Restoration late 1800 Post Bed Sewing Machine - Robert Kiehle

[Constabulary]

Haven´t even finished my Durkopp 18 patcher but I could not refuse this one. It´s a late 1800´s to early 1900´s Post Bed Machine made by ROBERT KIEHLE, Leipzig (ROKILEI). I unfortunately don´t find proper information on this manufacturer or machine model. I know there was a quite similar model made by CHRISTIAN MANSFELD , Leipzig. But that's it. This machine sit in a barn for at least the last 50 years. I bough it along with a Colibri patcher but no way to "rescue" it. its way way too rusted and casting cracked so I will try to safe some parts but the rest is not worth the work - too bad.

The two are real bar finds. They came from a (at least) 3rd generation cobbler form the Hamburg area. The grandson of the original owner is still an active cobbler but machines have been sold by his (the current cobbler´s) son who is gathering some bucks for his first motor cycle.

Fortunately the post bed machine came with bobbin winder, hooks, bobbins and needles. Needle system seems to be Sys. 88  or 657 like many other old cobbler machines like Colibri or Claes and Durkopp patchers are using. So that`s at least a good start... An issue is the foot pedal which is cracked and oddly repaired. Maybe I take the one form the Colibri if I can make it fit - time will tell.

Not sure what I will do with it when it is restored - maybe a keeper but I don´t know yet since space is a issue and I still have to free some space for the Durkopp 18 I`m working on .

Some pictures

Edited August 7, 2017 by Constabulary

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Beautiful, like they say, they don't make them like that anymore.

[CowboyBob]

You sure seem to find some great old machines.You might put the rusty one in a vat of diesel fuel & let is soak for a few months(maybe a year,LOL) & you might save it?

[dikman]

6 hours ago, Constabulary said:

Not sure what I will do with it when it is restored - maybe a keeper but I don´t know yet since space is a issue

I know the feeling well! Just sold the 31K20 so I can get the 111W117 working. There's no doubt that some of these old machines are works of art.

[Doru]

Hi...I use vinegar to remove rust from metal.Cheap alchool based vinegar.Just put the rusted parts in a small or a larger plastic tub,and leave it there for a day or two.Then scrape the softened rust and old paint with a soft metal brush,rinse with water and dry it with an old cloth or a strong heat source.Immediately give it a coat of oil or any other metal grease and there you have it prepared for the paint restoration.The cast iron can be weld with TIG,WIG, MIG welding machine.(Please,can you post a picture with the ROBERT KIEHLE's bobbin case and maybe tell its sizes.I have an old Mansfeld in working order but with a cracked bobin case and I would like to seek for a better one,thank you.)

 

[Constabulary]

Hi Doru - I remember you once posted that you have a Mansfeld post bed machine you are about to restore and you have been looking for tension unit parts if I remember correctly.

I will post some pictures of the accessories soon.

[Doru]

You're right ....The Mansfeld it's back in working condition,but I can't rely on it only  due to the poor condition of its bobbin case.She does have a very beautiful stich though.I hope that maybe I"ll ever find another one to fit on it.Thank you.

Edited August 8, 2017 by Doru

[GPaudler]

That Rob. Kiehle is a beauty! You've got to keep it - though I am very familiar with space issues. Have you considered getting rid of your refrigerator?

Edited August 8, 2017 by GPaudler

[Constabulary]

3 hours ago, GPaudler said:

Have you considered getting rid of your refrigerator?

This thingy here? Noooo I can´t - its also restored + functional - it´s from the 1950´s or 60´s  Seems I like rescuing old things.

[GPaudler]

That is a nice fridge!