"Domestic" Treadle Sewing Machine

I have four sewing machines including a treadle machine. My mother found this beauty at a local yard sale in 1980. The earliest photo I have of it is Christmas 1981 in the background of Lola and Sara playing with toy irons and ironing board. Mom used it to hold plants making sure there was no water damage to the wood.

I was in possession of it when I moved 30 miles north of her in 1999. I also used it as a display case. I started an interest in sewing again around this time. After borrowing mom’s Sears Kenmore (which had tension problems that could not be repaired), I purchased my Janome (2001) and Bernina (2004). I also have my mother’s Singer 222K. I no longer have the Sears Kenmore.

In 2004, I moved back in with Mom, for health reasons. The treadle was placed in storage with 90% of my belongings. After, my mother’s death in 2018, along with the selling of her home, I found a place to live along with closing up my storage unit. 

Out came the Domestic again with me showing more interest in it as a sewing machine.

I wanted to investigate its parts and how it works.

Domestic was the premier manufacturer of vibrating shuttle sewing machines from the 1870s through 1880s-- at a time when Singer only manufactured reciprocating shuttle models for domestic use. 

When I took a close up of the needle, I discovered the machine’s serial number of 545221. 

But when I took the plate off there was another number of 288744. So which one is it?

There were two plates surrounding the needle. One had the patented history and the other had instructions on which needle to use.

I transcribed what was engraved on both of the plates.

The one in front of the needle:

“Domestic” S.(ewing) M.(achine) CO.(mpany) 

NEW YORK 

PATENTED

MAY18.1863

NOV.15.1864

JAN. 31.1871

APR. 25.1871

AUG. 21.1873

APR. 14.1874

REISSUED

NOV.3.1874

MAY16.1876

With the dates of 1863 to 1876 listed with this machine, I conclude that this one is post-1876.

The other behind the needle:

NOTICE 

NUMBERS OF SIZE OF 

COTTON NEEDLE 

300 TO 500   USE  1

120   “   200      “    2

  90   “   110      “    3

  70   “     80      “    4

  40   “     50      “    5

  12   “     36      “    6

   0    “     10      “    7

 COURSE WORK     “    8

My model is called the “fiddle-bed” as the bottom of the machine is in the shape of a fiddle. It is also called the No.1 Primal as seen by this advertisement. My machine does not have the "star" in the center square of the trellis that moves the needle with the foot press. 

I love the unique bobbin case nestled under the front plate. 

There is a small shelf below the machine that contains its notions. 

These include a key, 2 needle cases, 6 bobbins with thread, 2 bobbin cases, and another foot. I have no idea what the other five items are used for.

My next goal is to clean the machine and get it working again.