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.
Look at great shape the metal box is in!
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.
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!
Steve
Will that Anker RZ sew saddle leather ?
Thanks…Steve…
Lori
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?
Connie
Sorry Lori, I no longer have that sewing machine. Best of luck!
Donna
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.
Bev Nye
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.
Connie
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!
mcrandtke
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!
grammajudyb
Wow, it is gorgeous! Hope you get a chance to try it out.
Createology
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…
Kathy
Awesome find!!
Lin's Quilts
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?
Michelle
That is an awesome machine!
liniecat
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!
Josie McRazie
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!!!
Dorian
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!
VickiT
What a find Connie. That looks like it is in excellent shape too. Wow.
Michele
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.
Tami C
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!
Missy Shay
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.
Material Girl
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!
Jacqueline
What a beauty…and a great price.
Angie
What a happy circumstance and what a wonderful-looking machine! I bet she will be a great stitcher!
Angie
WOW what a beautiful machine.
Linda
Never heard of this make of machine. It's a beauty!
Teresa in Music City
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 :*)
Jeanie
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!
Pat
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.
Colleen
How neat!! Now where are you going to put this one! 🙂
Debbie
Way cool…..lucky you. Glad it found a very good home.
PugMom
What a wonderful treasure! I am always envious of people who find such great things at garage sales. Enjoy!
Needled Mom
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.
beaquilter
fun fun. anker was my grandfather's name, meaning anchor of course:)
Quilter Kathy
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!