Sewing Machine [Messerschmitt]
Maker and role
Messerschmitt AG, Manufacturer
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2020.38
Maker
Production period
Description
Messerschmitt Sewing Machine.
Part 1: Green electric sewing machine. "Messerschmitt" is printed along both sides of the main arm. On the front of the machine is a small, black lever which can be moved vertically. A large black dial and small lever sits above this. At the end of the arm is the Messerschmitt logo. The attached foot and needle pin a small piece of rectangular, nude coloured fabric to the machine. Various thread holders and black and silver levers are placed above this. A spool pin sits on the top of the machine. On the back of the machine is a small maker's plate which reads, "KI. 52 240 V. 100W WP / Werk No 254-2319 / Messerschmitt A.G. Augsburg / Made in Germany". At the rear of the machine is a large, green balance wheel and a small, black power switch. A power cord is attached to the rear is a purple power cord with a missing plug. On the bottom of the machine is a sticker with black printed text in German. Embossed in the surface is "7899".
Part 2: Brown,checkered, vinyl carry case, "Hepco". The case has a brown, leather handle and two locks on either side. The case has is lined with brown plastic on the edges. On the inside of the lid is a brown textile pocket. There are four textile straps with a metal buckle which are used to secure the sewing machine.
Part 3: Square, wooden frame used to support the sewing machine in the case, and can functions as a sewing table when the machine is in use. Felt covers the frame bottom and various felt-covered blocks.
Part 4: Silver knee lever. V-shaped with a loop on one end.
Part 5: Dark green plastic case which holds various sewing machine attachments. "Messerschmitt A.G." is embossed on the front. A silver clasp opens and shuts the case. Inside a various pockets for parts to be held.
Part 6: Metal awl on wooden base.
Part 7: Small metal part, cylindrical shaped with various grooves.
Part 8: Small bobbin wound with white cotton thread.
Parts 9-15: Small metal foot attachment.
Part 16: Small metal thread attachment.
Part 17: Small, square metal plate.
Part 18: Metal loop.
Part 1: Green electric sewing machine. "Messerschmitt" is printed along both sides of the main arm. On the front of the machine is a small, black lever which can be moved vertically. A large black dial and small lever sits above this. At the end of the arm is the Messerschmitt logo. The attached foot and needle pin a small piece of rectangular, nude coloured fabric to the machine. Various thread holders and black and silver levers are placed above this. A spool pin sits on the top of the machine. On the back of the machine is a small maker's plate which reads, "KI. 52 240 V. 100W WP / Werk No 254-2319 / Messerschmitt A.G. Augsburg / Made in Germany". At the rear of the machine is a large, green balance wheel and a small, black power switch. A power cord is attached to the rear is a purple power cord with a missing plug. On the bottom of the machine is a sticker with black printed text in German. Embossed in the surface is "7899".
Part 2: Brown,checkered, vinyl carry case, "Hepco". The case has a brown, leather handle and two locks on either side. The case has is lined with brown plastic on the edges. On the inside of the lid is a brown textile pocket. There are four textile straps with a metal buckle which are used to secure the sewing machine.
Part 3: Square, wooden frame used to support the sewing machine in the case, and can functions as a sewing table when the machine is in use. Felt covers the frame bottom and various felt-covered blocks.
Part 4: Silver knee lever. V-shaped with a loop on one end.
Part 5: Dark green plastic case which holds various sewing machine attachments. "Messerschmitt A.G." is embossed on the front. A silver clasp opens and shuts the case. Inside a various pockets for parts to be held.
Part 6: Metal awl on wooden base.
Part 7: Small metal part, cylindrical shaped with various grooves.
Part 8: Small bobbin wound with white cotton thread.
Parts 9-15: Small metal foot attachment.
Part 16: Small metal thread attachment.
Part 17: Small, square metal plate.
Part 18: Metal loop.
Brief History
Messerschmitt was predominantly known for its aircraft, flown by Germany’s Luftwaffe in World War Two and including the Me 262, the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter plane. Willy Messerschmitt’s company relied on the labour of concentration camp prisoners, and he was imprisoned for this after the war, having been found guilty of knowingly using slave labour in the Messerschmitt factories.
Upon his release, Messerschmitt was forbidden to work in the aviation industry. He turned instead to other projects, including a wind turbine, hydraulic turbojet engines and prefabricated housing. By 1951, Messerschmitt had started a factory manufacturing sewing machines, desperately needed in post-war Germany. The sewing machines were manufactured until 1959 although sales were low due to poor quality control.
Upon his release, Messerschmitt was forbidden to work in the aviation industry. He turned instead to other projects, including a wind turbine, hydraulic turbojet engines and prefabricated housing. By 1951, Messerschmitt had started a factory manufacturing sewing machines, desperately needed in post-war Germany. The sewing machines were manufactured until 1959 although sales were low due to poor quality control.
Marks
Messerschmitt Printed
[Messerschmitt logo] Printed
KI. 52 240 V. 100W WP / Werk No 254-2319 / Messerschmitt A.G. Augsburg / Made in Germany Maker's Plate
[German text] Sticker
7899 Embossed
Messerschmitt A.G. Embossed
Hepco Embossed
[Messerschmitt logo] Printed
KI. 52 240 V. 100W WP / Werk No 254-2319 / Messerschmitt A.G. Augsburg / Made in Germany Maker's Plate
[German text] Sticker
7899 Embossed
Messerschmitt A.G. Embossed
Hepco Embossed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Messerschmitt AG. Sewing Machine [Messerschmitt], 2020.38. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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