81/50

Singer sewing-machine, model 72 W12 and with serial number W512376. It was probably manufactured in 1926. It is an industrial machine and was probably mounted on a work bench. 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: 81/50 // Classification: // Negative number: // Acquisition method: // Acquired from, date: Barnett Collection // Store: // Condition: // Recorder, date: DJE, 22.7.81 // Description: Singer sewing machine // 72 W12 // W512376 // Dimensions: // Associated information: [insert] Manufactured 1926 (from serial number) [end insert] // References:', Barnett Collection Review (2011) - 'This is a model 72 W12 sewing machine made by the manufacturers Singer at their factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1926. It has a clearly legible production number, which reads W512376 and should mean the production date of this individual machine can be confirmed using detailed listings of Singer serial numbers. It is an industrial machine and would have been mounted on a work bench and has little notable connection to rural life.', 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 - Known for its 'straight-away' feed construction and double needle actuating device, this machine comes equipped with a detachable 'piercer', used for puncturing closely woven, stiff or heavy material. It creates an overedge hemstitch and was famous for the clear openings left in the hemstitch work. Fine thread is recommended, as well as a maximum speed of 1300 stitches per minute. [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett project, 2023]

Bridgeport

1926 - 1926