Misc Sewing Machines

Betsy Ross 707

This is a Betsy Ross toy sized chain stitch sewing machine. It’s made of cast aluminum, and this is a motorized example, but they were also offered with a hand crank. My understanding is that it was made in the 1950’s by Gibraltar in New Jersey, U.S.A.

Rescued from being a lamp

My machine was paid the indignity of being turned into a lamp, so after I rescued it I set about restoring it to it’s original form. The good news is that the person who converted it into a lamp didn’t really damage the main part of the machine, the bad news is that they made a mess of the electrical system, and I’m still in the process of sorting that out, so for now it doesn’t run.

Cute little carry case

The machine originally came in a nice little carry case, but by the time it got to me the lid had been converted into a lampshade. Fortunately the only damage was a 1/4 hole in the center of the top of the case.

Wiring and motor

As I mentioned above the motor, power switch, and lamp wiring had been connected together and I had to remove the extra wiring to return it to normal. The wiring that’s left won’t be to hard to fix, I just haven’t gotten to it yet.

I’ll add a little more once I’ve got the machine up and running.

Recommended reading

Specifications

BrandBetsy Ross
Model707
Manufactured ByGibraltar
Made InNew Jersey, U.S.A.
Years Produced1950’s
Hook TypeChain stitch
BobbinNone
Bobbin CaseNone
Needle System24×1
Foot TypeProprietary
ConstructionCast aluminum
Construction DrivetrainAll metal