All kinds of passions and hobbies lead people to be inspired and intrigued by the vintage models of their object of interest. Similarly, sewing enthusiasts are always intrigued by vintage models of sewing machines and some prefer using them for their crafts.
Like most vintage machines and objects, vintage sewing machines are also famous for their excellent manual functioning and excellent durability. The Montgomery Ward Trusted Source Montgomery Ward - Wikipedia Montgomery Ward is the name of two successive U.S. retail corporations. The original Montgomery Ward & Co. was a world-pioneering mail-order business and later also a leading department store chain that operated between 1872 and 2001. The current Montgomery Ward Inc. is a national online shopping and, ironically, mail-order catalog retailer that started several years after the original Montgomery Ward shut down. en.wikipedia.org sewing machine is a popular vintage sewing machine that piques people’s interest not just because of its sturdy construction, but other features that make them timeless!
If you are interested in learning more about Montgomery Ward sewing machines and finding important information about where to find them or how to take care of them, you are in the right place!
This article provides a great introduction to Montgomery Ward vintage sewing machines, the most popular models, their timeless charm, and other useful information regarding getting one for yourself.
All professional sewers are either aware of, have used, or are obsessed with Montgomery Ward sewing machines. It is impossible for passionate sewers to not have come across the mention of a Montgomery Ward sewing machine before. Let’s learn a little more about these machines.
They are also known as the Signature series sewing machines, owing to their impressive design, sturdy heavy-duty construction, and metallic charm. One interesting, yet shocking fact about these famous sewing machines is that the company did not manufacture any of their sewing machines!
Montgomery Ward contracted out Japanese-built sewing machines, after their manufacturers, as the National Sewing Machine Company Trusted Source National Sewing Machine Company - Wikipedia National Sewing Machine Company was a Belvidere, Illinois-based manufacturer founded in the late 19th century.[1] The company manufactured sewing machines, washing machines, bicycles, an automobile, home workshop machinery, and cast-iron toys and novelties (under the Vindex Toy Company label). en.wikipedia.org went under due to powerful Japanese competitors. This indicates the fact that most Montgomery Ward machines after the late 1950s were manufactured by companies that were subcontracted by Montgomery Ward. Montgomery Ward wanted their machines to stand out, and stand out they did, which was made possible by certain specifications that were requested by the contracted sewing machine makers to incorporate into the models they manufactured for Montgomery Ward.
Outsourcing manufacturing from international, especially Japanese companies was an obviously profitable opportunity that led Montgomery Ward to also be able to establish itself as a winning competitor in the market by charging less for top-of-the-line sewing machines.
Even though there are no present records to corroborate this information, it is highly likely that much like other American stores that outsourced manufacturing of sewing machines from Japanese companies, Montgomery Ward also did so. Of the dozen Japanese manufacturers supplying products to American companies, Montgomery Ward sold manufacturing contracts to all of these companies.
An interesting fact remains that Japanese models often followed after Singer sewing machine designs but delivered even better machines that were so-called Singer rip-offs, proving quite profitable and economical for Montgomery Ward.
However, before the shift toward Japanese manufacturers, Montgomery Ward featured a variety of others as well.
There are some famous Montgomery Ward models that people still use or buy today, which remain functional despite years of use.
One such model is the Montgomery Ward Sewing Machine 1980. This model is one of their best ones, with a simple design that is great for beginners. Its compact dimensions also make it easier to use and store.
The plastic construction of this model makes it lightweight, yet durable. It is also a very versatile model, which is reflective of the many features that were common in its time.
The only problem is that the instructions manual is difficult to find, and it is needed for maintenance and set up, like threading the bobbin.
Another model that people still use today is the Montgomery Ward Model 1984. This machine was part of the signature Montgomery Ward collection and therefore has superior construction that speaks of its quality. It was manufactured by the infamous Japanese company Happy and sold between the years 1960 to the 1980s. This model is a typical Japanese style, with simple and sturdy features that make it a convenient sewing machine, especially for home-based users.
However, it may be difficult to find spare parts for this particular sewing machine.
Lastly, the Signature Sewing Machine model UHT J277 by Montgomery Ward is still found and used by vintage sewing machine collectors. This model is part of a high-end line by Montgomery Ward, which makes it sturdy, with high quality, long-lasting parts, and great design. These are also those rare models, whose instruction manual may still be found easily, unlike the other two models we have mentioned above. You may also be able to find spare parts for this model on eBay or with other sellers elsewhere.
Passionate sewers often buy a vintage sewing machine when they come across one, especially Montgomery Ward machines and models by Singer that are no longer manufactured.
However, most of the time they are unaware of how old their vintage sewing machines actually are. You can tell how old your Montgomery Ward sewing machine is by checking the serial number of the model of your machine. For example, if you have the Montgomery Ward sewing machine model that has the serial number UGH-1335A, your sewing machine was manufactured 65 years ago!
An expert tip to find how old one’s sewing machine actually is to simply Google the model of the sewing machine, by punching in the serial number of your machine into the search engine and accessing the online registries that indicate the manufacturing date of these machines.
However, this can sadly not be done with Montgomery Ward sewing machines since the registries for their models are not available online.
However, there are four ways to find out the age of your Montgomery Ward sewing machine. The simplest way would be to locate the manufacturing date on the manual that comes with the machine, however, the problem with vintage machines is that they usually don’t come with an instructions manual because people preserve the machine but forget to keep the book safe.
If you do not have the pamphlet, do not worry because there are other ways to tell how old your machine is. You can Google the different models and find the one that looks the same as or very similar to the one you own. Starting here, you can proceed to follow the web trail that will eventually tell you how old the model in the picture on Google is. This may not always work, so another way is to look for a Montgomery Ward sewing machine model similar to the one you own on eBay.
You can try searching for the serial number of your machine and find a seller of the same model, who hopefully has published information regarding the antiquity and manufacturing date of the machine as well. If none of these techniques prove fruitful, you can always get help from fellow sewing enthusiasts, who gave the knowledge regarding vintage sewing machines. Joining a discussion forum for sewing and quilting may just get you your answer!
Montgomery Ward sewing machines are highly coveted machines among sewers, not just because of their antique charm, but also their excellent performance, durability, and easy maintenance.
When it comes to the price of these vintage sewing machines, they may range from $50 to $200, depending on the model and condition of the machine. The condition of the machine’s components that make it what it is, such as the wooden frame, also factors in. In this day and age, where professional-grade sewing machines are used by big retailers and brands that can cost up to $2000. This cost for the Montgomery Ward sewing machines cannot be considered exorbitant.
Certain signature models, even today, can be bought for a mere $100! For enthusiasts, this is not a very high price to pay, especially considering the high functional value and performance of Montgomery Ward vintage sewing machines.
Other determinants of the price of Montgomery Ward sewing machines can be the original parts and accessories that it comes with. If these items, such as feet, maintenance tools, and a functional original motor of the machine are included with the machine you buy, the price might be higher. In case any of these accessories are not included or require replacing due to poor condition, you may be able to get a Montgomery Ward sewing machine for really less!
One thing to note about these machines is that they are not very well reviewed because they are not compatible with the sewing designs and styles of today’s age, which is another reason why these sewing machines are not as expensive as other vintage collector items.
However, antique items have a place of their own, which is often higher than vintage because they do not rank based on their functionality but by their historical charm. This is why antique sewing machines are usually bought as a collector item and not for actual sewing, costing more and ranging up to $500.
Any model of the Montgomery Ward sewing machine that is dated before the 20th century would classify as an antique; however, price determinants such as the condition of the machine would still factor in.
Great vintage builds, age like wine, gracefully and increasing in value and demand over time because they have a timelessness that cannot be matched. Similarly, since Montgomery Ward sewing machines are no longer manufactured and the company has gone out of business, these sewing machines can be quite difficult to find.
Furthermore, despite some models of the Montgomery Ward sewing machines that have lasted for longer than 6 decades, not all of their sewing machines have been this successful and durable over the years.
This is another reason why it may be difficult to find a fully functional Montgomery Ward sewing machine, especially one that comes with all the original parts. Your best shot at finding a Montgomery Ward sewing machine and its parts is on eBay. Other options are more luck-based, such as coming across an old Montgomery Ward model at yard sales, thrift shops, or online sellers.
You can, however, find accessories like-new replacement belts and metal bobbins for sewing machines that are compatible with Montgomery Ward machines. The New Replacement Belt Montgomery Ward Sewing Machine UHT J 1954 UHTJ1954 & 1947 is an easily available item. New Generic Metal Bobbins are also very easy to find online and in stores and they can be used for most Montgomery Ward sewing machines. You can also get a sewing table for your sewing machine as well.
An instructions manual or an owner’s pamphlet is a useful item that comes with most appliances and other products, providing users with basic information and guidelines for setting up, maintenance, and usage of the item. The problem with vintage sewing machines like the Montgomery Ward machines is that they usually do not come with a manual, since original owners usually misplace it.
Some companies offer all the information available in the manual on their websites, which can be easily accessed. However, unfortunately, Montgomery Ward does not sell sewing machines any longer, therefore information manuals for their older sewing machines are not available on their website. You can try to look for these books online at stores, such as eBay, or ask on sewing forums if someone has them. In conclusion, it is quite difficult to find the manual for a vintage Montgomery Ward sewing machine.
Montgomery Ward sewing machines are popular for their timeless charm and durable construction that keep them functional even after years of usage. They are usually collected by sewers who sew as a hobby and do not require very sophisticated or complicated stitching.
Now that you know the basic information about the company and the vintage sewing machines, you can decide if you need a Montgomery Ward sewing machine. The thing with most vintage machines is that they require frequent oiling because their motors can be old and weary. You can find the best sewing machine oils to keep your Montgomery Ward sewing machine running smoothly. You can also try some easy ways to oil a sewing machine at home! This will help you maintain your sewing machine and keep it in good shape despite years of usage!
