Lot #228: Vintage Mid-Century Imperial Automatic Zig-Zag Sewing Machine w/ Wooden Cabinet

Vintage Mid-Century Imperial Automatic Zig-Zag Sewing Machine w/ Wooden Cabinet - Rare Two-Tone Pink & Cream Finish beautiful, heavy-duty Imperial Automatic Zig-Zag Sewing Machine dating from the late 1950s to the 1960s. This machine features a highly collectible, eye-catching mid-century two-tone pink and cream enamel finish with stylized chrome faceplates, dials, and a distinct retro stitch-width viewport.Built like a tank with all-metal internal gears (no plastic components), this Japanese-built precision machine is known for its incredible durability, quiet operation, and ability to handle heavy materials like denim and canvas. It offers versatile straight stitching, adjustable zig-zag capabilities, and stitch length regulation with a dedicated reverse function.The machine comes mounted in its original wooden drop-leaf console table, which serves as an elegant furniture piece when folded closed and expands into a spacious workstation. Untested. ****Located in basement for pickup. The "Japanese Clone" Era: Following World War II, under the Marshall Plan and post-war reconstruction efforts, Japanese factories began manufacturing high-quality sewing machines heavily based on precision Singer designs (like the Singer 15). They quickly surpassed the originals in color options, smoothness, and features—introducing zig-zag capabilities before many major Western brands. The "Imperial" Badge: "Imperial" was a badge name used by major department store chains and mail-order catalog companies (most notably Eaton's in Canada). The retail chains contracted top-tier Japanese manufacturers (such as Maruzen or Brother) to build robust machines and stamped them with custom luxury-sounding names like Imperial, Atlas, Fleetwood, or Aldens. Collector Appeal: While classic black Singer treadle machines hold antiquity value, mid-century collectors actively hunt for colored machines from the 1950s and 60s. Standard green and blue variants are relatively common, but pink, turquoise, and yellow variations are significantly harder to find and draw high interest for retro home decor, prop design, and vintage sewing circles. Pickup category timeslot {A}