Early Winselmann sewing machine from Altenburg – looking for identification and historical information
Verfasst: Dienstag 14. Juli 2026, 19:52
Hello everyone,
My name is Sebastian and I am writing from Denmark.
I recently acquired this beautiful Winselmann hand-crank sewing machine from an estate sale. I collect historical cameras, typewriters and other technical antiques, and I enjoy researching the history of the objects I find.
Before creating this topic I read several older discussions on this forum about Winselmann machines. They were extremely interesting and helpful.
I noticed that JosephF and Olaf_Larsen have shared a great deal of knowledge about Winselmann and the Altenburg sewing machine industry. If either of you has time, I would be very grateful for your opinion on this particular machine.
Information about the machine
* Manufacturer: Winselmann Nähmaschinen, Altenburg
* Original “Deutsche Industrie” medallion
* D.R.G.M. 160159
* Original stitch-length plate
* Hand-crank version
* Fully functional
* Original needle still installed
* Original accessory compartment with original accessories
* Original wooden base
* Most of the original gold decals are still preserved
From my own research I believe it was manufactured somewhere between 1900 and 1910, although I am not sure whether this is an early Titan or perhaps an even earlier Winselmann model.
I would really appreciate your help with the following questions:
1. What is the exact model?
2. Approximately when was it manufactured?
3. What exactly does D.R.G.M. 160159 refer to?
4. Could this be a pre-Titan model?
5. Are there any original catalogues, advertisements or technical documents showing this machine?
6. How uncommon is this version today?
I can attach several detailed photographs if needed.
I am not looking for a valuation. My goal is simply to document the history of this machine as accurately as possible.
If this machine turns out to be an interesting example, I would be happy to share high-resolution photographs and measurements for the forum archive.
Thank you very much for your time and expertise.
Best regards,
Sebastian (sesuone)
My name is Sebastian and I am writing from Denmark.
I recently acquired this beautiful Winselmann hand-crank sewing machine from an estate sale. I collect historical cameras, typewriters and other technical antiques, and I enjoy researching the history of the objects I find.
Before creating this topic I read several older discussions on this forum about Winselmann machines. They were extremely interesting and helpful.
I noticed that JosephF and Olaf_Larsen have shared a great deal of knowledge about Winselmann and the Altenburg sewing machine industry. If either of you has time, I would be very grateful for your opinion on this particular machine.
Information about the machine
* Manufacturer: Winselmann Nähmaschinen, Altenburg
* Original “Deutsche Industrie” medallion
* D.R.G.M. 160159
* Original stitch-length plate
* Hand-crank version
* Fully functional
* Original needle still installed
* Original accessory compartment with original accessories
* Original wooden base
* Most of the original gold decals are still preserved
From my own research I believe it was manufactured somewhere between 1900 and 1910, although I am not sure whether this is an early Titan or perhaps an even earlier Winselmann model.
I would really appreciate your help with the following questions:
1. What is the exact model?
2. Approximately when was it manufactured?
3. What exactly does D.R.G.M. 160159 refer to?
4. Could this be a pre-Titan model?
5. Are there any original catalogues, advertisements or technical documents showing this machine?
6. How uncommon is this version today?
I can attach several detailed photographs if needed.
I am not looking for a valuation. My goal is simply to document the history of this machine as accurately as possible.
If this machine turns out to be an interesting example, I would be happy to share high-resolution photographs and measurements for the forum archive.
Thank you very much for your time and expertise.
Best regards,
Sebastian (sesuone)
