Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of Early American & Antique Sewing Machines: Identification & Values

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was looking forward to buying and reading this book because I purchased the first two editions and thoroughly enjoyed them. Even my wife, who does not totally share my interest in sewing machines, enjoyed this book. I really liked the more detailed photographs of these early sewing machines and the abundance of color photographs were right on. Everything about this carefully researched book is first class and a great deal for the money. I would have enjoyed seeing more photographs of early trade literature, but I am not complaining. So, to Mr. Bays I say, "CONGRADULATIONS for writing another informative, collectable book about antique sewing machines." James W. Slaten

Good history, great pictures, good section on care and restoration. Unfortunately for me, I have come into old sewing machines at the Singer 66 Red Eye point, and the Encyclopedia stops before it gets to those machines. The same is true for the Memphis models.

(Could be that the "100 years old = antique" rule has been applied.)

This is an awesome book for those with interest in early sewing machines. The photographs are first rate and the history is comprehensive and fascinating. The rating system puts all of the machines in perspective. I find myself referring to this book frequently.

This book is very well laid out; photos are excellent. Material covered many models of very early machines and details. Personally I was disappointed that the book did not cover machines further into the 1900's. Maybe the author would consider a book on the mechanical (non computerized) machines of the 1900's and their characteristics. Great browsing book; like having a museum tour in your hands.

Easy to read and informative book. I am new to collecting antique machines and I found this book to be an excellent resource. Fun and easy to read.

I have been collecting and refurbishing sewing machines for just over five years. My hobby is mostly self-taught, especially the refurbishing part, but there were so many machines manufactured in the early years - way more than someone like me could know about. I wanted a book to help me to identify those more obscure machines and maybe tell me a little about them. I own lots of recognizable names (Singer, Kenmore, etc), but I love to find the ones no one has ever heard of - badged machines made by the big names, but named after states or cities, etc. Ohio Farmer, Texas Advocate, etc) This book covers a vast portion of all kinds of machines with lots of pictures and information. If you love sewing machines, even if you don't collect them, this is a great addition to your reference library.

I like old sewing machines and will never be able to see all and certainly never be able to purchace all that I would like. This is the next best thing.

Wanted to know more about the sewing machines before our computerized models. This book gave great background on the antiques. The pictures were wonderful.