Sew Gem 215

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Posted by m.mathews
15 years ago
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Description Sew Gem 215 This machine model was one of the last truly American sewing machines produced. Also manufactured in a light green color. It was manufactured by Gellman Manufacturing Company of Rock Island, Ill, being the invention of Charles H Petskeyes who took out six patents for the machine's loop taker, rotary hook mechanism, low cost simplified stitch length regulator with reverse from 1949 to 1955. Warren Hanson's thread guide patent was granted in 1954. Sincere's History of the Sewing Machine said the machine showed a lack of anything different, yet the authors were not to know that Petskeyes' patents were later cited in patents by Borletti, Pfaff, Singer, Electrolux, Necchi, Strobel and Bernina. The rotary hook movement is on the right of the needle and the machine is driven by a chain. Perhaps the idea for this came from Petskeyes' earlier patent for a Pusher Conveyer (see diagram), for Gellman Manufacturing were heavily involved in paper wrapping and handling means for bread wrapping machines (known as Producer Synchromatic Wrapper & Slicer). In 1961 the company was involved in a court case involving supplying their bread machines to the government. Previously the company, under the leadership of Israel C Gellman, became known for adjustable wrenches, often known as Polly wrenches.
Category Other
Condition Good
Date Period 1950?
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known) 0
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Collector Discussion

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Lovejoy 🎯 Collector 15 years ago

Short of some light industrial machines and the Singer "featherweights", there's virtually no demand for 1950's machines in the current market. I see sewing machines from this era regularly fail to get bids at auction or sell for under $50.00.
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Anonymous (not verified) 🌱 Newbie 15 years ago

I have one for sell that is in better shape than the one shown here.  It also has the cabinet desk type casing with four drawers.  Anyone care to contact me at [email protected] to make an offer. 
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gpgordy 🌱 Newbie 13 years ago

Just curious when you posted this article, if you were able to sell your machine, and for how much.  Thanks in advance.
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Anonymous (not verified) 🌱 Newbie 15 years ago

my other half and I found on of these machines complete with table in his aunts storage....it isnt in the greatest shape and needs some parts...any idea where we could possibly find some parts for this machine?

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