Author/s: Joseph McCann
Issue: June 8, 2001

PHILADELPHIA -- A wave of violence fueled by rumors that old sewing machines contained precious metals swept across Russia last month, with deadly consequences.

According to one published report, rumors began to circulate that 19th-Century Singer sewing machines contained a bonanza of precious metal, including platinum, ripe for recycling. For a short period, elderly Russians were being targeted by thieves and terrorized for their antique sewing machines.

Police sources cited one case where a pensioner living in the village of Kalinino was confronted, tortured and killed by neighbors for his Singer machine. Although they believed the sewing machine contained precious metals, the killers learned later that it held not a single ounce of platinum.

One Russian newspaper said that nearby regions also were caught up in the hysteria. In May, the report said, an elderly tailor was approached on the street and offered 15,000 rubles ($775) for his century-old sewing machine. He refused the generous offer--he reportedly wanted to hold onto the machine for sentimental reasons--but a few days later three men placed a sack over his head, struck him with a heavy object and made off with the sewing machine. The 80-year-old tailor suffered a fractured skull.

A market for the antiques still exists in Germany, where the machines are regarded as fashionable accessories. Local newspapers in Mordovia recently ran a flurry of ads requesting the prized machines.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Cahners Publishing Company

COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group