Minnesota Sewing Machine Model A Serial Numbers
Junior Member Registered: Posts: 3 Posted I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but I'm hoping someone can help me or direct me to someone who can. I need help trying to identify the specific model of my Sears Minnesota treadle. I would also like to get an idea of the manufacture date and find a manual. I can't find any identifying information on the machine except what is on the plate (see photo) and the 'Minnesota' across the top.
The letter on the bottom of the plate is an E (not very clear in the photo). It does sew, needs a good cleaning/oiling, and I would estimate it hasn't been used in about 25 years. It was my grandmother's, and I inherited it almost 10 years ago. I also need to learn what type of needles it takes and where is the best place to find them. I would really love to get this tuned up and finally start using it. Senior Member Registered: Posts: 1,029 Posted Edited That machine is exactly like the head I bought for my cousin - check the pillar on the right-hand side as you face the machine - the one I have is a Minnesota Model A, and I'll see if I can attach a photo - I have a manual that was very kindly furnished to me by a member on another forum. Let me check your photo against mine and if they're the same, I'll send you the manual, or we can get it posted in the Manuals section of this forum.
If your machine is like this, it requires a Davis Long needle, and there is a member of this forum, whose name is Jon from whom I purchased some Davis Long Needes. I will get that info and send you a pm with locating information.
Hope this helps. If your machine is NOT this model, Cathy (whose handle is Macybaby) and a Moderator on this forum, is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to identifying a machine, much more than I am. Jeanette Frantz, Ocala, Florida. Senior Member Registered: Posts: 1,029 Posted Edited Rhubarb, the member's name is Jon Helig, and you could contact Jon through a pm, the capability of which is provided on this forum.
Also, please let me know if the machine (the photo I posted) matches up with your machine, so I can send you the manual I have. And, as I mentioned previously, the members of this forum are very knowledgeable (except me - I'm a rank amateur) when it comes to vintage machines and identifying them.
Although the machine appears to be constructed exactly the same as the one I posted that I bought for my cousin, the decals appear to be different. The machine I have is a Davis-made machine badged as the Minnesota Model A (sold by Sears Roebuck & Co.) I suspect the manual(s) I have would be helpful. Please let me know if you want me to send them to you. Jeanette Frantz, Ocala, Florida. Junior Member Registered: Posts: 3 Posted I think these are a pretty good match! I've done a little more looking around at Davis-made Minnesota Model A photos, and that is what I have. Mine doesn't have the identifying 'A' decal on the side, but I have seen photos of some other ones that done have it either, so there must have been some variations within the Model A.
If you could share your manual with me, that would be great! Now I need to check with Jon about needles. If you could share contact information with me, that would be great, otherwise I will try to find him too. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. My grandma was a Minnesota farm wife, and this was only sewing machine she ever had. I grew up on the farm with my grandparents next door, so I was in and out of their house constantly. I remember watching her sew and loving the movement of her feet and the sound of the machine, usually patching some of grandpa's barn clothes.
Such good memories. Thanks again.
Minnesota Model A Serial Number
Originally Posted by jon When Davis got the Sears account right around 1900, the lineup consisted of Minnesota, Burdick, and I believe Iowa which is pretty scarce. After a few years around 1904 this changed to Minnesota A, B, C, D, & F. The A replaced Minnesota, the B replaced Burdick, and the C, D, & F were added which had the leaf tension on top middle of arm. Jon Jon this is great information.
I have several' Minnesota'. They are the machines that started this crazy obsession of mine.
HelenAnn central Minnesota. Member Registered: Posts: 87 Posted Since there are so many Davis folks following this thread, I thought I'd ask for guidance. Last weekend I purchased a Davis treadle that is an underfeed, it has feed dogs.
The cabinet seems to be unique because I cannot find a similar one (or I'm not looking in the right places). According to the links provided through this thread, the manufacture date is between 1914-15. Wiley cpa exam books.
I just want confirmation regarding the date and type of cabinet. It sews quite well, starting and stopping on a dime. Truthfully, I almost didn't get it because the seller posted it as a VF. Pics to come.
Minnesota Sewing Machine Model A Serial Numbers In Order
Annette Walk towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you. Originally Posted by redbugsullivan Since there are so many Davis folks following this thread, I thought I'd ask for guidance.
Last weekend I purchased a Davis treadle that is an underfeed, it has feed dogs. The cabinet seems to be unique because I cannot find a similar one (or I'm not looking in the right places). According to the links provided through this thread, the manufacture date is between 1914-15. I just want confirmation regarding the date and type of cabinet. It sews quite well, starting and stopping on a dime.
Truthfully, I almost didn't get it because the seller posted it as a VF. Pics to come. Hi Annette, Not a VF fan? You'd need a serial number off the front slide plate for an estimate on the age. This doesn't work for all Davis Underfeeds.
For style a picture or link is needed. Moderator Registered: Posts: 3,054 Posted sewcozyquilts, welcome! The issue with being able to just ID a unit from that description is that there were many companies that made base components that sewing machine companies would then buy and use. We see the exact same parlor cabinets across many makers, I have seen the same handles on several different brands. We are a very visual group around here, a picture or two would help. Also, if you could take a moment and post a quick blurb in the Introductions thread so we can get to know you and your interests, it would be great! San Lorenzo, California.