Does anyone out there know anything about an antique sewing machine from the 1860's called a Winselmann. It is also called a coffin top. It was made in Germany, but none were ever sold outside of that country. Thanks any answers will be appreciated.
By julielouise from Kamloops, British Columbia
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Hang on-having trouble keying in a link between wiping the drool off the keyboard:) Oh that is an absolutely gorgeous machine!
Historical note, the cover is also known as a casket lid top. Gruesome, no?
OK, done drooling for now, lol! Try these links to find out more about your beautiful piece of sewing history:
www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.../
Careful now, those links are the starting point of the most fascinating obsession! I have nine vintage and one genuine antique-all sewing merrily along except the antique.
The machines (Singers and one Jones) are easy finds at jumble and boot sales, charity shops, and all over the 'Net, but I have never seen a coffin top Winselmann in person. A number of pioneer women brought their machines to North America with them, yours must be one of those. They are rarer of course to find in Canada and the US, most machines there (as here in the UK) are Singers and Jones.
From the looks of the Winselmann in your photograph, it is in amazing condition! I would have to see the machine under the coffin top to be sure, but the parts that can be seen look 'mint', and that's usually the most neglected area of an antique or vintage sewing machine. So it's fairly safe to believe the machine is more than likely in equal condition-ready to sew on right now, that belt looks brand new!
If you own it, could you post a picture of the machine without the coffin top? You really might be able to sew with this lovely and gracious lady depending on the type of bobbin and needles it uses-a picture of the machine is how anyone would identify the machine, advise on value, and sew-ability as regards parts availability. If the parts are hard to find, it's an amazingly beautiful antique for display (I have an 1898 hand crank coffin top Singer Vibrating Shuttle 28 on display in my workroom, but I don't use it to sew because the bullet bobbins are a little more expensive and hard to find)
Parts are usually easy to find for this age machine, it's the bobbins and needles that might prove harder to find. The user manuals are usually easy to find as well-unless you've got one that is accompanied by it's manual and attachments-the 'mother lode' find in the antique and vintage sewing machine world surpassed only by the original sales receipt and other user historical artifacts like a drawer full of sewing notions and hand written notes:)
Nuts, more drool! Sorry, can you tell I am a real affectionado?
Hi I have a winselmann that I am willing to sell....if anybody interested you can contact me on tommyfox1963@gmail.com and I can provide more details .
Regards tommy fox(ireland )
Here is a few links that help you.
possumjimandelizabeth.com/
www.sewalot.com/
www.sewmuse.co.uk/
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