81/48

Singer hemstitching sewing machine, model number 119W2 and production/serial number W666139. This is an industrial sewing machine. Part of the Barnett Collection (81/25-81/143) which illustrates the history of the sewing machine. Nothing is known about the history of this specific machine.

1 sewing machine: metal

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Sewing machine // Accession number: 81/48 // Classification: // Negative number: // Acquisition method: // Acquired from, date: Barnett Collection. // Store: // Condition: // Recorder, date: DJE, 22.7.81 // Description: Singer sewing machine 119 W2 // W6 661 139.// Dimensions: // Associated information: Removed from Catalogue May 1964 (serial Nos W65135 - W684016 manufactured 1930/31)// References: Barnett Catalogue No. 77.', Citation in publication [E.J. Barnett, ‘Sewing machines: a catalogue of the Barnett collection’ ([Reading]: University of Reading, 1982] – ‘77 // Singer 119W2 Hemstitching machine // This is this last machine of its kind produced by Singer and produces a similar stitch to the 72 class machine (no. 76 [81/51]).’ (pp.57), Barnett Collection Review (2011) - 'This industrial machine was made by the manufacturers Singer. It features the model number '119 W2' and a production/serial number: 'W666139'., MERL Miscellaneous note - The sewing machine was arguably the first internationally mass marketed consumer good, and the Singer Manufacturing Company was predominantly responsible for this. Founded by travelling showman Isaac Singer in 1851, the American company flourished not because of its technical expertise but due to its innovative advertising and purchasing options. Notably, it invented hire purchase and part exchange. Its factory in Clydebank, Scotland, was one of the largest in the world, and produced machines not only for the UK but also globally. By 1912, 90% of sewing machines purchased outside the USA were Singer machines. Singer was the seventh largest company in the world at this time. [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett project, 2022], MERL Miscellaneous note - TR BNT P2/B323: This machine is designed for hemstitching handkerchiefs, shirtwaists, neckties and underwear at high speed. It has two vibrating needles and an independent piercer, making the overedge hemstitch at each side of the hemstitch opening. It automatically lifts the presser foot off the material after each feed movement. Runs at 2250 rpm. [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett project, 2023]