Example of original pattern Singer sewing machine of 1851, made c. 1853.

Made:
1851-1855 in Boston
maker:
Singer Manufacturing Company
and
I M Singer and Company

Singer Lockstitch sewing machine model of 1851, by I. M. Singer and Company or the Singer Manufacturing Company, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 1851-1855

This is an example of the first model of sewing machine marketed by Isaac Merritt Singer (1811-1875), the first sewing machine to achieve commercial success. Four individual features of the design were new, and Singer was obliged to pay compensation to Elias Howe (1819-1867) for infringement of his patent of the use of a needle with the eye near the point. These heavy machines were designed for commerical, rather than domestic, use. Many were supplied in a wooden packing case which could then be used as a bench.

Details

Category:
Textiles Machinery
Object Number:
1892-135/1
Materials:
cast iron and wrought iron
Measurements:
overall: 430 x 330 x 425 mm
type:
sewing machines
credit:
Singer Manufacturing Co.