THE SEVENTH EXHIBITION of THE MASSACHUSETTS CHARITABLE         MECHANIC ASSOCIATION

AT FANEUIL AND QUINCY HALLS,                                                                 IN THE CITY OF BOSTON                                   SEPTEMBER, 1853

SEWING MACHINES

In no department which it has been our province to examine, have we found more gratifying, or more perplexing competition, than in that of the Sewing Machines. They afford cheering indication of important results, which we may hope to see accomplished in this department of industry by American skill and ingenuity.

Some  twenty-five Machines in all have come under our observation and we desire to state in this place, that our opinions are formed and the awards recommended solely upon the merits of the Machine; upon its simplicity and the amount, quality, kind, or kinds of work it is adapted to perform and are entirely irrespective of any question of priority of invention, or patent rights.

It has seemed to us advisable to make some general classification of these Machines and we have accordingly divided them into four classes.

 

1st.   The natural-stitching Machine

2d.    The wax or single-thread Machine

3d.    The Shuttle-two-thread Machine

4th.   The Needle-two-thread Machine

Instructions to the Board of Judges

The Judges are requested to examine with great care and minuteness, every article submitted to their inspection, and to make such report on each article as its merits may, in their opinion, warrant. There will be four grades of award:

No. 1. A GOLD MEDAL

Will be granted only in particular cases; for some very valuable invention or improvement possessing great merit.

No. 2. A SILVER MEDAL

To articles of very superior workmanship, or new application of material, or improvement of much importance.

No. 3. A BRONZE MEDAL

To articles of superior workmanship, but of less importance or utility.

No. 4. A DIPLOMA

To all other articles deserving a favorable testimonial as being valuable to society.

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