Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Sunday's auction . . . and then another machine

Sunday's sale advertised a treadle machine and a "featherlight" machine. When we got there we found the featherweight machine sitting on top of the treadle cabinet. The black suitcase was empty way across the room. I found one of the auction workers and told her it belonged together. I also found the original book in a separate box. After the two of us worked together it was a complete deal, grease tube and oil can included. I'm not sure of the age of this machine, but the most current date in the book was 1947. 


We left way before they got to the machine. I left a bid with the auctioneer. Not for me, but for a my friend Phil. I guess we didn't win it, as I was never called. 


We did bid on this nice pressure canner. We dropped out. Upon our return home we looked the canner up. We could have almost tripled our bid and it still would have been cheaper than a new one. Dang!

The canner had several hand written notes from the lady that owned it. She gave a little history of her canning and the purchase of it. 

At the sale, we ran into an old classmate from high school. The friend lost his mom less than two weeks ago. She had been the Singer dealer in town for years, retiring in the early 70's. 

Through tears he talked about disposing of her things. One thing lead to another and he invited us over to her home to look at a few things.  


This 66 came home with us. It has what is called the Godzilla finish. The blacksmith put a new belt on it and did some cleaning. I think we are going to install it in a treadle cabinet but use it as an electric machine. 

It was bittersweet to become the owner of this machine as I had visited his mother's store many times in the late 60's and early 70's. Just a few weeks before she passed away, I sent a note to her daughter-in-law to show my sewing machine blogs to her. I know she had a heart that supported all Singer machines. 

We purchased a few Singer items from him, one being a gallon Singer oil can. How cool is that?!

Machine #12 now resides with me. 

Rest in peace Mrs. B

5 comments:

Marge said...

Your machines are so neat! But the stories you tell about acquiring them are priceless!

Lise said...

Condolences for the loss of Mrs. B.

That looks like another awesome addition to your collection, congrats:)

Terry said...

And silly me was excited about my machine #2! LOL

Dar said...

What a find! When you run out of room, give me a call. I have plenty of space for one of your beauties, especially after you honey fixes it. It's nice that you know the history of your new baby and that you had met the owner. She is smiling down on you for sure.

Diana LaMarre said...

I am sure that Mrs B would be thrilled that her machine is now being cared for by you!