Guess the "Mystery Case"

[petek]

Like a crow to a shiny object I was drawn to this case today. Obviously I have waaaay too much time on my hands. It is made of green enamelled metal with two latches on the top and an opening in the side that also has a latch. What it contains is quite nice, I didn't have one and now I do.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Wild Guess:

Is this possibly a "Portable Bar" or is it some kind of Music System, like a Reel-To-Reel Tape Recorder, or a Record Player!!!

I give up, what is it???

{LOLMAOROFL}

Holiday Greetings, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[jasonl]

Or

A movie projector. Hmmmmmm.......

 

[bethann]

hum.. sewing machine?

 

[gansky1]

An Elna sewing machine!

 

[jaxsunst]

I used to have a record player in a similar case to that.

 

[maytagbear]

Give the little lady a great big hand!

It is an Elna. One of my aunts has the same machine, and she still uses it. This machine is from around '55-'57. Worth restoring.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[petek]

Yay, well Bethann wins for the first correct guess but I'm semi-surprised Greg and Lawrence knew it was an Elna. Here it is. I haven't actually tried to sew anything with it but the mechanics are all working and it is extremely quiet and smooth operating. Must be that Swiss precision. BTW the model name is appropriately enough "Supermatic" When I first opened the case and was looking at it I was a bit annoyed that it appeared to be missing its foot switch till I figured out that that folding metal rod is the speed control, I guess you fold it down and operate it with your knee. I still haven't figured out what the opening on the side of the case is for, does anyone know?

 

[Kevinpreston3]

Opening on the side of the case...

I know NOTHING about sewing machines or how to sew.

However,

Does the lid come off? If it does, it is possible that you flip the lid upside down, then slide in around the area that you are sewing at (the work area if you will) and by doing so, makes a larger, flat work surface? Does that make sense?

 

[Kevinpreston3]

Thinking this...

Does this work?

 

[petek]

Kevin, how bright you are, here's how it looks properly setup.

Lawrence, can you check with aunty and see if she'll let you copy the instructions. I'm not sure what all the dials and knobs are for. Also I'm trying to figure out if the bobbin auto threads or you have to remove it and do it ouside the bobbin holder. AND most importantly, if she can tell me where the holes are for oiling it.. I see some holes but not sure if they're for oil or not.
I had no idea this was a zig-zag machine till I opened the top hatch and saw a zig zag cam in there. When I pulled out the black tray from beneath the sewing arm there were more zig zag cams and presser foots in there too..So it's fairly complete except for the instructions. Now I'm off to sew me up a new outfit.. LOL

I noticed on the serial plate on the bottom it shows 1952 as the patent date.

 

[brisnat81]

Excellent Find Pete

My grandmother has one from the early 60's, but its in the two tone grey case. I was going ask if its a cam'd machine.

She made all the clothes for 10 kids, and now still uses it for making clothes for the grand kids and CWA. She bought a Singer about 7 years ago, and never uses it. Instead she had the Elna rebuilt.

Her name is Edna, I went through a phase of calling her Nanna Elna for years, because between sewing and baking that was all I ever really saw her do

Thats a beautiful machine

 

[maytagbear]

Pete,

I will be glad to find out if my aunt still has the Elna manual, and if she does, I'll be glad to ask her for a copy.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[thor]

Pete hi, I am new to this forum although I have been reading it for years. Your need for the manual made me decide to join in!

My wife inherited this very same sewing machine from her mother, which has been running flawlessly since 1957 (I mean the sewing machine!). She still keeps all the accessories and the original operating manual. I will include any section you like, starting with the "Lubrication Chart". The lubrication points are identified by red paint. There's one oiling point which is hard to find, but it is there all right!

By the way, you have an excellent piece of Swiss craftsmanship.

http://oiling points

 

[thor]

Windin' the Bobbin

Winding the Bobbin

Sorry, I promise I'll try to improve my scanning skills!

http://bobbin thread

 

[thor]

Insertin' the Bobbin

Pages 16-17

http://inserting the Bobbin

 

[thor]

Threading the Upper Thread

Pages 18-19

http://threading the Upper Thread

 

[thor]

Adjusting the Pressure of the Presser Feet

Pages 20-21

http://pages 20-21

 

[thor]

Inserting the

Pages 22-23

http://inserting the