singer red eye treadle sewing machine fabric

This will require applying multiple layers of shellac to stabilize the finish for long lasting durability. I will not attempt any aggressive polishing on the finish for fear of harming the decals. The gold decal loss will be corrected where the detail is not so fine that it is impractical for me to fix it. Bear in mind, I always want to keep the machine original as possible so I will focus on polishing these parts rather than replacing them. I suspect that with sufficient time on the polishing wheel, the appropriate patina can be restored. The machine has some nickel loss on the needle plate and the cover and needle clamp screws, and the balance wheel rim has dulled with age. I will need to “upgrade” the machine with a motor to make it more convenient to use by today’s standards. I suspect that this machine spent it’s entire life as a treadle machine. When the restoration is completed, it is going to look great and sew like new. The machine will be treated to a new layer of shellac to stabilize and protect the decals from any additional wear. Because my goal is to always keep the original finish intact to the greatest extent possible, I will touch up the decals were practical. Due to it’s age alone, the machine is due for a total restoration. This machine shows some wear, but for 95 years old, the decals are in very good condition, They look a little bit smudgy on the main bed decals, but the pattern is intact and the colors are still very well maintained.

This is not surprising since the last red eye’s were made 95 years ago. Although I see many red eye decals, many have significant wear on the leading edge, sewing arm, and on the bed. There is a lot of detail in the decals on the bed, and decal loss is very noticeable.

If you look at the closely at decorative and complex colorful decals, you will see what I mean. I’ve been looking to do one of these for a while, but I needed a machine that had decent decals. This restoration is for a Singer 66 Red Eye.

Singer red eye treadle sewing machine fabric