Museum Collections
Luce Center
Sewing Machine
Object Number:
1946.204
Date:
ca. 1872
Medium:
Walnut, iron
Dimensions:
Overall: 35 1/2 x 29 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. ( 90.2 x 74.9 x 54 cm )
Marks:
in relief: on gold medallion mounted on top of machine base: "625 / BROADWAY / WHEELER & WILSON MF'G Co. NEW YORK"
stamped: on metal plate adjacent to needle: "WHEELER & WILSON M'F'G Co / BRIDGEPORT CONN. / A. B. WILSON'S PATENTS / NOV. 12th 1850 AUG. 1
Description:
Sewing machine atop walnut cabinet with ornamented lobed corners and hinged cover; machine compartment with storage box with hinged lid in front and a small, square drawer in each back corner; cabinet with two front drawers with arched panels; drive shaft with a pair of foot pedals below, and four vertically aligned square drawers at proper right inside cabinet.
Gallery Label:
Prior to 1870, Wheeler & Wilson dominated the home sewing machine market. This top-of-the-line parlor model houses the machine within a handsome walnut cabinet, which transforms the high-tech machine into an elegant furnishing. Such models, coveted by home sewers, cost around $125.
Credit Line:
Gift of Arthur Wiesenberger
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.