The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Vintage Machines => Topic started by: Greybird on March 17, 2019, 21:03:17 PM

Title: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Greybird on March 17, 2019, 21:03:17 PM

Anyone else just watched Antiques Roadshow? They have just valued a Kimball & Morton sewing machine at £10-15,000. I've just googled it and there are images, but I've never see one like it. Have a look and see what you think!

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: WildAtlanticWay on March 17, 2019, 21:07:39 PM

OMG!  :vintage:  :o

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Lilian on March 17, 2019, 21:12:29 PM

Yes it was incredible, what a chunk of metal, but beautiful! :vintage:

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Ohsewsimple on March 17, 2019, 21:57:32 PM

Yes I saw it.  Thought it was hideous myself but wow!

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Greybird on March 17, 2019, 22:42:46 PM

Found an example in a Bonhams auction in 2011. The catalogue page gives quite a lot of information about it:

www.bonhams.com/auctions/19034/lot/68/?category=list

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: crafter on March 17, 2019, 23:00:55 PM

I saw it.  Yes, hideous.

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Lyn-J on March 17, 2019, 23:21:57 PM

Saw it. Just, why....

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: sewingj on March 18, 2019, 08:18:28 AM

I couldn`t see where the cotton reel would sit - any ideas? 

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: b15erk on March 18, 2019, 09:58:48 AM

Amazing.  I think on the whole, I would prefer to look at a regular treadle sewing machine than a cast iron lion!

Wonder if anyone has ever used it?

Jessie

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Lowena on March 18, 2019, 10:03:43 AM

I thought it was wonderful!!

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Greybird on March 18, 2019, 10:06:37 AM

I can only think that it was intended for those who wanted to leave their machine out all the time so it was made to look like an ornament! I see that there were several different lions made and some work in this respect better than others. No wonder they are so rare.

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Fiona M on March 18, 2019, 10:36:27 AM

I saw it.  Never seen anything like it!  I was pleased it was complete and had such value though.

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Sewingsue on March 18, 2019, 10:39:22 AM

Quote from: Greybird on March 18, 2019, 10:06:37 AM

I can only think that it was intended for those who wanted to leave their machine out all the time so it was made to look like an ornament! I see that there were several different lions made and some work in this respect better than others. No wonder they are so rare.

I noticed the auction house chose to photograph it from the back and chose that as their main photo. Definitely being sold as an ornamental piece and probably originally marketed that way too.

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Greybird on March 18, 2019, 10:47:34 AM

I noticed that too @Sewingsue - but I concluded that the auction house probably didn't know the front of a sewing machine from the back. On occasion OH will lift my sewing machine onto the table for me - nearly every time I will have to turn it round to use it!

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: maliw on March 18, 2019, 13:35:21 PM

I saw that too, amazed at the value but obviously the rarity.

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: WildAtlanticWay on March 18, 2019, 15:00:20 PM

I’m going to show this thread with the bonhams link to OH later.
His grandfather was a one legged tailor in Glasgow and his mum used to help out in the shop. Apparently, she was known for her kilt making skills. Sadly, OH’s family all gone now.
My avatar pic are his grandad’s tailoring tools in a box that his mum left to him.

Title: Re: Kimball and Morton sewing machine
Post by: Pam11 on April 03, 2019, 16:14:45 PM

I missed it but clicked on your link...it's absolutely beautiful.
Your post caught my eye as my Shih Tzu is named Kimball lol my favourite wild animal is also a lion. I'm so glad I looked