of that has its name in cutout letters in the cast
iron frame work. In addition to having the built in or integral clamp, this
machine, with its cutout name in the frame, has special meaning for us because
of these two features combined. We buy all sorts of cast iron antiques
and vintage collectibles that have this "cutout" characteristic---tools, wrenches,
a sausage stuffer, latch rug machines, trivets, eggbeaters, etc. This
is an extremely rare model sewing machine and one of the few that we have ever
seen.
Excellent . . . . .$1275.00 SOLD
Goodes
Patent Toy Sewing Machine
On March 19, 1872 Ebenezer A. Goodes
was granted a patent on what he called "a new and useful toy sewing machine".
This is considered to be one of the very earliest American toy sewing machines
made, and old Ebenezer was rightfully proud of his accomplishment, prominently
stamping the patent date within a star-studded patriotic shield right in the
center of the stitchplate. This is a great looking sewing machine because
of its diminutive size and delicate, graceful lines. It is ingeniously
simple in mechanics, utilizing a cam and the simple revolving motion of the
handwheel to impart back-and-forth motion to the thread looper, while the "walking"
needle accomplishes the task of fabric transport. The condition of this
example is everything we could have ever hoped for!
Excellent . . . . .$975.00 SOLD
"Midget" Toy / Travel Size
/ Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine
The "Midget"
TSM is a well known early toy or travel size sewing machine.
The condition of this machine is very nice. It is hard to find them in
this nice condition, and harder again to find them in their original box. The body decoration is
Calla Lilies and this variation is very rare compared to the typical vines
and berries you usually see. I have had or seen many other
Midgets and similar machines made by Foley & Williams, but this is only the second
or third one
of these with this style decoration that I recall seeing in all those
years.
Very Good . . . . .375.00 SOLD!
"Little
Comfort Improved" Toy / Travel Size
/ Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine
The "Little Comfort Improved"
TSM is a well known early toy or travel size sewing machine. It was made by the Smith & Egge
Co. There are several variations or versions of this machine, including a
chain drive model, one with a rounded body, the square bodied version, and more.
There is patent info on the stitch plate.The condition if this example is nice with 95% of the original finish intact. These machines can be found in lesser condition pretty regularly, but do not turn up in this condition very often. A nice example to add to the collection.
Very Good . . . . .$225.00 SOLD!
John
Wannamaker / Smith & Egge Sewing Machine w/ Original Box
John Wannamaker was the name of a large department
store with branches located in NY and Phila. They sold a complete line of goods
including toys. They were big enough a buyer that they were able to get
Smith & Egge to make them up their own name plaque for the front of an otherwise
standard Smith & Egge Sewing Machine.The overall condition is very nice noting just some minor spots of rust that will clean. The box has no lid or label. The clamp is here as are the instructions that as can be seen are in a fragile state of decay. This is a pretty hard to find machine that only turns up occasionally.
Good + . . . . . . .$495.00 SOLD!
Smith & Egge
TSM Toy Sewing Machine Marked John Wannamaker w/ Original Box
John Wannamaker was the name of a large department
store with branches located in NY and Phila. They sold a complete line of goods
including toys. They were big enough a buyer that they were able to get
Smith & Egge to make them up their own name plaque for the front of an otherwise
standard Smith & Egge Sewing Machine.The overall condition is very nice. The clamp is here as are the instructions. This is a pretty hard to find machine that only turns up occasionally.
Fine . . . . . . .$450.00 SOLD!
SOEZY
TSM / Toy Sewing Machine
The overall condition is very nice. This is a hard to
find and unusual integral clamp sewing machine. It looks earlier
than it is and the patent was from the teens, a time much later than
other similar looking machines. I imagine that explains their
relative scarcity.
Fine . . . . . . .$1275.00 SOLD!
Midget
TSM / Toy Sewing Machine in Original Box
The overall condition is very nice.
Fine . . . . . . .$395.00 SOLD!
This is just a sample of the many
antique Toy Sewing Machines we have sold.
Click link to see other
Sales Archive Pages on this Site.
We Buy Quality Antiques
Contact Us at
AntiqBuyer@gmail.com
Our current offering of Antique Toy Sewing Machines for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.
This website is Copyrighted
Larry & Carole Meeker