Two-Spool Sewing Machines made by National

Two-Spool Sewing Machines made by National
Two-Spool Sewing Machines made by National

Saturday, March 29, 2014

 Here is a table of information other Two Spool owners sent to me...Thank you All!!! I'll continue to update this as new information arrives.

From the information I've been able to find, National made two spools from 1914-1930, so that may help you get an approximate date for your machine if you go by your serial number.

 Two Spool Characteristics, Differences and Serial Numbers

Serial No. Badge Name Cover Plate Face Plate Can Type Hook Style Base Leg Config Port/Treadle Treadle Irons
H2268 Eldredge Pivot Hort. Guide 1



H2273 Eldredge Pivot
1

Treadle
H3068 Eldredge Pivot Unique 1

Treadle Eldredge
H4881







H5862 Eldredge Pivot Hort. Guide 1 1 Set forward Portable N/A
H6359 Eldredge Pivot Hort. Guide 1 1 Set forward Treadle N/A
H7718 Blank Badge Pivot Hort. Guide 1 1 Set forward Electric head only
H8293 Eldredge Pivot Hort. Guide 1



H9150 National Odd Badge Pivot


Set back Electric
H10474 Eldredge Pivot
3***

Treadle Eldredge
H10859 Western Electric** Pivot Hort. Guide


Portable
H16348 Eldredge Pivot
2

Treadle
H18934 Eldredge Pivot Hort. Guide 2 2 Set back Treadle NSMCO
H22697 Western Electric** Pivot Hort. Guide 2 2 Set back Portable
H25714 Eldredge

3



H28230 Eldredge Slide Hort. Guide 3



H29895 National Slide Hort. Guide 3 2 Set back Treadle
H30681 Eldredge

3



H33627 Western Electric**






H36182 Eldredge

1 replaced



H37757 Eldredge Slide
2



H43535 National

3



H49387 National Slide


Set back Portable
H52469 National

3



H53848 National Slide 45* Guide 3 3 Set back Portable N/A
H54778 National






H56444 Graybar*

3



H57095

45* Guide 3
Set back Table/Motor
H57867 National Slide
3



H60751 National

3



H62429 National






H66255 National Slide 45* Guide

Set back Electric
H68109 National Slide 45* Guide

Set back Unknown
H69497 National Slide 45* Guide 3 3 Set back Treadle NationalSMCO
H70248 National

3




*Graybar badged two-spool machines were made by National and sold through Montgomery Wards
**Western Electric badged two-spool machines were made by National
***This can may not work in this machine. Dorothy has not yet sewed with machine. Probably needs a #1 or #2 style
 
Posted by at

53 comments:

  1. Lisa @Me and My HouseApril 21, 2014 at 12:56 PM

    I am so happy to find your blog. I just purchased a National 2-Spool this weekend and am looking for info. My serial# is H57703. Do you have any idea when it was made? Or where else I can look for more info? She isn't in my possession yet, so I'm not able to check out all the other nuances yet, only a few from the pics I took. I'll be checking back and reading more of your info later, when I have her on hand. Thanks for any info or direction you can give.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Treadle ToesApril 22, 2014 at 9:12 AM

    Hi Lisa! Welcome to the Two-Spool Club!! You'll love her!! I can't give you an exact date on your machine, but my guess is it would be somewhere around 1925's due to the serial number. I know National sold these machines from 1914 to 1930. Let me know if you have any questions about your new treasure!! I also have a video showing a little about threading and using the Two-Spool machine on YouTube. ENJOY!! TreadleToes (Becky L)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lisa @Me and My HouseApril 22, 2014 at 10:29 AM

    Thank you Becky!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ScottAugust 4, 2014 at 3:31 PM

    Hi Becky, Are you still catalogueing Two Spool machines? I just obtained my first and if you are still recording them, I will send you the serial, nuances, etc.
    Cheers!
    Scott

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesAugust 4, 2014 at 4:02 PM

      Hi Scott--Yes, please do send the info on your Two Spool!! Congrats on getting yours!! :-)

      Delete
  5. LMcJuly 6, 2015 at 12:13 PM

    Hello
    I've an National Sewing machine co. Eldredge Two Spool in great shape. Are you still collecting the info?
    Serial no. H8293, old spool winder, no. 1 canister, straight face plate threaded,
    Swivel bed plate. It's in a Damascus Grand treadle base and it fits perfectly. If you need further info/pics please contact me.
    Thanks for this awesome site.

    ReplyDelete
  6. C. SmithJuly 14, 2015 at 1:44 PM

    Hello, I have a old graybar sewing machine that I know nothing about. I was wondering if you could help me. The patent # is 1321209

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesAugust 10, 2015 at 2:30 PM

      Sorry...I can't help you with a standard Graybar machine. Just have info on the Two Spools. You might checkout the National Sewing Machine group on Yahoo Groups for help.

      Delete
  7. Melinda RAugust 10, 2015 at 8:59 AM

    Hi Becky, I have an Eldredge Two Spool serial number H57095. The manual is dated 10 '25 on the outside, and 6-26 on the inside. It is electric and they glued in a front page with instructions on using the motor and foot pedal. The thread guide is 45°, can type 3, the legs are set back, it came in a table, and has the little flipper to engage motor for bobbin winder. The decals are beautiful! My only problem is the motor was shot, and finding a replacement has been a nightmare! Since the motor shaft rides on the handwheel (with tires), the motor has to turn clockwise, except the only motors I can find turn CCW as they are meant to run with a belt. Can't wait to figure that part out so I can actually sew!! Thanks for keeping track of these unusual beauties!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesAugust 10, 2015 at 2:22 PM

      Thanks for the info Melinda! Does your machine actually have "Eldredge Two Spool" on the decal badge, or is it "National Two Spool"? The Eldredge decal badge is usually found on the machine made earlier than yours. I don't have any extra motors myself, but I did find a clockwise motor & controller for sale on eBay. You might look there.

      Delete
  8. Tamara GassenSeptember 4, 2015 at 6:56 PM

    I just purchased an eldredge two spool treadle serial # H2273 made by national in belvidere Il pivot plate, canister 1 is there any way you can give me an approx. Date of mfg.if you need any more info let me know

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesSeptember 5, 2015 at 6:31 AM

      Congrats on your nice find!! From what little information I've been able to gather, we know these machines were sold from early 1914 to late 1930. So, guessing from the low number of your serial #, I would say yours is probably somewhere between 1914-15. Would love to see photos of your new gem!! Feel free to ask questions if you run into problems with your new toy.

      Delete
  9. Tamara GassenSeptember 5, 2015 at 7:28 PM

    Thanks for the info. Glad I found your site. How can I send you pictures? So excited about my treasure Tamara

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownSeptember 30, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. OliverDecember 6, 2015 at 5:13 PM

    If you are still cataloging I have come by a National Two Spool treadle. It has the original cam, a gorgeous burl case, and is one of the later models. My grandmother told me it was from around 1930, her grandmother's. The cam is the later style. I am setting to restoring it, but so far cannot locate the serial number in order to be able to know what sort of belt I'll need. The slide plate is of the later style as well, and has imprinting on it, but it's heavily corroded/rusted. I've been working all afternoon to remove the build up, but still can't locate the number on it. The upper portion of the plate seems to contain patent info and dates. The lower half from what little I've uncovered seems to list fabric types and suggestions for settings and needles.
    Am I looking in the right spot for the serial number? Thank you for your help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesDecember 7, 2015 at 7:53 AM

      Hi Oliver! Congrats on getting your GGrandmother's Two Spool!!! Lucky you! The serial number should be found on a little brass plate near the front right-side of the machine base. It's usually to the left of the stitch-length lever on the front right-side of the base. Hope that helps can find it!

      Delete
  12. OliverDecember 7, 2015 at 11:05 AM

    Fantastic!
    Thank you so much for your help! I looked and could not find a brass plate. I got out the baby toothbrush once more and began brushing in that general area. Finally, I found a raised oval, but could not detect any numbers. After using a soft rag and a dab of water, and staying only on the oval, I finally found H27829. Now, to find out what belt to order, and from where. And, to continue cleaning her up. I am excited!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesDecember 7, 2015 at 11:26 AM

      Interesting Oliver. That serial number puts your machine in with some of the earlier models. Can you see a name across the top bar of the machine? Does it say Eldredge Two Spool or National Two Spool, or what?

      Delete
  13. OliverDecember 7, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    National Two Spool

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesDecember 7, 2015 at 11:51 AM

      Are you certain of the serial number you see on that plate? I would love to see a photo of that serial number plate to verify what you are seeing. The number is much earlier than other machines in my records that have "National Two Spool" on them. If the plate is still hard to see, you might try cleaning it with a little acetone (fingernail polish remover) on a Q-Tip to clean more grime off it. DO NOT USE ACETONE ON THE MAIN FINISH--ONLY ON SILVER OR BRASS PARTS.

      Delete
    2. OliverDecember 7, 2015 at 12:20 PM

      I somehow missed this post. I'll do that now. Thanks for the help.

      Delete
    3. OliverDecember 7, 2015 at 12:29 PM

      The acetone helped to clarify without a doubt the above serial number.

      Delete
    4. OliverDecember 7, 2015 at 12:32 PM

      The slide plate is not the pivot style, but the slide out. And, the cam has the ledge on the bottom.

      Delete
    5. Treadle ToesDecember 7, 2015 at 12:45 PM

      Okay...serial no. is what it is then. I'll be interested to see the photos of the machine on your Mom's blog when she gets that up. It is an early National badged model.
      So, to summerize, can style is #3, cover plate is the slide type. I'll add your machine to the database. Thanks!

      Delete
    6. OliverDecember 7, 2015 at 12:50 PM

      Sorry, I should have clarified. This is definitely Oliver's mom. It was a family blog just had my son's name listed and never changed it. :) I can email pics over if you'd like. My grandmother had written and taped a note on the inside of the cabinet tray saying it belonged to her grandmother, and was from around 1930. Let me know email if you'd like the pics. Thanks again for all your help and time. -Laurie

      Delete
    7. Treadle ToesDecember 7, 2015 at 1:13 PM

      No problem. I'll just wait for pics on the blog. I don't want to post my email addy here and get hit by the spammers. They hunt you down everywhere. Thanks!

      Delete
  14. OliverDecember 7, 2015 at 11:44 AM

    I'm documenting my journey through this on my Instagram feed if you'd like the link to follow.
    Thanks, Oliver's mom, Laurie :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesDecember 7, 2015 at 11:46 AM

      Yes, Oliver's Mom!! Would love to see it, but I don't use Instagram. :-( How can I see it?

      Delete
    2. OliverDecember 7, 2015 at 11:50 AM

      You can sign up for IG with just an email. You can view it from the app directly on your phone, or, pull it up on your home computer. My IG feed is listed under JustJollyLife.
      I also plan to blog the process of the restoration on my other blog, justjollylife.com. I took a bunch of before pictures yesterday and hope to have them up over the next day or so. But, I put quick phone pics up on IG as I go along. :)

      Delete
    3. Treadle ToesDecember 7, 2015 at 11:55 AM

      I'll wait for your blog posts. I don't want to signup for IG. Old fogy here. ;-) Great that you are documenting the cleanup of this family machine!! FUN!!

      Delete
  15. AnonymousDecember 18, 2015 at 6:43 PM

    Good Afternoon! I have a National 2 Spool machine Serial # H57445. My canister is the #3. My cabinet is totally different than any I've seen, I'm not sure how to post pictures here, but if you'll tell me I'll gladly attempt it! Sheila

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Treadle ToesDecember 19, 2015 at 6:06 AM

      Thanks Sheila--I'll add your info to the database. If you have a Flickr account, you could put a link to a photo of your cabinet in your post. https://www.flickr.com/photos/treadletoes/8050900668/in/album-72157631682930854/

      Delete
  16. QuilterBeeJune 20, 2016 at 11:55 PM

    Hello!
    H29915
    Eldredge
    Can 3
    Face plate loop guide- horizontal
    Cover plate-slide
    Hook-2
    Winder- 1
    Base leg-set back

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownSeptember 1, 2016 at 7:28 PM

    Hello, I have a two spool sewing machine manufactured by RK HOHMANN patents from 1911-1913. I believe ut was made by The model number is H73243, can you tell me where I can get more information and the value? The slide plate shows patentdates: August 8, 1911, October 31, 1911. November 27, 1911 and September 16, 1913.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Treadle ToesSeptember 2, 2016 at 7:12 AM

    Laurie--Values are very difficult to estimate on antique & vintage machines due to the number of variables involved. Condition is everything. Seems recent prices vary from $50-$250 depending on condition.
    Information is limited. Since you found my blog, I assume you ran an online search. What you found online is just about all the information there is available.
    The serial number of your machine indicates it is a later model probably made in the late 1920's to early 1930's.

    ReplyDelete
  19. sudiemayNovember 3, 2016 at 10:57 PM

    I am almost in tears! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all this information you've given us! If you'd like I will add my info. I'm so excited!!! I brought my National two spools treadle home about 6 months ago. She's not in the best of shape but because of you pictures and explanations I know that I have the right canister for the machine! Yay!! My problem though is that it won't make a full rotation. I'm hoping it's the grime and the hardened grease that's making it not work.. anyway.. here's her info:

    serial: H31508
    badge: unknown
    can: 3
    faceplate: horizontal
    cover plate: slide (1911-1913)
    winder: older (plain w/ no gizmo on it)
    leg: set back

    She's in a her own cabinet.(chain) not in the best of shape but not too bad. I can send pic's if you'd like.

    Thank you again for all this info and your video's.. I've learned so much from you. =]

    p.s.- If anyone would know why it won't do a full rotation please let me know.

    sudiemay



    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownFebruary 21, 2018 at 12:18 PM

    Hi! It is good to see someone making a list and documenting the Two Spool! I got mine many years ago, off ebay, (machine only, Western Electric motor which broke in shipping, and damaged some decal..) I almost bought another one that was located a few blocks from me in Saginaw MI but could not reach the expected price before it went to an Auction. It was in a treadle and had a second canister, too.
    Mine is serial no. H17682
    Badge: Western Electric
    Cover plate: pivot
    can type: 2
    Bobbin winder, no extra part
    Leg: set back
    face plate, left one in the pic.
    Hook: 2

    ReplyDelete
  21. UnknownFebruary 24, 2018 at 4:55 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownFebruary 24, 2018 at 5:50 PM

    I have an Eldredge Two Spool, serial number H50010, slide cover plate, horizontal guide, type 3 can, type 2 hook, legs set back, treadle machine head that now has an, I believe, after market electrical motor. The diameter of the outside of the hand wheel is 149mm and the outer wheel is 16 mm thick. I would love to have a questimate of the year it was manufactured.

    ReplyDelete
  23. UnknownMay 19, 2018 at 11:11 AM

    Hello, recently perchanced a National Sewing Machine model “A” two spool, but I am having trouble locating the serial number. Where are are the serial numbers located?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Luna NW LoonsMay 19, 2018 at 11:36 AM

      Not familiar with a "model A" two-spool. The serial numbers on Two-Spools can be found on the front right-side of the base plate in a small brass-colored oval.

      Delete
  24. Just for Knits n GigglesMay 22, 2018 at 12:58 PM

    Hi! I just brought home a National Two Spool and I have to admit I know nothing about them. I just wanted to rescue it from the thrift shop and hopefully sew with it. If not it will still be lovely for display! Any tips pointers or websites/resources not commonly found on you’d recommend?
    Looks complete except the bobbin is missing. It has the casing like the first image on your other post, comparing three types...The Serial number is H8017, it has a pivot plate, and according to your photos, an older spool-winder arm... The faceplate has the horizontal bar... And I don’t see any marking in the treadle wheel... Any help is much appreciated!!!! ��

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownJuly 21, 2018 at 6:54 PM

    I have an original Instruction Book for the National Two Spool Sewing Machine that I would to sell. It is in good condition and has many illustrations to help explain the information. Let me know if anyone has interest in the manual. Contact me at safreitag369@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. UnknownAugust 20, 2019 at 11:24 PM

    I have just discovered a new fasination with old sewing machines and a 2 Spool by Elderedge (serial number H8127). Local thrift storesold me the working machine with canistser for 100 bucks! It looks most similar to your oldest machine - leftmost machine above. Could your table of serial numbers be updated to show some manufacture dates? I would like to estimate its age.

    ReplyDelete
  27. dougtupper@yahoo.comAugust 30, 2019 at 11:51 AM

    Thanks to this table, and other peoples' good records, I can now estimate my machine H8127 to have been manufactured and sold around 1917 or 1918. Thank you to the owner of H4881 - who has the warentee papers documenting a sale in November 1916. My date estimate for a machine about 3250 units later assumes a production rate of 1500 to 2000 machines per year ... your milage may vary. Last night I sewed two rags together!

    ReplyDelete
  28. cpoulMarch 11, 2020 at 6:32 AM

    H11796 Western Electric Portable with carry case. May be missing parts. Is there an reference sites or forums for this machine when I can ask questions about parts? thank you cpoul76283@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. cpoulMarch 11, 2020 at 6:45 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. cpoulMarch 11, 2020 at 7:27 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. SheilaApril 1, 2020 at 6:11 PM

    Im trying to find a manual and info on my two spool improved eldrege rotary machine. If you can send any info id appreciate it.thank you.sheilaglohman@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousNovember 7, 2020 at 10:45 PM

    You have good articles here! If anyone here looking for loan @ 2% rate in return to buy home or other financing needs, I want you to contact Mr Benjamin On 247officedept@gmail.com Also On Whats-App + 1-989-394-3740When I was introduced to Mr. Benjamin, I was entering the market as a first time buyer. Naturally,my needs were a bit different and I had loads of questions. Before he sent me my pre-approval letter, he called to speak with me about what it meant and what could change. He made himself available to me at pretty much any hour via email and texts. He was very responsive and knowledgeable. He’s also very straightforward. I explained to him what my expectations were in terms of closing time and other particulars. He said he would meet those expectations but he surpassed them. I closed so quickly my realtor and the seller of course were excited about that. But as a buyer I appreciated being walked through the process of Mr Benjamin loan offer. From pre-approval to closing- the journey was so seamless and I consider myself lucky because I’ve heard horror stories. I recommend him to anyone looking for a loan. Everything was handled electronically expediently and securely   

    ReplyDelete
  33. GingerSeptember 27, 2021 at 4:50 PM

    Adding to the list:

    Eldredge Two-Spool, c. 1930
    Serial H64171
    Canister Style 3
    45* Thread Guide
    Sliding Cover Plate
    Old Style Bobbin Winder
    Later-style base w/set back leg
    Tiger Oak treadle cabinet
    Treadle Irons badged "Eldredge"

    Modified, 1949, equipped with Kenmore Model E-6354 Friction Drive Motor

    ReplyDelete
  34. Lindsey B.October 14, 2021 at 7:58 AM

    Thank you for this! Here is the info for my machine:

    National Two Spool
    Serial # H53610
    Canister style 3
    45* thread guide
    Sliding cover plate with patents dated 8/8/1911- 10/16/1913
    Old style bobbin winder
    Set in oak treadle cabinet with “National SMCO” on legs

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)