Anker Sewing Machine

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Look what showed up at my house!! My neighbor who is a quilter loves going to garage sales and Goodwill and finds all kinds of neat things. She called me and sent a text with a photo of this machine and asked if I was interested. Of course I said yes and she brought it to me.

It is a Anker sewing machine that was manufactured in 1947 in West Germany. There is a manual with it and inside is inscribed “Irene Ramsey, Marengo, Iowa 1947”. Irene had recently passed away and her nephew and his wife were selling off her things. I love old machines that have belonged to someone who used them. I ended up talking to his wife on the phone and asked about attachments and she found the tin box of feet for me.

Anker Sewing Machine

Look at great shape the metal box is in!

Anker Sewing Machine
On the right front side there is a pin cushion that is part of the machine. Isn’t that neat!
Anker Sewing Machine

The sewing machine looks smaller than my 15-91 Singers but is actually about the same size. Right away I cleaned it up a little (it was actually in great shape) and the stitching was pretty good. The needle was dull and when I went to replace it I found out it takes a different size needle. I tried finding them at my LQS but ended up ordering them off of ebay.

I haven’t tried them yet and right now the sewing machine is sitting in the living room……I’m running out of room for sewing machines!!! It is in a blonde cabinet and it cost $60.

When my neighbor Diannia and her sister dropped off the machine, Jokester Bob went on about what a neat sewing machine it was for only $10……….these two gals were GOOD……no change in facial expressions! If I told Bob $10…they were going with that. Then Bob started laughing and said he knew the real cost.

Anker Sewing Machine

Do I need another sewing machine……….no but this one was irresistible! I wish I had a huge studio and could have all of my sewing machines setup all the time…………I’d probably buy more!

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33 Comments

  1. Will that Anker RZ sew saddle leather ?
    Thanks…Steve…

  2. I inherited the exact same machine from my mother. She taught me to sew on this machine. I need to find a belt for it. Do you know what kind/size of belt it takes and where to find one?

    1. Sorry Lori, I no longer have that sewing machine. Best of luck!

  3. I just acquired a beautiful Anker Rz as well! Would you consider sharing a copy of the manual? Think I have pretty much figured out the dials, but it’s always nice to have a manual. Many thanks.

  4. I was going to sell my mother’s Anker RZ in a darker cabinet with 3 drawers with the booklet and Anker Weke AG box of attachments and wasn’t sure what to ask. Can anyone give me some ideas? I live in the greater Kansas City MO area. My mother got it used in the early 50’s and I grew up sewing on it. In the 70’s, I was given a Singer and began sewing with that. The Anker hasn’t been used for a while, but as far as I know a little tune up is all it needs. Hopefully I’ll get an answer (or more) since it looks like the previous comments are fairly old. Thanks.

    1. I don’t think Anker sewing machines are in high demand although the one I got is beautiful. I’m in Iowa and my neighbor found it at a garage sale for $40. The great thing about old machines…..a little oil and TLC and they work!

  5. mcrandtke says:

    How much is this sewing machine worth? My mom picked one up at an estate sale for $15 for me! It's a beautiful piece and my husband is fixing the foot pedal so I can learn on it. Exciting!

  6. grammajudyb says:

    Wow, it is gorgeous! Hope you get a chance to try it out.

  7. Createology says:

    What a wonderful find and for you to adopt this and give it a very good sewing home is just perfect. Creative Anker Bliss Dear…

  8. Lin's Quilts says:

    I love reading about the machines other people find, but, first, I'm afraid I would get a lemon, and, second, I would feel guilty not using it. Especially if I had multiples. How do you deal with either of these concerns?

  9. That is an awesome machine!

  10. What a beauty and am sure its previous owner would be thrilled it was going to a home in which it would be treasured!
    lucky you!

  11. Josie McRazie says:

    Running out of space…good bye kitchen table!! ;0) I agree Builder Bob can just whip you up a new 'shop' hes good that way!!!

  12. What a beautiful machine! And a great find for only $60!!! I, too, love the old machines and have more than I need. lol Enjoy!

  13. What a find Connie. That looks like it is in excellent shape too. Wow.

  14. Oh what a great find and I so understand how it is hard to resit a great buy like that one. I've seen some great ones on Craigslist lately and have had to fight with myself to not run out and get them.

  15. I love vintage machines! I need to find one that will drop it's feed dogs. Sure looks like you got a really good deal!

  16. Missy Shay says:

    I almost bought one when I first got interested in Vintage, but I was not sure, and missed out, when I went back the next day it was gone.

  17. Material Girl says:

    I have an addiction problem too. There are lots of us out there. I prefer sewing on a vintage machine when piecing a quilt, especially miniatures and small pieces. Enjoy your new machine, she looks great!

  18. Jacqueline says:

    What a beauty…and a great price.

  19. What a happy circumstance and what a wonderful-looking machine! I bet she will be a great stitcher!

  20. WOW what a beautiful machine.

  21. Never heard of this make of machine. It's a beauty!

  22. Teresa in Music City says:

    What a neat addition to your machines Connie!!! I love the look of it – I've never seen one of these before. It looks like it is in really great shape too! I think that's a friend you definitely need to keep if she brings you such wonderful finds from her yard sale trips :*)

  23. She's just lovely! I've never heard of Anker before. You can tell that this machine has been well taken care of and I'm sure they're grateful to know that you will also take great care of it and appreciate it. What a treasure!

  24. Oh, it is in lovely condition. What a great find. Perhaps Builder Bob could start building a sewing annex for the house. 🙂

    I've often wondered whatever happened to my mother's old Singer. I hope someone has it and loves it.

  25. How neat!! Now where are you going to put this one! 🙂

  26. Way cool…..lucky you. Glad it found a very good home.

  27. What a wonderful treasure! I am always envious of people who find such great things at garage sales. Enjoy!

  28. It looks like a great find, Connie. I love the story about the cost of it. Is the needle a little shorter? My little toy hand crank machine uses a shorter needle and I'm wondering if it is the same size.

  29. fun fun. anker was my grandfather's name, meaning anchor of course:)

  30. This is a fantastic find! A gorgeous machine in excellent condition! I've never seen one of these before! I need a garage sale scout!