Antique & Vintage
American Cast Iron Toy Sewing Machines

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.

SPECIAL NOTE:
 Antique Toy Sewing Machines currently offered for sale are at our sister Website www.Patented-Antiques.com.

Foley & Williams Midget Toy Sewing Machine / TSM in Unusual Copper Flash Finish  This is a rare variation of a hard to find small antique toy sewing machine. The condition is excellent and it is in the original box.  The one apology is the missing spool pin which is an easy fix.  The copper flash finish this machine is finished in is original and a rare variant.  It dates from right around the turn of the century give or take a few years.

To put the finish of this machine into some perspective, 95% or so of these machines are found decorated with the typical vine and berry decals one usually sees.  A quick look at ebay past results shows a 1/2 dozen or more all in that finish.  A few more are found with a much harder to find Cali Lily type decal finish.   One of those machines can be seen in the past sale archives of TSM machines we have sold on our sister website www.AntiqBuyer.com.  I have only seen a couple machines in that Cali Lily finish and probably 100 or more of the standard vine & berry decoration.  This is the only example with this copper flash finish I have ever seen or had.   Different and nice!!

Fine . . . . . . . $395.00    SOLD!!

Baby Cast Iron TSM / Toy Sewing Machine  This small cast iron antique travel or child size toy sewing machine dates from right around the turn of the century.  They use to be advertised for sale in Montgomery Wards Catalogs from just before 1900.  It is complete with its clamp.  The sew plate is marked with the name and patent info. The overall condition is nice and it will clean to be much nicer.  Very cute!!

Good + . . . . . . . $150.00     SOLD!

Smith & Egge Little Comfort Improved Cast Iron TSM / Toy Sewing Machine  This small cast iron antique travel or child size toy sewing machine dates from right around the turn of the century.   It is complete with its clamp.  The sew plate is marked with the name and patent info. The overall condition is nice and it will clean to be nicer.  A good one!!

Good + . . . . . . . $175.00     SOLD!

"The White House" TSM / Toy Sewing Machine  This style toy sewing machine is usually found marked with the name "Stitchwell".  They date from the 20's or so and were produced by the National Sewing Machine Co. out of Belvedere, IL. They can be found with a number of different names, and we have had a lot of them over the years, but this is the first marked The White House we have seen or found.  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 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.  This idea has lead to a toy sewing machine collector's dream!

The cosmetic condition of this unusual sewing machine is very good with nearly all the original finish and floral decoration remaining on the upper portions. The sew plate has been polished.  The other nickeled metal parts are bright and shiny.  It has its original needle. Note that the drive wheel is cast with a groove so this machine could be set up on a treadle base.  The stands this type machine are found on are wooden and done Mission style.  Different, Rare, and Nice!!

Very Good . . . . . . . $225.00     SOLD!

"Pony" Child Size Antique Sewing Machine  The Pony TSM Sewing Machine is one of the harder to find "Round" TSM / Toy sewing Machines that was produced back around the turn of the century.  It is thought to have been made by Foley & Williams.

The cosmetic condition of this unusual sewing machine is great with nearly all the original finish and floral decoration remaining on the upper portions. The sew plate is marked Patented.  The nickeled metal parts are bright and shiny.  There are minor losses to the paint on the wooden base from the spring clamp used to hold it to the table.  This machine can be found with either a round, or like this with a  square base.

In most other round sewing machines found, like the Triumph or Practical, the upper portion or body of the sewing machine is made of wood, while this Pony TSM is made of metal.  The Tourist is another rare TSM sewing machine with a more oval shaped body metal body.  This wonderful example of a toy sewing machine has never been cleaned or re-habbed and is all original.    Different, Rare, and Nice!!

Fine . . . . . . . SOLD!!

Smith & Egge Peerless Automatic Toy Sewing Machine / TSM  The overall condition is very nice noting some nickel loss on the sew plate.  This sewing machine is one of the many different machines made by the Smith & Egge Co of Bridgeport Ct. back near the turn of the century.  They also made machines like the Little Comfort, Smith & Egge Automatic, and others.  All sewed a basic one thread chain stitch.   The sew plate is marked with two patent dates.  This machine can be found with the name cast into or as part of the casting near the bottom, or with a small plate with the name stamped into it.    Different and nice!!

Good + . . . . . . . $225.00    SOLD!

Electric Model 20 Singer TSM / Toy Sewing Machine  The electric model Singer 20 is a hard to find TSM.  This one is in very nice cosmetic condition.  Most are, as I do not think they actually performed well for the child user, and most were relegated to the closet for safe keeping.  It runs well, and the cord looks to be a newer replacement.  It even has the shield to cover the exposed moving parts to drive it.  It is in nice overall condition.

Good + . . . . . . . $195.00     SOLD!

Stitchwell TSM / Toy Sewing Machine in Box  This cast iron Stitchwell TSM / Toy Sewing Machine is in very nice condition.  The sew plate is marked with the makers name National Sewing Machine Co. of Belvedere Ill.  Complete with box clamp and screwdriver.  The Stitchwell is one of the few American made TSM in cast iron.  They were well made.  Note that this example has a grooved wheel and could be adapted to a treadle.  Nice

Good + . . . . . . . $175.00     SOLD!

Busy Bee (Stitchwell by National) Toy Sewing Machine in Original Box  The condition is very nice. This toy machine is one of the several variants of the well known Stitchwell TSM but much harder to find. It includes the original box, clamp instructions, and more. Different and nice!!

Fine + . . . . . . . $250.00     SOLD!

Little Comfort TSM Toy / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine  This little sewing machine was made by Smith & Egge.  The condition is very good.     

Excellent . . . . .$250.00       SOLD!!

Little Comfort TSM Toy / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine  This little sewing machine was made by Smith & Egge.  The condition is very good.  They are hard to find in the box.

Excellent . . . . .$450.00        SOLD!!

The Pony Cast Iron Round Sewing Machine  This small sewing machine at first glance looks to be the same as the round wooden Triumph-type machines, however the body of this model is all cast iron, and this version is much harder to find.  It is only the second example I have ever owned---the story of the first one is good for a laugh.  Larry saw it in the window of an antique shop in Hudson, NY with a price tag of $100 on it.  Next to this rare machine was an ordinary Singer Model 20 with the same price on it. The only problem was that it was a Monday and the shops were all closed.  The next morning I raced back to the shop to be sure to be there when the doors opened lest someone else get to it first.  I was delayed a bit along the way when I was pulled over by highway patrol for speeding, and the resulting ticket and hike in my car insurance ended up costing me quite a bit more than the machine.  Regrettably, I sold that machine to another collector who later had the nerve to complain to me that it wasn't in quite as good condition as she would have liked it to be---but she also wouldn't take up my offer to sell it back to me.  I guess the good stuff is worth waiting for because this example came to me complete with the original box and clamp, and although it cost me substantially more than the first one I still feel lucky to have had second chance!

Excellent . . . . .$1250.00      SOLD!!

The Tourist Sewing Machine This super rare and super condition sewing machine is the first example of a Tourist we have ever had the opportunity to own, and it took a complicated and lengthy trade negotiation to accomplish it. The condition is second to none.

Excellent . . . . .$         SOLD!!

Small "Linnea" Antique Sewing Machine  The "Linnea" sewing machine was manufactured in Chicago, Illinois by Bergbom & Roberg and I imagine it must have been named for the daughter or wife of one of the company's bigwigs!  It is a lovely small handcrank machine that dates from the 1920's, and it is one that is not very frequently found.  The most distinctive feature of this antique machine is its elegant footed base outfitted with a little wooden and tin drawer for holding thread and accessories.  I have only had this machine twice in the past, and both times the drawer was either missing or had been re-made.  This example is complete with the original drawer.  Overall the condition is very good, although there is some loss to the gold decals and some have turned silvery from cleaning.  But it still looks great and retains over 80% of it's original paint and decoration.

Good . . . . .$850.00      SOLD

Spenser Patented Sewing Machine w/ Original Box The Spenser Sewing Machine Co. hailed from Boston, MA and New York, NY.  They referred to this as their "Automatic Hand Sewing Machine".  It carries patent dates from 1900, 1901, and 1902 and is extremely well-made.  Being fairly complex in design, while measuring just 9" tall, it was obviously meant to pose serious competition to other small sewing machines of the day.  This example is in excellent condition and complete with its original wooden box.  The label on the box proclaims it to be "The sewing machine for summer sewing.  It is just the machine to take to the seashore, country, or mountains."  We have had this machine several times in the past but this is the first example we have seen with it's original box.  The original clamp is there as well as auxiliary tension discs, a somewhat tattered instruction sheet, and extra needles.  How often do you see those??  Ads for this machine have been found in old Harper's magazines and offering it for the price of $10.00 at the same time that smaller cast iron toy machines cost $5.00 or less, so we can assume that this would be a far rarer machine than many of those cheaper and more commonly bought models.  A top shelf collector piece!

Excellent . . . . . . .$550.00       SOLD!

French "Baby"  Toy / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine in Original Box  This is a very unusual variation.  This American Baby sewing machine was made for export to France, and they made a special box for it, and instructions in French to accompany it.  It is something I have never seen in over 20 years of dealing in these machines.  Highly recommend!

Very Good . . . . .$575.00      SOLD!

Smith & Egge Automatic Chain Drive Toy / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine in Original Box  Chain drive versions of these small sewing machines are far harder to find than the standard models.  Although the cardboard box has seen better days the machine itself is nearly pristine. There is patent info on the stitch plate, and the name on the plaque at the bottom.  A nice machine!

Very Good . . . . .$450.00       SOLD!

"Little Comfort Improved" Toy / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine w/ Original Box  The "Little Comfort Improved" TSM is a well known early toy or travel size sewing machine. This one is in its original colorful red cardboard box.  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, this square bodied version, and more.  From reading the info on this box we learn that over 50,000 were made.  These can be found with different numbers on the boxes, and some have the price of $2.00 or $2.50 as well.

The condition of this example is super with over 95% of the original finish intact.  The box is pretty nice for something made of cardboard that is over 100 years old.  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 . . . . .$450.00       SOLD!

American Gem Sewing Machine / Toy Sewing Machine / TSM   This is a great looking and very hard to find antique toy sewing machine / TSM.  The overall condition of this example is very nice.  These machines can also be found marked "Gem", as this one is, or "American Gem".  The cast iron base was designed to resemble a real treadle sewing machine stand. It is unique among toy sewing machines in this respect, and this design is a favorite with toy sewing machine collectors and collectors of early full-size machines as well.

The black japanned finish is super nice with just minor losses and crazing.  The bird decoration on the sewing table is unusual and very nice.  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 or yellow daisy decorations.  It is approx 6" across the legs, and stands just 9" tall.

The two references on toy sewing machines picture this type of sewing machine, but they have no info on the actual maker.  The sewing plate on this example is marked "Pat. Apld For".  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 just 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 toy sewing machine is sure to be a standout in any sewing machine collection, or a really fine addition for the early Americana collection!  Recommended!!

Good +. . . . . . .$1450.00       SOLD!

American Gem Toy Sewing Machine / TSM   This is a great looking, and very hard to find antique toy sewing machine.   It is approx. 6" across the legs, and stands about 9" tall without the base. The overall condition is very nice noting some yellowing of the clear coat finish over the daisy decoration / decals.  The black japanned finish is nice with just minor losses. 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.  This unusual design sewing machine is a favorite with toy sewing machine collectors and collectors of early full-size machines as well. The two references on toy sewing machines by Thomas picture this type of sewing machine, but they have no info on the maker or location.  I once had this machine with the same decoration on its original base w/ advertising giving the proper name, American B H O Sewing Machine Co and PA location.  You can see that machine in the sales archives at www.AntiqBuyer.com.

The sew plate on this example is marked "Pat. Apld For". 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.   It does have 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 other having a speed enhancing second large wheel.  This sewing machine is all-original with no breaks or cracks in the casting and it has not been touched up or restored. It is sure to be a standout in any sewing machine collection and a really fine addition for your collection!  Very nice!!

Good +  . . . . . . . $895.00      SOLD!!

Stitchwell Cast Iron Toy Sewing Machine / TSM w/ Box    The condition is exceptional.  This is the version with maker info stamped into the sew plate. It includes the instruction sheet, and the clamp.   They do not come any better than this.  A nice machine! 

Fine + . . . . . .$295.00       SOLD!

Secor FAIRY Small Child-Size / Travel Size Antique Sewing Machine / TSM  This wonderful child size sewing machine was made by the Secor Sewing Machine Co. of  Bridgeport CT.   They were an early manufacturer of both full size and travel size sewing machines.  The small cast iron Fairy sewing machine shown here is in near mint unused condition.  It is a very rare sewing machine, and especially so in this condition.  Glenda Thomas says it was not sold as a toy, but rather as a working travel machine in her book on sewing machines. 

This rare sewing machine retains well over 90% of its original varnish like japanned finish on the body.  The sewing plate which is cast iron and part of the main casting still has most of the nickel plating on it. The original and correct needle is present. The sheath it rides in is flawless   The only place these machines are marked is on the top of the round cast iron frame with the name spelled out in bold letters FAIRY.

We have only had this machine a couple times in over 30 years of looking.  We have never seen a nicer condition example.  Opportunity!!

Excellent . . . . .$1450.00      SOLD!!

Hancock Patent Child-Size / Travel Size Antique Sewing Machine / TSM  This is a super condition example of this early and rare sewing machine.  This was a later c1870's "Improved" model and the sew plate is stamped with three different patent dates.  I believe that the last one is for the folding spool pin this one has.  Earlier versions had a fixed one. 

This rare sewing machine retains well over 90% of its original japanning and red highlights. The sewing plate is brass and has 3 dates.  The hooker or loop former is below the plate.  There is no needle. We have only had this machine a few times in over 30 years of looking.   Opportunity!!

Excellent . . . . .$1750.00         SOLD!!

Hancock & Lake Patent Child-Size / Travel Size Antique Sewing Machines  On the left is a Lake Patent and this is a super condition example of this early and rare sewing machine.  It is similar to the Hancock but slightly different and a bit bigger.. 

On the right is an early  Hancock that retains well over 90% of its original japanning and highlights. Nice!!

Excellent . . . . .$1750.00       SOLD!!

Excellent . . . . .$1750.00         SOLD!!

Little Comfort Chain Drive Cast Iron Toy Sewing Machine / TSM    This patented TSM / Travel type sewing machine is in very nice condition showing just minimal wear.  This was another American sewing machine that was offered as both a user for travel and also as a toy for the child.  Complete with original box and clamp.  Nice.

Fine. . . . . . ..$395.00       SOLD!

Spenser "Automatic Hand Sewing Machine"   The Spenser Sewing Machine comes in a few different configurations.  The patents were taken out in the early 1900's and it looks like it was meant to be competition for the well known and more common Wilcox & Gibbs that was all the rage about this time.  This is the larger more complicated model they offered.  Ads for it have been found and they offered it as a real machine in magazines like Harpers for the price of $10.00 at the same time that smaller cast iron toy machines cost $5.00 or less, so we can assume that this would be a far rarer machine than many of those cheaper and more commonly bought models.  

There is a lot of the information about the patents on the stitch plate. 

The condition of this machine is excellent with nearly all the original black paint remaining and no rust or corrosion to the metal parts.  An interesting machine you do not find every day.

Excellent . . . . ..$450.00        SOLD!!

Stitchwell TSM / Toy Sewing Machine w/ Box   The condition is nice and it includes the original box.  

Fine  . . . . . . ..$295.00           SOLD!

"Spenser"  Travel Size / Child-Size "TSM" Antique Sewing Machine w/ Speed Enhancer  The Spenser Sewing Machine Co. hailed from Boston, MA and New York, NY.  They referred to this machine as their "Automatic Hand Sewing Machine".  It carries several patent dates from 1900, 1901, and 1902 and is an extremely well-made little sewing machine.  It comes complete with the rare speed enhancer that was offered as an accessory, and a number of attachments and original instructions all mounted on boards for display. 

We had another of these in the box, that had phrases like "The sewing machine for summer sewing.  It is just the machine to take to the seashore, country, or mountains" on the label.  Ads for this machine have been found in old Harper's magazines, where it was offered for the price of $10.00 at the same time that smaller cast iron toy machines cost $5.00 or less, so we can assume that this would be a far rarer machine than many of those cheaper and more commonly bought models.  One of the original ads here shows that at one point they were asking $15.00 for this machine, but that it was now on sale. 

This machine is in fine condition.  It has just minimal wear on the sew plate.  Note that there is a second smaller one on one of the boards. There is minor paint loss to the base where the clamp would attach it to the table.  The sped enhancer makes this run twice the normal speed  A rare machine in exceptional condition  A top shelf collector piece!  

Fine . . . . ..$595.00       SOLD!

Triumph Patented Toy Sewing Machine / TSM  The overall condition is very nice.  This scarce toy sewing machine features one of the most unusual and graphic designs for a sewing machine that was ever thought up!  These machines are believed to have been manufactured by the Foley & Williams Co.  It dates from around the turn of the century or a bit later.  The only mark on it is the stamp Patent on the stitch plate.

The unusual round body is all wood with a metal backing plate to add strength. The body was designed with a small section of the frame that could be removed after pulling a pin  to allow the fabric to pass through while sewing. That small piece and original pin are present.  These machines are seldom found and rarely offered for sale, and because of their age, design and material they are generally found broken, incomplete and in well worn condition. This examples base has been remade and looks great.  Even the decal is a correct representation.   The rest of the machine is 100% complete with all of it's original parts. The paint and all other decals are original. You will be proud to display this fine example along with your other "top-shelf" small sewing machines.  Different and nice!!

Good + . . . . . . ..$1295.00        SOLD!!

Smith & Egge Toy / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine  The Smith & Egge TSM is a well known early toy or travel size sewing machine that dates from near the turn of the century.  The condition of this TSM sewing machine is very nice.  These were marketed as toys, travel sewing machines, and as full use sewing machines at different times.  As with other things marketed too heavily, it was not the perfect piece for any role, but at $1.00 or $2.00 it must have appealed to the consumer and a lot of them were made and sold.  An amazing number of this style sewing machine turn up in their original boxes attesting to how little they were used.    A nice example in the box, with clamp.  Ready to display.   

Excellent . . . . ..$395.00       SOLD!!

"Midget" Toy / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine  This example of a F&W Midget TSM shows some wear to the decorations,  but overall is quite nice.  It still retains its original box and the instruction sheet, though it is in pieces.  A nice machine in respectable condition and ready for the collection. 

Excellent . . . . ..$395.00       SOLD!!

Little Comfort Chain Drive TSM Toy / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Sewing Machine  This little sewing machine was made by Smith & Egge.  The condition is very good.     

Excellent . . . . ..$350.00       SOLD!!

American Gem TSM / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Toy Treadle Sewing Machine  This is considered a rare sewing machine.  Given the number of them we have had and sold over the years, that label may be a bit of a stretch.  Desirable, in demand, and interesting is more like it.  The condition is very good.

Good + . . . . ..$1400.00        SOLD!!

Pony TSM / Travel Size / Child-Size Antique Toy Sewing Machine  This TSM was also made by Smith & Egge.  It is similar to their other machines like the Liberty and the Midget, but far less common.  There is another TSM machine marked "Pony" that is a bit larger and round like a Triumph, but with a metal body.  It is even rarer than this one.  The condition is very good.

Excellent . . . . ..$395.00      SOLD!!

Baby Grand TSM Child-Size Antique Toy Sewing Machine  The condition is very good.

Excellent . . . . ..$175.00      SOLD!!

BACK to Sewing Archive

This is just a sample of the many antique 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 sewing machines for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.

This website is Copyrighted
Larry & Carole Meeker