Can anyone identify this machine?

[flh801978]

I've been a lurker on the forum for a month or so but recently bought a new(to me) used machine in the UK ( from a dealer)

I just bought the head and I've made a table and drive system that enables me to be able to sew at 1 stitch per 2 seconds or up to 200 per minute set on a dial so the foot switch just starts and stops at the preset speed.

Its a needle drive /walking foot machine and seems happy to stitch 2 pieces of 4mm leather together. It uses 135-35 needles.

I've had it sewing on 20s thread and 40s both bonded nylon.

It was labeled MECCA SEW

and its model number is MS 335-17 AFTFC

The cover over the bobbin is marked Pfaff inside but thats probably a red herring

I've searched the net for anything about Mecca sew machines but found nothing

Does anyone know who made this machine?

This is from the rear of it

And the bobbin needle area

Many Thanks

Ian

Edited May 7, 2009 by flh801978

[Art]

Hi Ian,

It looks like a Pfaff 335 to me.

Art

I've been a lurker on the forum for a month or so but recently bought a new(to me) used machine in the UK ( from a dealer)

I just bought the head and I've made a table and drive system that enables me to be able to sew at 1 stitch per 2 seconds or up to 200 per minute set on a dial so the foot switch just starts and stops at the preset speed.

Its a needle drive /walking foot machine and seems happy to stitch 2 pieces of 4mm leather together. It uses 135-35 needles.

I've had it sewing on 20s thread and 40s both bonded nylon.

It was labeled MECCA SEW

and its model number is MS 335-17 AFTFC

The cover over the bobbin is marked Pfaff inside but thats probably a red herring

I've searched the net for anything about Mecca sew machines but found nothing

Does anyone know who made this machine?

This is from the rear of it

And the bobbin needle area

Many Thanks

Ian

[flh801978]

Well I'm sure its a clone/copy of a 335 but wouldnt pfaff have put their name on it more prominately?

Has anyone any pictures of a pfaff machine?

Ian

Edited May 7, 2009 by flh801978

[Art]

Hi Ian,

Everyone it seems, one time or other in their lives made machines on contract, or semi-finished machines on contract with different names on them, ala Chandler, Ferdinand, and ones we will never know about, and Pfaff's name was painted or badged, not in the casting. For what Pfaff parts have cost over the years (they were made of unobtanium you know), I don't think a cloner would use them, even a bobbin cover plate wouldn't have been cheap, and the one thing even the Chinese don't have the stones to do is put a registered mark on something that isn't theirs (unless they do in fact own the company as in Adler).

Art

Well I'm sure its a clone/copy of a 335 but wouldnt pfaff have put their name on it more prominately?

Has anyone any pictures of a pfaff machine?

Ian

[jimsaddler]

Hi Ian,

Everyone it seems, one time or other in their lives made machines on contract, or semi-finished machines on contract with different names on them, ala Chandler, Ferdinand, and ones we will never know about, and Pfaff's name was painted or badged, not in the casting. For what Pfaff parts have cost over the years (they were made of unobtanium you know), I don't think a cloner would use them, even a bobbin cover plate wouldn't have been cheap, and the one thing even the Chinese don't have the stones to do is put a registered mark on something that isn't theirs (unless they do in fact own the company as in Adler).

Art

Art you're right it's a Pfaff 335, not a copy. I spent too much time on one that was not Brand named but it was a Pfaff. You pick it up from some of the parts that are numbered. A good machine but the Bobbin is too small.

Kindest regards.

Jim.

[flh801978]

Gentlemen Thanks for your replies But I'm sure its not a Pfaff.Remember i bought it from a dealer who has been in business for 25years plus and had a workshop full of machines.. I'm sure if it was a Pfaff he would have known and sold it as such ( and at a Pfaff price)

I did find a Pfaff 335 for sale on ebay last night and whilst there is a similarity in layout it looks like there is not a casting thats exactly the same.

Also the stitch length adjust reverse lever is in the opposite way round to mine

Apart from the bobbin cover which is marked Pfaff ( which I think is a replacement) theres no marks on any other parts...It just doesnt look german made...And I have spent my life working on german machines in the printing trade.

Pfaff 335 on ebay

My machine

Many Thanks

Ian

[DJ1935]

Hi Ian

Here is a photo of our Pfaff 335 which we sold last week. It is a German made circa 1970/80's. Excellent machine, great sewer but yes! the bobbin is too small.

Cheers

DJ

[flh801978]

Thanks for that DJ

What thread is that you were using?

Ian

I must say I'm very pleased with my machine and have got lots of help from this forum so far

[Cobra Steve]

Hi Ian, I can tell you some things for sure. The presser feet, needle bar, needle plate, hook, bobbin case, tension assembly, presser foot pressure knob, and reverse lever are all Pfaff, or copy of the Pfaff. Steve

[DJ1935]

Hi Ian

I was using M20 Barbour thread on the machine. A lady near us has one she uses for making purses and handbags with very light thread with no problems at all. Excellent machines for what they were designed for.

DJ