Antique Singer Sewing Machines

[Gabby]

OK, lets see if we can keep the politics to a minimum for a change. Serious change of subject.

Wife has a 1902 Singer sewing machine. It belonged to grandmother. I've disassembled it and am cleaning / restoring it. Wood is missing a few pieces but I have the tools to replace that. No worries there.

Question is on the sewing machine itself. Machine is painted black with a lot of gold detailed stickers on it. When I attempt to clean it I am scared of ruining the stickers. These are all over the machine and are very detailed. Any ideas? I'm scared of Krud Kutter or Formula Green or a citrus based product. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

And since I started this a few weeks ago, she wants it done before I start on the boat to get her ready for spring. Houston, we have a problem....

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Antique Singer Sewing Machines

WD-40?....

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: Antique Singer Sewing Machines

If you can find there is a cleaner called "Restorzit" made by Olsen Toy Train Parts I checked there website it is out of stock right now but it is made for cleaning old Lionel and American Flyer trains, it will take the dirt out of old paint but the best thing is they garrentee that it will not lift decals, stickers or remove or discolor what you are working on. I have been using it on higher end trains for years with out fear of damage.......

 

[jinx]

Re: Antique Singer Sewing Machines

I am an old typewriter repairman so I know a bit about those old finishes.

of that vintage the black lacquer will be damaged by a whole host of modern chemicals. They will soften it or turn it to a white haze.

To be on the safe side call a local museum...a first line one, or the Smithsonian, and ask a conservator. They are usually glad to be of help if you can find the right guy.

I hope that helps.

Jinx

 

[rolmops]

Re: Antique Singer Sewing Machines

Have a care.Double check whether it is gold paint or, as was very popular around the turn of the century,glued on very thin actual gold leaf.

 

[Gabby]

Re: Antique Singer Sewing Machines

Thanks guys. All sound advice. The gold leaf didn't occur to me. It doesn't look like a decal, but I'm by no means a Singer expert. I'll check some other online sources. I've already found a few Singer sites with some tips of the trade.

Hey Jinx, you ever work on any teletypes? Ever heard the name Kleinschmidt? Or perhaps the derivative Klein Klunker?