I wasn’t looking to buy an “old” sewing machine. I don’t even recall why I was looking through the classifieds. But there it was. An ad for an “antique” sewing machine. I called the number and talked to the nice lady on the other end of the phone. I had never heard of the manufacturer “Kohler” (except plumbing supplies), and never ever heard of a hand-crank sewing machine. I was advised that the machine came over from the Netherlands, somewhere between 40-60 years ago. I was intrigued.
We made an appointment for me to view the machine. Asking price $175.
I fell in love with the machine. The lines, the wood detailing… granted the case is missing the locking mechanism… and it isn’t working very well. She offered to let me to take it home for the weekend, to see what I thought of it.
I brought it home… cleaned it up, just with a dry soft cloth. Was in awe of the bobbin and shuttle cylinder. I got it working!!! My kids even tried it. It sews like a dream… although it does take some coordination with feeding the cloth through, and turning the hand-crank. I bought it… for $160. They say, a sewing machine is worth what you are willing to pay for it. I have done a preliminary dating on it… from the 1920’s.
My next acquisition came accidentally. My eldest daughter wanted to hit some garage sales… I can’t remember what she was looking for. I put $20 in my pocket, just in case I found something, but I wasn’t looking for anything in particular.
While she was looking around one garage sale, I walked up to another that was about 1/2 block away. Lo and behold, there was an old Singer sewing machine with cabinet sitting out. My youngest daughter accompanied me and she thought it looked pretty neat. The lady holding the garage sale says “$20 and its yours”. I asked her “really”, and she says sure. Well, that $20 in my pocket was whipped out… and I had my youngest daughter stand by it, until I could get the mini-van to put it in.
This poor thing needs a fair bit of work. I don’t even know if the motor works. The power cord and the foot cord are well worn… I was hoping to find replacements… I may still look. I’m hoping for my quilting room to be finished, so I can restore this beauty. The case is in good condition, but water damage to the top. According Singer’s website the serial number JB294256 was made in Canada in 1936.
I too seem have aquired a few of these older machines — check out my most recent purchase written about on my blog. They are certainly interesting toys to play with and it may surprise you they are out there everywhere, keep your eyes open and you will soon be overwhelmed by them in your closets and cupboards!
By: Miss Snips on 20 June 2008
at 6:07 am
I was left a Kohler sewing machine by my mother in law. The family immigrated to the US from Holland in the 1950s and this was one of the few things they brought with them. I would love to get more information on the machine and even get it in working order so I can use it. The bobbin set up looks very complicated to me. Can you offer any help as to how to go about cleaning/restoring it for use? Or how you were able to date yours? Thank you so much for any suggestions you might have.
By: Beth on 29 June 2009
at 3:36 pm
In looking at you pic of the machine, I believe it is a 15J model made in St. Johns. You say the cords are worn, as someone who does machine restoration, I would probably replace ALL the wiring.
In the old machines, the wire deteriorates and can leave a very dangerous situation where the wire is exposed and can short out through the body of the machine.
You may be able to find some parts for the model you have, one of the best features of the 15J is the “potted” motor which means there are no belts to drive the mechanism. There were some earlier problems with this drive mechanism due to stripping the gears, but I believe Singer solved the problem by using a different composite material.
I am in the process of restoring a 15J at the moment, and the hardest thing to find believe it or not is suitable replacement wire. All wire today is made of vinyl not rubber, and it is just not the same.
I am also in the process of restoring some 201 machines. These machines are just fantastic, Singer’s best ever. They are a favourite for quilters, and are the only machine that is being converted to long arms due to the exquisite mechanism. If you want to read more about the 201 just Google it and you can see all sorts of information.
Anyhow that’s my views today, best of luck with your find.
Gerry
By: Gerry on 19 October 2009
at 5:01 am