Q: I found this old sewing machine buried in a dirt cellar in my mother’s house. It says “White Rotary,” and there’s a metal plate on it with the serial number FR2657168. It also lists several patent dates. The latest is June 3, 1913. Can you tell me the history of the machine?
A: Thomas White began producing sewing machines in 1858 in Templeton, Mass. The company moved to Cleveland in 1866 and White Sewing Machine Co. was incorporated in 1876. The White Family Rotary model was introduced in the late 1890s. It was the company’s most popular machine and was made until the 1950s. White also made sewing machines for other companies, including Sears Roebuck. The company name became White Sewing Machine Corp. in 1926. Business declined in the 1950s as foreign-made machines became available in the United States. American manufacturers couldn’t compete with Japanese companies making cheaper sewing machines, and by 1960 most of the American manufacturers were out of business. White merged with Husqvarna Viking, a Swedish firm. The letters “FR” in your serial number indicate you have a Family Rotary machine. The rest of the numbers indicate it was made in 1917. The woman who owned your sewing machine attached her pincushion to the arm of the machine so it would be handy. You can find out more about old sewing machines by going to the website of the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society.
I have a White treadle sewing machine that I have been trying to fine information on but haven’t had any luck. The serial number is 1824745; with no letters in front of the number. The patents of from March 20,1877- March 11,1890. Other than the patents list and the serial number it says White S.M.CO. Cleveland Ohio U.S.A.
If you have any information on this machine it would be greatly appreciated.
Hello – I have a White Cabinet Rotary Sewing Machine, serial no. 9050-2. The company that could date the machine for me, Husqvarna Viking, has stopped providing this information. Is there any other place that I could find out the date of this sewing machine? Thank you.
I’ve been trying to get a date on a White SELECTRONIC model 804 sewing machine I acquired but have been unsuccessful…please help ?!? The model number is 804 and the serial number the plate is 9639…. Thanks for your thoughts in advance!
I recently inherited a White sewing machine, and I would like to identify it. The serial number is 2648222, and there is an FR by it. Can anyone help find out how old it is and where to find a manual on how to operate it?
I recently received a White Sewing machine in great condition, but I want to fully restore it. The Ser# is FR353136 and the patent dates listed on the machine range from 1890 to 1905. Based on the Body Design and SER# starting with FR, I was able to narrow it down to around 1890-1920 (sometimes 1930’s depending on the website). Given my patient dates I would guess 1905-1930. One individual online had a last patient date of 1913 and their machine was from the 1920’s so I’m guessing mine must be between 1905 and 1913, otherwise my last patient date would be higher. Any additional tips or information would be super helpful!!!! The treadle cabinet is the original that has been re-finished. I am missing the key for it though, so if anyone has a key for sale, or one that I can make a copy of, please let me know. Mine needs the triangle shape at the end of the key.
We flip houses and we found a White Sewing Machine in a new property can’t find any information on it on line.
can anyone help?
model # VSV
Serial # FR 2710887
Last patten date listed on machine is June 3, 1913
thanks
We flip houses and we found a White Sewing Machine CO. trendal sewing machine Serial Number FR 2710887
Model VSV
I can’t find any information on line at all
can anyone help?
my email is hpytoad@gmail.com
I would like to know the origin and the value of my White sewing machine. The patent dates from starting from March 20, 1877 thru May 11, 1890. It also mentions other patents were pending. The serial # 1262653. Your help is greatly appreciated.
I am trying to track down information on a White Domestic Deluxe Model CG or CG circa 1958
I have an old White Family Rotary machine #FR3084622. It also has US patent from April 10, 1900-June 3, 1913 on it. It has a motor attached to the back, but I wonder if it was originally a treadle machine. The motor is a White motor #61113. I would like to know how old it is, as well as if bobbins and needles are available for purchase somewhere. Additionally, the cord has been cut or broken off, so I need to know how to open the motor and rewire it. Thanks so much for any information and help you can offer me.
Good afternoon. I have a couple antique sewing machines and I would love to know more about them so I can sell them because I am downsizing and moving to Montana.
The White Sewing machine that I have is on a table with a box over the machine. The dates on the plate start with Mar 14, 1876 and end with Mar 27, 1877. The number by the needle on the same plate is 21190. Could you possibly tell me anything about it and how you would recommend how I can sell it?
Thank you so much. Carol
I just acquired a White Rotary machine. I would like to find out the year it was made. Calling Viking-Husqvarna, was informed they are no longer allowed to share that information. The serial number is: FR201791
https://sites.google.com/site/antiquesingersewingmachines/white-rotary-sewing-machine-serial-numbers-machine-serial-numbers
You should try here!!
about 30 years ago, I found an old FR White Rotary in a trash heap. It was complete with instr. book and attachments. I’ve never been able to date it cause the ser. number doesn’t match anything I’ve seen. Any help there? I carefully restored it and gave it to my mom who has been sewing all her life. Now, she gave it to my daughter and we shipped it UPS and parts are broken, and we are confused about how to piece back the cabinet. If I could find an exploded view of cabinet I’d really be happy! UPS also broke off a cast iron foot and you can’t weld cast iron. Any help there? This was a nightmare when I found it, and it’s almost as bad now. I’d really appreciate anyones input here! Thanks for letting me rant!!
I have a White Sewing Machine. I have all attachments, bobbins, and all paperwork. It was made on 2/9/1911; with a plate #1651040.
I have the same problem. It is hard to find exact information on these machines. Besides the history of the company.
I have two machines, one is a treadle with a Serial # FR173381 and it is missing the the cover that goes one the side of needle plate, the second one is an electric crinkle black electric machine in a Martha Washington cabinet. This one I will need to rewire. It works but it smells like something is melting and the cord gets hot. I can’t find any pictures of the wiring or how and what wire to use. Both came with the accessories. Serial # for this one is FR5048020. Any help is appreciated.
Hello.
My loving hubby bought me a White treadle sewing machine and I have been trying to find out any info. on it. I have been ALL OVER the internet and I’m still not sure about anything. It says White Rotary USA on it, the U.S Patent #’s on it go from 1900-1911 and the serial # is FR2276839 and I just found PAT. SEP’ 87 on the mounted ruler. Can you and will you PLEASE HELP ME! I really want to know all that I can about my new treasure. I was told that I need to know more info. on it so I will be able to find the right parts for it. I appreciate any and all help that you can and will give me. Thanks, Toni
I have a White Family Rotary sewing machine with Patent dates from 1890-1906 and a serial number FR 343653. I have looked everywhere for a list of serial numbers to find the date of manufacturing. How do I figure this out? I don’t want to sell only find the date. Any help would be great.
whites family rotary us a ruller on front edge of cabinet withsept 1887 date imprinted last pat dates on metal was sept 1905 Ser # fr310768