Museum Collections
Luce Center
Portable lockstitch sewing machine
Object Number:
INV.7618
Date:
ca. 1890
Medium:
Metal, porcelain, wool
Dimensions:
Overall: 8 1/4 x 5 3/4 x 3 3/8 in. ( 21 x 14.6 x 8.6 cm )
Marks:
Inscription: engraved on left side of tension mechanism: "8999 / THE DORMAN / LOCKSTITCH / SEWING MACHINE / PATENT / THE / DORMAN SEWING MACHINE / AND ENGINEERING CO / NORTHAMPTON / ENGLAND"
Description:
Portable lockstitch sewing machine; the flywheel is turned by a white porcelain handle, turning the gears that move the needle up and down, a spool holder stands vertically at the top center, the worksurface is square; the base is painted with a leaf motif around the outer edge, and is lined with green wool felt on the bottom.
Gallery Label:
Dorman's compact portable lockstitch sewing machine was patented in 1886 and enjoyed great popularity through the 1890s.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.