Q & A

E.L. of Oromocto, NB writes:

We recently picked up a old sewing machine. I liked the way it looked with a cabinet and lots of decoration on the machine. It has a plate under the needle the reads "T. Eaton Co. Limited Toronto and Winnipeg" It is a Seamstress B and has a mark made in the USA.

There is a little rust around the screws but otherwise it is in great condition.

Can you tell me a bit about it. I am going to be placing it in my craft and quilting shop as a display item but do not know how much to value it at for my books.

We asked Lindsay Anderson to respond:

The Seamstress treadle sewing machine was sold by Eaton's roughly around the 1920's. This particular model would have cost about $24.00 in 1920 and came with a 10 year warranty. It was a moderately priced machine at the time compared to the full cabinet Improved Seamstress that cost about $45.00. The Seamstress B has a current market value of $275.00 to $375.00. As a store fixture used for advertising purposes you may wish to consider insuring it for $500.00 to $600.00.