A number of years ago, I came across this beautiful vintage Gritzner sewing machine at our local Value Village. I've always kept an eye out for a Singer Featherweight, unique men’s ties, antique lace - anything small and unusual that I can use in my sewing... but this was truly a diamond in the rough!
I have always wanted to know more about this beautiful machine and the Gritzner company as a whole. I thought that rather than keeping it tucked away in my closet, I would try to learn more.
I had never heard of the brand, but as soon as I saw it, I thought it looked like it was made around the 1930's. I LOVE the gold and green markings - no matter what angle you look at it, there are beautiful colours and patterns.
It came with a VERY heavy case (seriously, I could hardly waddle out of the store), a shuttle bobbin, all the various feet (two sizes of rolled hem feet, for some reason) in a nifty green box titled WM. Rogers & Son. Also, it looks like the electric plug and foot pedal have been replaced.
When teaching classes or speaking at guilds, sometime's I'll ask if anyone has or has heard of this sewing machine... Nobody has. I browsed the internet and found that the company originated in Germany from 1872-1965!
Take a moment to browse through these links to learn more about the history of Gritzner!
I still, however, am not able to find any information about my specific make, what it's worth, whether the case belongs with it or not, how best to clean it, or how to replace the rubber belt. I hope that I'll be able to find out more one day... Until then, I will admire the beautiful decals, the thickness of the feet and weight of this machine that sews a straight line much nicer than my Pfaff!
If you DO have any information for me, leave it in the comments below or message me on Facebook: Sandy Simmelink - Fibre Artist and Teacher in the Art of Fine Quilting.