They’re Multiplying! A New Vintage Sewing Machine

I once had a small but cute vintage sewing machine (VSM) collection.  I didn’t set out to collect them.  The only older machine on my wish list was a Singer Featherweight.  They are small, lightweight and very portable. I wanted to use it as my quilting machine.  So I waited and hunted and when I saw one at an auction for a great price, I grabbed it!  All done collecting. Or so I thought.

For Mother’s Day last year my boys and hubby found a few more oldies that looked really unique and cool. Three HUGE boxes later a Singer 99, Singer 15-125, and a Toy Singer Model 20 joined the clan.  The seed was planted.  I love vintage,  antiques, the things with a history or story to tell.

I have enjoyed having these machines.  I’ve used them to make quilt blocks, pouches, straps and small projects. I’ve learned how to clean them and keep them well oiled and running properly. I switch them out often so they get use every few months and keep them out where they can be enjoyed and talked about.

Great stuff, right?  Well it’s a year later and look what shows up on my doorstep yesterday!

This is a Mercury Electric Sewing Machine.  All that I know about it is that it was made in Japan and has a motor that was from New York.  Google this name and very little comes up too.  From chatting online with other VSM enthusiasts and recognizing the shape of the machine, it was made post WWII most likely in the early 50’s.

It came with the original particleboard travel case, but both base and top are horrid smelling and falling apart beyond repair. So at some point finding a new case or cabinet to store her will need to happen.  The decals and machine itself are in good condition.  It will need a deep clean and polish and I have new wiring on order because after nearly 70 years they are crumbling.  Thankfully it’s an easy fix.

I hope in time I will be able to find out more about her, but for now I’m excited to add another beauty to my studio. Let’s see what she can sew!