1896, Frister and Rossman Transverse Shuttle Sewing Machine

This item is in West Calder GB

All the details

Frister Rossman, 1896 Transverse Shuttle Sewing Machine, in working order. Video of the machine working here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vu0uhhSDw&feature=youtu.be I saved this from a junk shop around 6 weeks ago. See the last photo to see the condition the machine arrived in. Unloved, dirty, un-crankable and for all intents and purposes ready to be dumped. Since then the machine has been thoroughly cleaned and serviced. All bright metal parts have been cleaned and polished. The shuttle has also been thoroughly cleaned, stripped down and soaked in alcohol to remove all the old dirt and then polished. Please look at the photo's carefully, this machine is 121 years old some of the decals have faded, the wood veneer is damaged, missing in places - the photo's make up a big part of the description. I found this used state to be very appealing, unfortunately I had to change two screw for new versions. The box did not have a key and at some point in it's life someone has forced the lid off the box, this has now been repaired - one of the photo's shows the angle brackets I have fitted along with some wood glue to ensure that the box will be strong for years to come. I fitted angle brackets as I thought the whole machine had to be lifted up by the decorative handle, but Helen Howes (an expert in antique sewing machines) who supplied me with a replacement key assures me that the handle is meant to lift the box from the main body only. After weeks of cleaning and then putting in new oil, the machine now works nicely. I have since found out that this sort of machine uses a round needle, these are unfortunately not made anymore - but a good friend gave me the remaining two spares he had, as he no longer restores this type of machine for this reason. The two new old stock needles will be included with this machine for free. He tells me the needles are worth at least £10 each. UPDATED 16th May 2017: I have been informed of a modern solution for the needles, see the details here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/172676569450?ul_noapp=true I also have a printed version of the original manual. PDF's can be found on-line. I am asking £45 for this sewing machine or make me an offer. The machine cost me £20, replacement key £5 and cleaning materials £5 and my labour which will probably work out at 20 pence an hour.

Price

£45

Time Remaining

This listing has finished

Category

Antiques

Comments About This Item

rixi_er , 7 years, 6 months ago

Do you still have the item available. If you do, could you please let me know. Thank you kindly. Magritha. I live in Aylesbury.