I have a montgomery wards sewing machine electric in a wooden case. The top opens in 2 pieces one to either side & the machine pulls up. It also has 2 small doors on the front. I think this is the model number m 84 ns-4498a. I'm wondering how old it is and how much it may be worth. The machine works it just needs some tension work done on the bobbin. The wood may need refinished. I would appreciate any info I could get. I think it may be from the 30's or 40's. Thanks!

Here is at least some information for you. I wish that we had a sewing machine expert on this site, but for right now, we don't. Hopefully, others will be able to provide more information. Maybe someone will come along who really knows about sewing machines, their history and also about you're your particular machine.

If you think that your machine was manufactured during the 1930's or 1940's, then sewing machines that were sold by Montgomery Ward were manufactured for them by National Sewing Machine Company of Belvidere, IL.

There is some interesting history about the National Sewing Machine Company.

The quote below is from the following site: American Sewing Machines

Quote:

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This machine was made by the National Sewing Machine Company of Belvidere, Illinois which was formed in 1890 by the merger of the Eldredge Sewing Machine Company (est.1869) and the June Manufacturing Company (est. 1881). The firm appears to have specialized in producing badged machines for retailers. In 1953 it merged with Free Sewing Machine Co. but was unable to compete with imported models and the National Sewing Machine Company closed in 1957.

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A "badged" sewing machine is one that has been manufactured by one company and then sold to another company for the second company to sell with its own name on it, such as Montgomery Ward did.

Is this sewing machine something that has been in your family for a long time? Whether it has much monetary value depends on its condition, beauty and what someone would want to pay for it. However, what something is worth sentimentally can be priceless.

A lot of people will say that the old machines don't have much value because they keep appearing in yard and garage sales, etc.

However, some of the machines from the early era of them can be quite beautiful in the artwork on the machines themselves and also in the cabinetry work.

They can make a nice display in the home if you get creative and put some things around them that are also from the same era from when they were made. Conversation pieces.

In my home, almost every piece of furniture has a story behind it.

That does not look like a serial number to me. May I suggest looking under the slide plate. That is the plate near the needle that slides out to allow you to remove the bobbin. National stamped their serial numbers on the machine under the slide plates. If it is a National, Anne Kusilek is your best resource to help date your machine.

Is there one slide plate on the left side of the needle? Or two,one in front, one in back of the needle? That will go a long way in helping to identify at least the type of machine (rotary vs vibrating shuttle)

Without a picture, it is hard to ID your machine. I think you are describing a sewing machine cabinet rather than a portable case. Is this a treadle machine that was converted to electric or is this a machine in a cabinet designed for electric machines (looks like a table when closed up)?

I am getting a picture in my head of the early friction drive, rotary machines made by National. They are rather boxy and kind of a blackish brown crinkle finsh. There is also a version that is more rounded, but with the same type of black/brown finish. They were amazing pieces of engineering for the time. White made one that had the boxy shape as well. It had features that were way ahead of its time. One of the factors in buying this machine was cost. Another was power. These machines required electricity. Not everyone had that in the 40's, particularly in the more rural areas. Many eople who did have electricity available would upgrade a family treadle or hand crank machine with a motor conversion kit that became available for Singer machines in the 20's. Other brands may have had the same kits, I am just less familiar with them.

Unfortunately, in my region, I have seen a number of them on Craigslist and Ebay not sell, even as low as $10 in very good condition.

If there is sentimental value, I would consider restoring it and displaying it in your home. The wiring would probably have to be replaced. I am sure it will need a good cleaning and oiling. That may eliminate your tension problems. As far as the cabinet goes, there are probably very experienced people to assist you with that project that would be willing to walk you through the process. Sites like ISMACS.net, treadleon.net and needlebar.org have some info on caring for cabinets and restoration of the wood.

As the other gentleman said, each piece in the home each has a story...

I too inherited a Montgomery Sewing Machine with similar numbers in the wooden bottom case of the machine E-84 NS 1128. But I looked under the slide plate and found the numbers 83973 stamped at the front. I have the original portable carring case with a small brown weave design of antique suitcases.

Any help would be great.

I have a montgomery ward model urr-185a. I think from the 1920's? Anyone know anything about this heavy guy? Curious about Value etc. I can email pics if you feel like you could help thanks!