Challenge W Sewing Machine

Welcome to the Challenge W sewing machine page in the Raymond Sewing Machine Research Project.  Your Challenge W sewing machine might be connected to Raymond Sewing Machine company of Guelph Ontario but there were others.  Today, these turn up mounted on an iron stand with Farmers Supply Co cast into the irons.

If the decoration has worn off of the sewing head, there might be very little left to see on the machine. Fortunately, I can tell by your photos and the serial number to know for sure.

I offer assistance to identify your sewing machine.

Challenge W Sewing Machine; additional ID challenges:

Another challenge researchers have discovered is the use of the same name or label upon many different machines.  Strangely, it was common for many manufactures to use the same label creating much confusion today.  For example, Victor, Reliance or Windsor have all been used by difference sewing machine makers but are completely different machines.  Once you find the right maker, then you can find parts and help.

Unfortunately, unlike Singer for example, the original Raymond manufacturing records have never been found in any archive.  I always keep hoping a great great grand child of a key management employee have the records in their basement and that they will surface someday… well, we can certainly dream.

But, since I now have an extensive database of Raymond sewing machines that I have compiled over years,  I enjoy sharing what I know.  Still, I continue to search and read archives but also talk to everyone I can.  Meanwhile, with your help, I continue to record all that I can find.  

My research project is on going to this day as you read this. There is no cost to find out about your machine, just send an email with photos and the serial number.  If need, I will send you a manual for your sewing machine.

Summary:

Congratulations, above all, you have a rare and unique antique even if not made by Raymond Sewing Machine Company of Guelph Ontario.  More importantly, it is a working antique without much worry it will break.  Certainly, some are in better shape than others but I can guide you with that too.  Thank you, and, I hope to hear from you soon.

The Guelph Civic museum has a great archive but also a Raymond sewing machine collection. Consider visiting soon.