Post second World War the Japanese manufactured sewing machines. Many of these came to Australia. They were rebranded by department stores and the like. They are known by many names, including Pinnock, Lemair, Myer, Victor, H G Palmer, too many to mention.
Most Japanese machines arriving in Australia were fitted with a quality Wernard motor and a black Bakelite foot pedal. They came with an accessories box with extra bobbins, attachments and even a screwdriver. Placed in a pine case with a lid, with a top handle, the case lids came in many colours. These plastic handles were not designed to carry 20kg of metal machine and as such many handles are broken or torn off. DO NOT carry these by the case handle, carry from underneath the base.
The one outstanding feature of the Japanese machines is their quality and their beauty. All metal machines (later ones came vinyl gears) in an array of colours with shiny chrome features. It was on one of these machines that I learnt to sew back in the 1970s, a straight stich, solid heavy machine that still sits in the bottom of my mother’s wardrobe. I am sure there are many more sitting in wardrobes in the houses of Australia, just waiting to be discovered again. Plenty show up on the social media sales and auction sites. Now in 2022 they can range in price from $20 to $200. You will find the $200 ones still listed for sale months for now, the demand is just not there, so they are not an expensive investment, but they are surely value for money.
If you come across a Japanese all metal machine and it appeals to you, do not hesitate to acquire it. Parts are easy to find. Standard type 15 bobbins and needles that you can get anywhere. Easily threaded and operated, you don’t normally need a manual as these are all basically the same. Straight stitch and sometimes with zig-zag. If you are lucky enough to find one that takes cams (pattern stitch disks) make sure you ask the seller if they have these, as these often go missing. The machine will still operate as a zig-zag but you won’t be able to do the fancy stitches, which by today’s standards are not that fancy, but just a bit of fun. Oiled and well maintained, these machines will last a lifetime and look awesome in the process.
To see more of my Pinnock collection you can start here.
The Lemair Valiant 930 machine in my collection can be seen here.
Below are images of some of the other machines in my collection. Images from when the machines arrived and still on my workbench or in my boot.
