Congratulations on finding a bookcase cabinet and machine. I have a W&W bookcase cabinet also. My "books" are in excellent condition, but I need to replace the glass in the lower two openings. The beveled mirror shows some wear. These cabinets are not rare, but are certainly hard to find. I generally don't bore anyone with my sewing machine stories, but this one is lovely. And it was less than 45 minutes from home.
The previous owner told me that during the 1970s, he hopped into a VW van and drove west.? No destination. Just West. While on the west coast, he attended an auction. He does not remember what he paid or where or when he purchased the machine and cabinet. The previous owner believed the cabinet was a really cool bookcase. Several years later, he found the sewing machine inside. He managed to keep the "bookcase" after his divorce.
Years later, the owner returned to Iowa, remarried and stored the cabinet and machine in his MIL's basement. The MIL died and the treadle and machine were then stored in his garage as the MILs house was on the market. The owner placed a notice on craigslist. I responded. The treadle owner asked about Carter Bays books. Luckily, I have a couple copies of the second edition. He flipped through the pages examining all of the photos and information.
Both the owner and his wife were amazed that the machine head could be lifted out of the cabinet. they asked me how many sewing machines I own. When I replied "More than ten", the wife huffed and left the garage.
The owner and I chatted about sewing machines. After we loaded the cabinet into my Subaru, he told me that he was convinced I was destined to have this W&W and cabinet.?
A couple decades ago, a friend purchased the bookcase cabinet. The removed the machine and treadle parts, added shelves and used the cabinet to store cds. I have the machine and internal treadle parts. If anyone would like them, please contact me privately. I live in eastern Iowa and prefer not to package and ship.
Phyllis in Iowa
