1893 LONDON

 

The Sewing and Domestic Machines' Show

To be held at the same time and in the same building as

the National Cycle Show

CRYSTAL PALACE

January 20th to 38th, both days inclusive

 

Under the above title an exhibition will be held at the Crystal Palace during the current month. The idea originated at a meeting of several of the largest sewing machine, mangle and perambulator manufacturers and Mr. Samuel J. Sewell, the editor of this journal, was asked to undertake the secretaryship. It was at first thought that sewing machines might form a special section of the National Cycle Show, but, on inquiry, it was learned that all the available space had been taken. Mr. Sewell then discovered that the Crystal Palace Company were willing to place a large gallery at his disposal, on payment of an equally large rate. He soon closed with them, however and although the scheme of holding the Exhibition is but three weeks old, sufficient firms have already ordered space to ensure a thoroughly representative show of sewing machines and there is no reason to suppose that mangles and perambulators will not also be well to the front. One of the rules of the Show is that all the London exhibitors will form a committee, which will allot space by ballot and make every arrangement which will contribute to make the Exhibition of value to both exhibitors and visitors. Dealers must, however, treat this as a mere preliminary notice, as it is intended to send to every firm in the domestic machinery trade, a few days before the opening date, a circular letter giving all particulars. Negotiations are at the moment progressing with a large number of manufacturers, but at this early date it is impossible to give a complete list of the exhibitors. We give, however, a list of the London firms who have actually booked space and who will therefore be on the committee:

The Acme Machine Company

The American Wringer Company

Messrs. Baer & Rempel

Messrs. Bradbury & Company Limited

The Branston Two-Reel Sewing Machine Company Limited

The Cherry Tree Machine Company

Domestic Sewing Machine Company

Messrs. W. J. Harris & Company Limited

New Home Sewing Machine Company

The House Sewing Machine Company

Messrs. Lloyd & Co.

Mr. C. Lohmann

Messrs. Simmons & Co.

The Star Manufacturing Company

The Singer Manufacturing Company

The Standard Sewing Machine Company

The Vertical Feed Sewing Machine Company

The Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company

The White Sewing Machine Company

Messrs. Wertheim

 

We feel that we are fully justified in advising our readers to make arrangements to visit the Sewing and Domestic Machines' Show, which we affirm promises to be the most successful ever held. All communications in connection with the Show should be addressed as follows:

Mr. Samuel J. Sewell

 

28, Paternoster Row, London, E.C 

 

The above exhibition was duly opened on the 20th and closed on the 23th ult., and must undoubtedly be considered a complete success. In so describing the show, we do not forget that the editor of this journal was its secretary, but as nearly all the exhibitors have voluntarily informed him that they had done even a larger amount of business than they expected, it would be false modesty not to so describe the exhibition. Owing to the fact that the Secretary's office was located in the centre of the show and that most of the visitors had occasion to call thereat for catalogues, &c, a very fair idea of the attendance could be readily formed by the secretary. From the record kept at his office it would appear that traders visited the exhibition from all parts of the United Kingdom and we do not think we should be over-stating the number of dealers in domestic appliances who visited the show if we placed the figure at five hundred. Nor is this large attendance difficult to understand, as immense publicity was given to the show of the most direct type i.e., by circular letter posted to every person interested throughout the country. No less than twenty thousand of these circular letters were printed, most of which were sent out through the post. It is undeniable that there was present the largest number of sewing machine manufacturers ever brought together under one roof and the same remarks apply to the perambulator trade. As to mangles, owing to the existence of an adverse understanding among the manufacturers, no firms were allowed to exhibit on their own account; on two stands, however, those of Messrs. W. J. Harris & Co., Limited and Messrs. Lloyd & Co., many mangles made by the Cherry Tree Machine Co. were on show. It is obviously impossible for us to give in the present issue full details of the exhibits; all we attempt to do therefore, in the undermentioned reports, is to convey a fair idea of the character of each firm's goods on show.

 

 

The Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company

21 Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C.

It was generally considered, and so far as our own opinion goes rightly so, that this Company had made their stand the most practical and interesting exhibit in the history of the sewing machine trade. They occupied a very large space, measuring, indeed, 48 feet by 16 feet, upon which they had erected a platform and surrounded it with a balcony composed of the ends of machine-stands fitting into a handsome rail. In the centre was a series of shelves, upon which were displayed some hundreds of hand machines. One end of the stand was devoted to domestic machines, the remaining portion being fringed with manufacturing machines, which were being worked by some twenty operators from various firms in the different trades using W & W  machines, engaged in performing their accustomed work. In the domestic department was displayed a full range of the Wheeler & Wilson Company's "Family" machines, several of which were at work on art and fancy sewing. Here of course, was also to he seen a variety of this Company's fancy cabinet work. The most interesting portion of the stand was undoubtedly that devoted to manufacturing machines and this had been arranged in such a manner as to practically embody the conditions prevalent in factories, both with and without steam power. Mr. John Bayne, the Wheeler & Wilson Company's expert, is to be warmly congratulated upon the manner in which he had carried out this department. The whole of the benching was brought to the Palace in the plank and fashioned and varnished to suit the peculiar requirements of the exhibit. The necessary power was obtained from an electric motor which derived its current from a dynamo driven by a gas engine located on the floor below the stand. At these power benches were seated numerous machinists from such firms as I. & R. Morley; Flatau & Co.; Clater, Platt & Co.; James Duncan & Co.; J. & G. Barnes; Mustard & Co. and Thomas & Co. All these firms are engaged in different departments of the textile trade, including the manufacture of aprons, mantles, collars, underclothing shoe uppers and pyjama suits. The machines in use were of course equally varied to suit the particular requirements of each operator and included the "No. 1 Curved Needle" and the ''W&W No. 11", which was working on mantles fitted with a new binder with properties hitherto unknown. One of these "No. 11" machines was working at the rate of two thousand stitches per minute. There is much more we would like to say as to this magnificent exhibit did space allow, but must content ourselves with adding that all the operators were dressed alike, which, combined with brilliant electric lighting, assisted in making the stand attractive in the extreme.

 

 

The Sun Knite Cleaner Co.

10, Southwark Bridge Road, London, S.E.

The stall on which this Company's products were displayed had a collection of their well-known knife cleaners in the three sizes manufactured, each being equally efficient for their respective uses. Many thousands of these goods are now in use.

 

 

The Star Manufacturing Co.

Star Works, Goodinge Road, London

This Company, which occupied a corner position, exhibited some twenty-four carriages and mail carts. Among the new patterns we specially observed the Buckingham, a wooden landau mounted on steel shackle C springs. One of the special features about this carriage is that it has the appearance of being of the very best make, but is in price only a medium line. This accounts no doubt for the fact that it has met with a remarkably large sale during the show. Among the other low-priced lines we noticed this Company's new steel body carriage, mounted on double springs and large-size wheels. In addition to the above they also had on exhibition several superior carriages of very handsome design, mostly mounted on C springs with straps and in various colourings which we need not specify, as this Company produce their carriages in any required shade or fitting. We have on numerous occasions referred to the Star Patent Cushion Spring during the past. two seasons and we observe that it is still in use. We must not forget to mention the Star Patent Cradle Carriage, which name is no misnomer, as by simply operating a fork the body is converted into a cradle. Passing to mail-carts, one of the principal novelties on show is an extension foot-rest, which can be placed horizontally or vertically, so that a child can sit or lie as desired. The Company inform us that they sold several hundred carriages during the show.

 

 

C. Lohmann

36, Aldersgate Street, London, E.C.

Among the importers of German sewing-machines this firm have for years past occupied a leading position. The machines on exhibition were of several kinds and makes, one of the most prominent types being the "Phoenix", which is a rotary machine and is made by Messrs. Baer & Rempel, Bielefeld. Both domestic and manufacturing machines, of this class were shown, their workmanship and finish leaving nothing to be desired. Mr. Georg Chappuis was present from the makers to explain these machines to visitors and, of course, did not omit to claim for his firm a position in the front rank of German manufacturers for quality and reliability. Among the other machines on show were those of the "Singer" type, made by Wertheim, of Frankfort-on-Main. We especially noticed the "Electra", which is made in two styles, as a treadle machine and as a hand and treadle machine combined. It is needless for us to state that "Wertheim" machines rank among the best of German make. Mr. Lohmann also had on exhibition the original "Elsa", which is one of the lowest-priced lock-stitch machines made. He also showed a chain-stitch machine of German manufacture on the Wilcox & Gibbs principle. Lastly, among the many good things on this stand, we noticed the "Victoria", which is constructed on the style of the "New Home" machine.

 

 

The Acme Machine Company

Henrietta Street, Glasgow

London wholesale representative

Mr. E. Brooke, 76, Paul Street, Finsbury, London, E.C.

This Company is well known to our readers as manufacturers of rubber wringers, in which they do a very large trade throughout the United Kingdom. Their display comprised several dozen wringers, in various sizes, with wood and metal flames. It must not be supposed, however, that the manufacture of wringers is their sole trade, as they had numerous domestic appliances on view, among which we might mention washing machines, carpet sweepers, ice cream freezers, knife cleaners, &c,

 

 

Domestic Sewing Machine Company

represented in the United Kingdom by Messrs. Swepson and Richards

15, St. Bride Street, London

The Domestic Sewing Machine Company exhibited at their stand, the "Domestic Family Sewing Machine", which enjoys one of the largest sales in the United States and has been sold in this country for many years. As all our readers are acquainted with the mechanism of this machine it is not necessary to give particulars of the same. In addition to the "Family Sewing Machine", there was a "No. 10 Domestic", specially intended for manufacturing. Attached to one of the "Family Sewing Machine" was a new appliance called the "Domestic Button-hole Maker", which is certainly the smallest appliance of the kind hitherto introduced. It makes a capital straight button-hole and retails at £1 1s.; whilst at a small extra outlay a supplementary appliance is supplied which will enable the operator to produce the "eyelet end" button-holes. Another speciality of this Company is an appliance which when inserted into the shuttle-carrier in place of the shuttle converts the machine into one working a chain stitch.

 

 

The White Sewing Machine Company

48, Holborn, Viaduct, London, E.C.

This White Sewing Machine Company exhibited their well-known sewing machine, which is now sold in this country by upwards of 500 agents. It is quite superfluous for us to go into the history of this Company, as the majority of our readers are aware that they were the pioneers of several of the best improvements in recent years. It was the White Co., perhaps more than any other firm of manufacturers, who made the high-arm popular and during the past eight years they have built up a trade the magnitude of which is really marvellous. We understand that their production at the works, which are located at Cleveland, Ohio, exceeds 1.000 machines per day (?) and of this number no small proportion find their way into the United Kingdom. This Company's stand was certainly one of the most handsome in the show due largely to a magnificent collection of art sewing, done on the "White" machine. The wood work also of the machines was of the choicest quality and in numerous styles, calculated to satisfy the most fastidious. Passing to the machines, we noted that in addition to the popular "White Family", there were on exhibition two specimens of their "Rotary" machines, which are intended for light and heavy manufacturing work. Conspicuous also on the stand was the "Gem" hand machine, which embodies all the principal features of the White Company's standard hand machine,the "Peerless" and is sold at about half the price. It has met with an extraordinary success during the past year, due undoubtedly to low price combined with the finest workmanship and finish.

 

 

The New Banston

Two-Reel Sewing Machine Company, Limited

59, Holborn Viaduct, London, E.C.

The stand occupied by the " Two-Reel Co." was made attractive by means of a considerable amount of bunting, in which, as distinct from other stands, we observed that British emblems only were displayed, no doubt with a view of emphasising the fact that the machines on show were thoroughly British, both in invention and manufacture. Most of our readers are already aware of the peculiarities of this machine; it works direct from two ordinary reels of thread, thus obviating the necessity of using spools and bobbins. Since we first made the acquaintance of this machine, some four years ago, several improvements have been introduced which render it now thoroughly reliable in every respect. Two-reel machines are certainly an advance in the right direction, as it is not open to question that if bobbins and spools can be dispensed with, without any corresponding disadvantages, it is eminently desirable that dealers should handle such machines, tending as they do to reduce the troubles of operators.

 

 

Simmons & Co.

Tanner Street, London, S.E.

This firm showed a large variety of carriages of all styles, " C " springs predominating. Several of their carriages were upholstered and painted in art colours and were entitled to rank among the best specimens in the trade. One of the particular novelties on the stand was the " Simmons Gig," of which, as it has two very distinguishing features, we may be pardoned for giving a somewhat detailed description. These are a very special collapsible hood and a seat which by an ingenious arrangement is convertible into a bed. The first named has the top smooth and round, like that of a hansom cab. The joints are so placed that they admit of the hood falling back partially or entirely and the sides are so fitted as to enable them to be rolled up on either side at convenience, thus admitting of a free circulation of air. This form of hood is made of water-proof material, which does away with the necessity of using a Holland canopy in summer time, as it serves to protect the child from both sunshine and shower and moreover, as the hood extends down at the back of the gig, protects the back of the child's head and neck from draught. The convertible seat allows of the front part being drawn out to the length of an ordinary bassinette and the sides, which are folded inwards, being pulled up and fastened to a front lip which is also hinged so as to be raised or lowered at pleasure, they together form a very comfortable bed-cot and render the purchase of a new bassinette unnecessary, on the arrival of the new baby. The same arrangement can be utilised in the manufacture of larger carriages, suitable for invalids, youths, &c. The general appearance is at once pretty, pleasing and practical. We also noticed this firm's "Austrian " car, the body of which is constructed solely of bent wood. A decidedly novel article was a " Lawn Tennis Tea Waggon," which is a very useful contrivance indeed, consisting of two polished mahogany trays mounted on wheels and springs, the trays being portable. This waggon is for use at tennis and garden parties and intended to do away with the necessity of an adjournment to "the house " to partake of the invigorating beverage dispensed at such gatherings, by the simple expedient of taking the tea out on the waggon and, by lifting off the portable trays, conveying to the gathering their much-beloved five o'clock tea. The handle of this tea waggon is so arranged as to be a means of guiding as well as propelling.

 

 

The Vertical Feed Sewing Machine Company

24, Aldersgate Street, London, E.C.

Mr. G. W. Phillips, the general manager of this Company, had planned his stand in a very attractive manner and this, combined with the fact that the Vertical Feed Machines are peculiarly adapted for exhibition purposes, accounts for the large crowd which nearly always surrounded this stand. The mechanical construction of this machine has been so often referred to in these columns that it is superfluous for us to detail it. It is generally recognised to be one of the best made machines in the trade and its special peculiarity, i.e., the top feed, enables it to produce a greater variety of work than most of the machines in the market, which fact was clearly demonstrated by several lady assistants at the stand. The Vertical Feed Sewing Machine Company are renowned for their cabinet work, of which many beautiful specimens were on view. In order to supply the demand of their agents for under-feed machines, the Company during the past year brought out a machine of this type, which they call the "Advance" and which is certainly one of the lightest running machines in the market. We cannot close this brief notice without recommending this Company's drop-stand machine, which is something new in sewing machine furniture. We hope to illustrate it in our next number. Mr. Phillips informs us that he did a large amount of wholesale business during the show.

 

 

W. J.Harris & Co, Limited

Haymerle Road, Peckham, London, S.E.

This firm is well known to our readers as being one of the largest manufacturers of perambulators in the country. They not only supply the trade, but have many retail shops of their own in the Home Counties and therefore know from their own experience what articles are most saleable among the public. We observed on their stand, in addition to perambulators and mail carts, a number of mangles and a new washing machine called the " Spray Washer ", all of which are made by the Cherry Tree Machine Company, of Blackburn. The "Spray" is a combined washing, wringing and mangling machine and possesses many advantages of a special nature. The washing tub has a series ot tall pegs projecting from its base, which keep the clothes from falling to the bottom, there thus being a quantity of water under as well as over the clothes. The tub has also a very effectual oscillating motion, which causes the water to rush through the articles being washed at every turn of the handle, with the result that it thoroughly cleanses the clothes. Certain advantages are claimed for  the "Spray", by reason of the shape and position of the tub, which render it possible for the clothes to be completely and properly washed in the machine without removal and then wrung out direct from the tub through the rollers. The complete combined machine takes up little more room than an ordinary mangle and if required the tub can be removed without taking the whole machine to pieces, leaving the mangle intact. It is very strong and durable and the price very little more than that of an ordinary mangle. Messrs. Harris also had on show a variety of sewing machines, particularly their "Defiance" lock-stitch machine, of which they have sold many thousands. Passing to the children's carriages, which more particularly concern our readers, the most conspicuous object on the stand was the patent " Cyclette Suspension Car " of which an illustration appears on another page. This carriage has been so improved that it is now one of the most comfortable and handsome in the trade. They also showed carriages mounted on C springs. It was very evident to visitors that this firm's productions were all of solid value, the materials and finish leaving nothing to be desired.

 

 

The American Wringer Company

122, Southwark Street, London, S.E.

This Company had on exhibit a variety of domestic machines. Among those with which our readers are familiar were their rubber wringing machines in numerous designs, we particularly observing the following:

the " Household ",

the " Empire ",

the " Novelty " and

the " Superior ".

These wringers have now been sold in this country for several years and have obtained such a reputation for quality and utility that it is almost superfluous for us to describe them. This Company, owing to their recent removal to more extensive premises have decided to devote more attention to washing machines than they have hitherto done and accordingly they had on exhibit several varieties of this useful, though somewhat unappreciated domestic appliance. As we have before stated, it is in some degree unsatisfactory that so few washing machines are in use, in proportion to the enormous out-put of wringing and mangling machines. The objections to the universal use of washing machines which have heretofore prevailed have certainly been founded upon a due appreciation of the difficulties of obtaining machines which justified their name; to quote our remarks in a recent issue, "every wringer will wring, but every washer will not wash". The American Wringer Company, therefore, have undertaken in their new department a rather difficult task, i.e., to prove that it is as practicable to produce a legitimate washing machine as it is to supply a satisfactory wringer. It would now appear that this Company have several thoroughly satisfactory washing machines all constructed on the same principle, viz., that of using corrugated rollers which produce and have practically the same effect as the knuckles. These machines, sold under three names, differ mostly in the method in which they are fixed to the washing tub. There is firstly the "' Empire ", which is sold in conjunction with a tub; the " Lovell ", which it is necessary to adjust to the tub and lastly the " Keystone ", which we consider the best, as it is more easily adjusted, and will fit any washing tub or metal bath. The other articles on show were several new forms of clothes-horses, drying-bars, the " Champion " gas-iron and last, though by no means least, this Company's Improved Star Knife Cleaner, which has met with extraordinary success the past few months, being one of the cheapest, quickest and most useful in the market.

 

 

The New Home Sewing Machine Company

represented by Mr. Henry Webster, 444, Harrow Road, London, W.

The " New Home " machine enjoys a popularity in the home of its manufacture, America, second to none, although its sale in this country is very limited. We can quite account for the fact that many visitors to the exhibition looked upon it as a new machine, as it has not been advertised to the extent of the other machines of first-class American manufacture. Experienced men in the trade know, however, that there is no better made machine in existence than the "New Home" and that it gives complete satisfaction to purchasers. The New Home Company are now supplying for use with their machines the "Peerless Buttonhole Attachment", which is readily fastened to the machine and produces a really good straight buttonhole.

 

 

Braun & Co.

37, Oxford Street, London, W.

This stall was laden with the products of Cornely's famous embroidering machine, there being many handsome specimens of work done on the same, of which the firm make a speciality. The '' Comely " machine was also exhibited.

 

 

Morris Goldstein

34, Oxford Street, London, W. and Brixton

This stall, though small, was resplendent with jewellery of many different phases of quality and kind, chiefly noticeable being the "Chemical Diamonds" in various settings, as rings, studs, brooches, etc., of which Mr. Goldstein is the sole proprietor, he claiming for them a brilliancy and lustre equal to that of the most costly diamonds and the additional virtue of being undetectable. This firm also make a speciality of watches and their " Electric Gold ", this latter bearing a similar relationship to the pure metal, as do the chemical diamonds to the real gems.

 

 

Bradbury & Company Limited

Oldham. London wholesale office, 14, Newgate Street, E.C.

This firm occupied one of the largest stands in the show and exhibited thereon a full range of their various manufactures, including sewing machines, perambulators and machine tools. Their stand attracted considerable attention, not so much from its ornamentation as from the sterling quality and appearance of the goods. It was flanked by sewing machines and benches with power transmitters and a capstan lathe; whilst in the background, on a raised platform, were numerous bassinettes and mail carts. We cannot possibly, in the brief space at our disposal, even mention every article exhibited. We might state, however, that in the sewing machine section of the stand we specially observed their new " Wellington " machine, which has been much improved in the direction of light and noiseless running. We noticed, also, that this Company had on show specimens of their new " High-arm Family Machine", both hand and treadle and, lastly, that they have mounted the head of their " No. 6 Rotary Shuttle Machine" on a wood base so that it can be used as a hand machine. Passing to the perambulators, which, perhaps, attracted the most notice, we observed that two new kinds of springs were in use, i.e.,  Bradbury's "New Spiral Spring" and their "Rocker Spring", both of which will be found illustrated on page 5. As to the latter, the idea appears to be that of enabling a mother to use the body as a cradle, by simply altering the thumb-screw shown in our illustration. Another feature which was noticeable was the use of twisted handle levers in a number of the carriages. In order to obviate lateral sway, Messrs. Bradbury have introduced an improvement in their handsome double-handle carriage, which consists in the application of small lugs which engage with the handles, but do not interfere with vertical elasticity; further, large walnut instead of porcelain handles are now used. As regards cheaper lines, this Company have materially improved their " No. 22 ", which is now mounted on their new Spiral Springs fitted with an ingenious umbrella holder and has pockets inside the body. "No. 3" has also been improved by making the hood lie completely over the ends of the body. Among the mail carts on view, we observed a new single type, fitted with a hood, as illustrated on page 5. This is a taking line, but we think it could be further improved by the addition of a pair of small wheels. Lastly, the toy carriages engaged our attention and the Company's great reputation will certainly be considerably increased by the new boat-shaped body, which now renders this carriage one of the choicest in the trade.

 

 

The House Sewing Machine Company

11, Fore Street Avenue, London, E.C

The "House" Lockstitch Sewing Machine, as exhibited on this stall, is somewhat unique in its manner of working, as the hand-machine can be operated by a vertical descending motion instead of and in addition to the usual method. A portable treadle is supplied with the machine so that it can be worked from any table by means of a wooden lever foot, which is connected with the mechanism of the machine by a long strap. If required, the machine is supplied with a new form of table, in which case the former, when not in use, is placed in a drawer beneath the table; to the table is fitted a secondary lid, by means of which the drawer forms a box whereby the machine can be readily and conveniently carried from one place to another.

 

Hitching and Wynn

19, Ludgate Hill, E.C.

Among the manufacturers of children's carriages, rocking horses, &c, of superior quality, this firm have long been celebrated and their exhibit was quite in keeping with the line of business they have pursued for some years past, i.e., to cater for the well lined pocket. The most attractive novelty on this stand in bassinettes was a carriage with a canoe shaped body, enamelled white and upholstered in satin to match. A very chaste and elegant canopy was fitted to this curiosity, which attracted a considerable amount of attention and was indeed a splendid specimen of juvenile carriage building. This firm also showed a magnificent miniature Hansom cab, complete in every detail, even to lamps. Lastly, their carriages were supplied with quadrant hood joints and adjustable handles, both being the subject of patents.

 

 

James Lloyd & Co.

Boro', London, S.E.

This firm had undoubtedly the most attractive stand in the perambulator section of the exhibition, it being practically impossible to pass by without examining this goods, so well were they displayed. The carriages and cars on show were too numerous for us to mention individually, or in any lengthened detail, suffice it to say that they comprised a fully representative selection of this firm's range, starting from the commonest carriage up to their very best types, such as the "Marie". There were several carriages on show with plated springs and fittings, some of these being supplied with handsome canopies. Passing to the mail carts, of which this firm made a special feature, of course the " Mikado " was to the front, but they had in addition several other kinds and conspicuous among these was the " Ideal " mail cart, constructed of bamboo and malacca, fitted with an improved patent foot rest, working on a central hinge, fastening with a clip catch, whereby a child can lie at full length when asleep. As well as being manufacturers of perambulators, mail carts and strong toys, this firm do a large business in wheels, handles, fittings, &c, of which they exhibited many specimens.

 

 

The Standard Sewing Machine Company

(Cleveland) London office, 94, Hatton Garden, E.C.

This stand attracted much more than the average amount of attention, due somewhat to the geniality of Mr. McKittrick, but mostly to the sterling excellence of the machines. Probably no sewing machine company of modern times has succeeded in forging ahead so rapidly as the " Standard ". As most of our readers are aware, this Company's speciality is the use of a rotary shuttle and they apply it to both family and manufacturing machines. Further, they supply an attachment by which either the lock-stitch or chain-stitch can be produced at will. Their manager informs us that a number of Standards have been running in factories for some months and giving the greatest satisfaction. As to family machines, there has been quite a scramble for agencies on the part of the best dealers and on the stand was displayed a copy of a letter from Mr. W. S. Moiser, of Sheffield, ordering 250 machines and warmly praising the "Standard". Mr. McKittrick informs us that during the show he arranged a number of new agencies and that the handsome hand-painted posters with which his stand was decorated will shortly be lithographed and supplied to customers. The "Standard" has clearly come to stay and deserves every recommendation possible.

 

 

The Singer Manufacturing Company

This mammoth corporation occupied a position quite in keeping with its importance. Their stand was some 48 feet in length by 16 feet in depth, well lighted by electricity and, from the point of view of exhibits of machine art sewing, the best we have ever inspected. Little wonder, then, that it was always the centre of an admiring crowd. Singer's ran a number of their manufacturing machines by electric power, including the centre bobbin and oscillator, but their efforts were principally in the family direction. Among the machines on show was the " V.S.", also a great variety of fancy cabinet work. Several young ladies were present from the art department in Chiswell Street, in order to produce fancy sewing before the eyes of the public. This was one of the "hits " of the exhibition, as too was the magnificent collection of landscapes, animals and flowers, all done on the Singer machine. Our experience is that few will believe that, after a few lessons, any ordinary person can copy a picture almost as well on a sewing machine as with drawing or painting appliances. There is clearly a great opportunity for increased sales among the upper classes when machine art sewing becomes better understood.

 

 

Charles Bradbury

249, High Holborn, W.C.

The well-known representative of Grimme Natalis & Co., of Brunswick, had on show a full range of his firm's sewing machines, including the "Favorite", a very cheap line, the "Original Princess" and several Family machines. He also showed, for the first time, a new Combination Table, with reading-desk, lamps, &c. which attracted much attention, and will probably command a large sale.

 

 

Automatic Knitting Machine Company

67, Southwark Street, London, S.E.

On this stall were exhibited a number of the firm's useful circular knitting machines, on which several operators were actively engaged in working hose, &c. The stand was made additionally attractive by means of a large stock of knitted articles which were on sale.  

 

 

As reproduction of  Historical artifacts, this works may contain errors of spelling and/or missing words and/or missing pages, poor pictures, etc.