Friday, July 13, 2012

Sewing Machine Surprise!

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A few weeks ago two friends, Anne Marie and Murray, came to visit us here in Galway.  They arrived with a super duper surprise box for my birthday.  A present from them was completely unexpected!


At first glance, you can guess what's hidden inside....


It's the most gorgeous antique sewing machine!  This sewing machine was Murray's mom's machine.  She used to make dresses in the 60's and 70's with it when Murray was growing up.  Sadly, Murray's mom passed on several years ago and the sewing machine was left unattended in the home house.  As Murray's two brothers were not interested in using it, Murray scooped it up and brought it to Galway!

Now, we made a deal.  If any of Murray's children, nieces or nephews ever wanted to re-claim it I would return it immediately.  Until then, it's on loan here at my house.

It's a gorgeous Sovereign with an immaculate paint job and gleaming metal.


Get a load of the face plate!  It was perfectly oiled too and sews like a dream.  Amazing.


I love that it has a little knob for Embroidery, Silk or Normal.  I guess I'll just stick to Normal, then.


And, of course, it has a super little drawer PACKED with all of the original bits and bobs...feet, bobbins, thread, screwdrivers, etc.  Perfect.


So, here's the question.  Do any of you know anything about Sovereign machines?  I have a little serial number on a plate that claims it's made in Ireland.  Or at least the motor is made in Ireland.  I've done a little Google searching, but found very little information out there.  Does someone have a resource I could check out?  I'd like to know a little more about it...like what year was it made?  Is it really Irish?  I'd be grateful for any links you could share!




27 comments:

Di said...

She is lovely! Di x

cheeky monkey said...

Amazing ! What a beauty!

Irina said...

wow! what a great present!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

What a lovely present! I'm afraid I can't help with your search for information but I hope you find out about the company x

Nicky said...

Sorry no help Cindy!

Canadian Abroad said...

I know nothing other than the fact that it is beautiful!

Lynne said...

How exciting and what a beauty!

Unknown said...

Oooh, she's a stunner! Lucky girl :o)

Rhonda the Rambler said...

That is a perfect gift for you! I wish I could be more help...

Leanne said...

Wow, lucky you. I love old machines.

my4lilgirls said...

She's a stunner, love old sewing machines, so much stronger & tougher than the ones we get today, minus all the gadgets. Lucky girl :)
Lol Karen x

Karen said...

Sorry Cindy... I know nothing about them... But what a wee beauty!

Shanna of Fiber of All Sorts said...

I know nothing about this brand but I just have to say that she's stunning! I hope that you can find out all about her. ♥

Captain StitchyPants said...

What a gorgeous machine! It looks in great condition, too. I'll bet it's wonderful to sew on!

Katy Cameron said...

Oh how cool, what a lovely addition to the home, however temporary it may end up being!

You may find this thread of interest about the motors:

http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=26405

And this mentions Sovereign machines being made by Toyota back in the late 50s

http://www.doubleveil.net/zssmp/americanbeauty.htm

mammafairy said...

What a lovely addition to your family!I am sure it has found a kind home with you. It is a beauty. and I love a solid case!

Miranda said...

She's beautiful! I've seen a lot of old black ones but not a white one! I know nothing about old sewing machines but I bet you could post the picture in a sewing forum or similar message board and see if anyone knows anything. It's strange because we have an old treadle machine and I'd never really had an interest in it until today. Good luck and let us know what you find out :)

Miranda said...

Just another thought, is there more information on the bottom of the machine itself? That might help you find out where it was made and such.

Katherine said...

She's a beauty! I really wish I could help you out with info. but the only vintage machines I'm up on are Singers...

Enjoy your new vintage treasure, Cindy!

needle and nest said...

What an Incredible gift! I can't even imagine how excited I'd be if someone gave me such an amazing machine!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Sorry not a clue, but it's a beauty x

Isisjem said...

What a great present! Hope you can find out more about it!

Cherie said...

What a gorgeous machine, you're so lucky to be using it =D

Rosemary Dickinson said...

Such a pretty machine! I love vintage sewing machines.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately I'm no help in the info department, but what a gorgeous machine!

Unknown said...

Sewing Machine Surprise!

Unknown said...

which amount on average a machine of this model?

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