G. W. Gates

The G.W. Gates Company was established in Toronto in 1865. They produced three models of machines, The Queen's Elliptic, the New Family Shuttle sewing machine and the Victoria. Very few examples of their machines exist and this one has some nice decals on it yet. This machine is from the collection of Diane and Doug Anderson and is the Queen's Elliptic:


This machine is probably an example of the New Family Shuttle from the collection of Jake and Jacqui Van Meppelen-Scheppink.



This machine is in remarkably good shape for its age and even has the complete handpainted decal on the bed of the machine and gold decals on the sides. It has been cleaned and it actually sews! Cost of the machine in an ad from 1868 was $25.00. Click on the individual pictures for a larger view.

Fall Gathering

Wanzer Sewing Machine

The Little Wanzer







The Fall gathering was held in St. Thomas, ON at the Elgin County Museum on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. We had a great time visiting with new and old friends, hearing a wonderful speaker, viewing the Museum's collection of antique sewing machines and their beautiful signature quilts. And then there was the potluck lunch! The above pictures are two of the machines in the Museum's collection. More pictures will be coming on the blog soon.