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This little sewing machine was manufactured some time during the 1910’s, according to the warranty that came with its instruction manual. At first glance, it looks like a 3/4 size National, but the raised needle plate area gives it away as a Davis made machine. It also has “Davis” inscribed on its shuttle.
![](https://www.sewingmachinemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/image-6-769x1024.png)
I bought this little machine at a garage sale in 2008. The back of the machine had a bracket for the spring-loaded swing around Hamilton Beach motor commonly found on Western Electric sewing machines. A previous owner had replaced that motor with a footed motor of similar vintage. However, the motor was broken by the time I got the machine.
![](https://www.sewingmachinemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/image-7-768x1024.png)
I then bought a new motor off eBay complete with a new foot-shaped controller that was described as new old stock in the original box. To my surprise, it was an unused motor and foot controller with original sales tags.
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As you might be able to see, the new motor was cushioned with straw in its original box when it arrived in the mail.
![](https://www.sewingmachinemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/image-9-798x1024.png)
This is the sales brochure that came with the new motor.
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Here is a good look at the motor, which was popularly called the Jack Rabbit motor, and was used to convert many home appliances to electricity during the early years. Originally it was a friction drive setup, but that made the machine run backwards, so I added a belt to overcome this problem.
![](https://www.sewingmachinemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/image-11.png)
Even new, cloth covered cords are not considered as safe as modern electrical cords, but I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity to make it as original as when it was brand new, especially with the name “Electro”.
![](https://www.sewingmachinemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/image-12-764x1024.png)
The cord screws into an electric light bulb socket, instead of plugging directly into a wall outlet, as many old appliances did during this era.
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The machine folds down into the cabinet when closed. The front door swings open and reveals a little compartment where accessories can be stored.
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The sewing machine came with a full set of attachments stored in an old Marshall Field & Company box.
![](https://www.sewingmachinemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/image-15.png)
It also came with its original manual. If you have a similar Davis-made machine, visit the Gift Shop to purchase a reproduction copy of the instruction manual.
![](https://www.sewingmachinemuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/image-16.png)
The 1910’s was an exciting time with electric power modernizing the lives of housewives.
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Please time travel to another sewing machine era by clicking the time period button below:
1870-1879 * 1880-1889 * 1890-1899 * 1900-1909 * 1910-1919 * 1920-1929 * 1930-1939 * 1940-1949 * 1950-1959 * 1960-1969 * 1970-1979 * 1980-1989