Hand Sewing machine
Circa 1950s
Serial number 14198.
Portable hand crank.
Straight stitch.
Walking foot design.
Shuttle bobbin.
Made in England.
This is another machine that I found locally here in Melbourne, Australia. It belonged to the niece of the original owner. The seller explained that she did not think her aunt ever used the machine and she herself had never used it as she did not know anything about it.
This machine did not come with an instruction book. I have found one online and have uploaded it here to my google drive. You can download the PDF from here. It seems to be for a slightly later model to the one I have.
It is an unusual machine. Portable and lightweight. This example is in very good condition with only a little bit of paint missing from the bed. The case is near pristine and it has that unused smell to it. The shuttle is in place and the machine rotates smoothly, but needs a good oil. The belt is stretched from age, so I will need to find a new one before I can give it a run. From what I have read, these were not a great success as their quality was not the best. Still, it is a lovely example of an unusual machine from mid 1900s.
More information on the Tailor-bird can be found at Tailor Bird Sewing Machine Company (sewmuse.co.uk)
More information.
Front cover to the instruction book. You can download this book for free from here.
Hello,
I have downloaded a copy of the ‘Tailor Bird’ sewing machine handbook, and I’d like to say thank-you, very much – (also for the excellent scan!); I am trying to understand walking-foot mechanisms, and you have helped me greatly in this.
I have several different sewing machines, and pay as much attention to the subject as I can, so please feel free
to get back to me if, (from here in the U.K.), there is anything I might be able to help you out with, in return.
Best regards,
Simon.
Hi Simon, Thankyou for your kind comments. I am glad you found the handbook useful. Kind regards Patricia
I have a tailor bird and it old
Hi. I’ve recently come across friends tailor bird sewing machine. It does not have the wheels on the side. Would it be possible to buy them from somewhere.
I’m afraid the answer is that these machines are vintage, so finding spare parts is near impossible. Your best bet would be to find a “parts machine”. As this machine is quite hard to find, you may not have any luck. I would suggest asking on some of the FaceBook groups for Vintage sewing machines. I have some groups in my links page. Good luck.
Hi,
Can you tell me where I can get the right size needles for this Tailor-Bird sewing machine?
I am sorry Jenny. I have no idea where to get needles. You may want to check in some of the Vintage sewing machine groups, such as Victorian Sweatshop forum or one of the Facebook groups. you will find these links in my Links page https://eyemaozi.org/en/links/
I have a tailor bird machine that is missing the bobbin cover plate does anyone have a machine they are selling parts off Gemma
I’m sorry but I don’t know where to find a spare place. hopefully you will find one on a parts machine. However, I don’t see these machines often for sale as parts machines.