White sewing machines have an iconic place in nostalgia. Whether you found one in your parent’s attic, inherited it from a family member or picked it up at an estate sale, you may have asked yourself, “How old is my white sewing machine?” It can be tricky to tell the exact age of these vintage machines and the information they provide can be limited. However, if you are creative in your research, and dig deep enough, you may be able to ascertain an approximate age and even gain a small insight into the life of your old machine.
Examine the Machine
The first step to determining your white sewing machine’s age is to analyze the machine itself. Sewing machines of the era are often stamped or embossed with the date of manufacture. Check both the inside and outside of the machine for a date, or even a patent number. If no date is to be found on the machine itself, you may want to look for serial numbers, patent numbers or even trade marks that weren’t stamped, such as labels on the outside. These numbers can be cross-referenced online against the company who manufactured them and provide an approximate age. Additionally, experts suggest looking at the style of the machine, as sewing machine design changed often throughout the 1900s and higher-end machines may have features, like a belt guard or adjustable feet, that point to a specific era.
Research the Company
Another great way to determine the age of your machine is to research the company who made it. Some manufacturers, such as Singer and White, kept detailed records that are accessible to the public. If you can’t find a date on the machine itself, you may be able to search through databases that include information by serial number, patent number or even trade mark. Some of these companies, like White, are still in business and may even have a website which contains model histories, stories or other information about your machine and its age. If the company no longer exists or you can’t find any information online, you may be able to contact the nearest sewing machine store or antique store to get a better idea.
Examine Your Machine’s Manufacture Date
The best tool for determining how old your White sewing machine is is to find the manufacturing date. On most machines, you can find this information stamped in a plate of metal, either on the side of the machine or on the arm. If you can’t find the manufacturing date, you may need to contact a White service center or an antique dealer to ask them to help you determine the age of your machine. Once you have the manufacturing date, you can use that information to begin the research process and unlock other pieces of information.
Research Online Communities
In addition to researching the company and the machine itself, you can use online researching techniques to narrow down the age of your machine. Documenting sewing machine history is a hobby for many people, and you can use online forums and communities to ask questions about the year your machine was produced. Don’t forget to check online classifieds for other machines too, as this can be a great way to compare characteristics between similar models in order to estimate a more precise age. With enough digging, you may even be able to find an old advertisement or catalog listing with your machine’s exact make and model.
Communicate With Experts
You may find that your machine is a bit too obscure for the online resources and you’d like to get an expert opinion on the make and model. If that’s the case, organizations like the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society (ISMACS) might be able to help. The ISMACS is a non-profit organization comprised of vintage sewing machine collectors, educators and historians. You can get in touch with the society online or attend one of their many events and trade shows to get an accurate assessment of your machine’s age from a qualified specialist.
Consult an Antique Dealer
As a final attempt to uncover the age of your White sewing machine, you may consider consulting a professional antique dealer. While this route can be more expensive, you may be able to get some first-hand advice from a dealer with a lot of knowledge in the area. Be sure to give the dealer as much detail as possible. This could include the manufactured date, information on the previous owner, details on the machine’s design and even photos if possible. With all of this information, the dealer should be able to make an accurate assessment of your machine’s age and may even be able to give you an estimated value.
Gaining Information About the Original Owner
If your white sewing machine has been passed down from a family member, you may be able to gain some insight into the history and previous owners of the machine. Many machines have serial numbers, which can help you research the original owner via records from the sewing machine factory. Make sure to take all the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing safety glasses and using all the proper tools, when operating and handling the machine, especially if you intend to use it. In addition to the records of past owners, you may also be able to find stories connected to the machine, such as where and how it was used.
Verifying the Condition of Your White Sewing Machine
Once you are aware of the age of your white sewing machine, you can begin looking into the condition and functionality of the machine. The older the machine, the more worn or broken down it is likely to be. You may be able to find the most common wear and tear pieces, such as belts and gears, online or at your nearest sewing machine shop. However, less common problems may require the assistance of an antique shop. Be sure to do your research before attempting to repair the machine yourself, especially with older and more delicate machines, as attempting to fix the machine yourself could cause more harm than good.
Where to Get Parts For an Old White Sewing Machine
Finding parts for and restoring an older white sewing machine can be tricky, but there are a few places you can try in order to get the parts and tools you need. Search the internet for suppliers who specialize in vintage parts—many of these retailers carry supplies for older machine models. You may also be able to find a store or a supplier who specializes in antique sewing machines. Additionally, online forums for vintage sewing machines are a great place to ask for advice and locate parts for old models.
Selling Your Vintage White Sewing Machine
When you’re done with the research and restoration process, you may be considering selling your vintage white sewing machine. Before you sell your machine, make sure to document all of the information you’ve accumulated throughout the process. This includes photos and any details you found during your research. Furthermore, if you’re considering selling the machine to a company who deals in antique sewing machines, they will likely have inquiries about the make and year of production, so being prepared with that information can be a major advantage.
Preserving Your Vintage White Sewing Machine
If you’d rather keep your white sewing machine as a keepsake or pass it onto the next generation, your safest bet is to acquire a vintage sewing machine repair guide and learn the proper technique for restoring and preserving your machine. Guides for vintage repairs are readily available online, and you can often find them at vintage sewing machine shops as well. With attention to detail, a little bit of practice and the correct tools and supplies, you should be able to make small repairs and ensure your machine continues to work in the same condition for many years to come.
