Industrial Embroidery Machine [Singer]
Maker and role
The Singer Manufacturing Company, Manufacturer
Production date
Circa 1945
Object detail
Accession number
2014.103
Production period
Description
Metal framed desk, painted black. Desk holds 6 Singer sewing machines [type 15k] and has 4 short legs. Machines are black with "SINGER" written on both sides of the arms in silver, along the top of the arm is marked :"The Singer Manufacturing Co". On the left side of each machine is an oval gold coloured disc with a decorative design on that is also marked "THE SINGER MANFG.CO / TRADEMARK", on the right side of the machines are a silver coloured circular decorative plate the carrys a border, vine and floral pattern. The machines all carry serial numbers on metal plates screwed to the machines base. The machines are all mounted to the desk and connected to each other using a rod that runs through a set of wheel mechanisms that are attached to the back of eah sewing machine, these devices all have a gold vine design on them. The first machine in the series is attached to the desk with a plate and large bolt, this plate is marked "SINGER". On the left end of the desk is a metal rod set into the gap that is connected to a weight and two different sized wheels. The left side of the desk also contains a serial number [looks like a Singer co. industrial machine serial number]: "37 k 13".
The serial numbers from the machines are [serial numbers have been dated]: "EE022624" [Model:15k, Mnth: Apr 15, Year: 1947]; "ED658617" [Model:15k, Mnth: Nov 5, Year: 1945]; "EE017065" [Model:15k, Mnth: Apr 15, Year: 1947]; "ED658626" [Model:15k, Mnth: Nov 5, Year: 1945]; "EE022822" [Model:15k, Mnth: Apr 15, Year: 1947]; "ED658622" [Model:15k, Mnth: Nov 5, Year: 1945] - These machines were all manufactured in Clydebank, Scotland, UK.
The serial numbers from the machines are [serial numbers have been dated]: "EE022624" [Model:15k, Mnth: Apr 15, Year: 1947]; "ED658617" [Model:15k, Mnth: Nov 5, Year: 1945]; "EE017065" [Model:15k, Mnth: Apr 15, Year: 1947]; "ED658626" [Model:15k, Mnth: Nov 5, Year: 1945]; "EE022822" [Model:15k, Mnth: Apr 15, Year: 1947]; "ED658622" [Model:15k, Mnth: Nov 5, Year: 1945] - These machines were all manufactured in Clydebank, Scotland, UK.
Brief History
First patented in the late 18th century, developments in the technology behind sewing machines have contributed to the machine’s role in both domestic and industrial settings. Sewing machines in particular contributed to the industrial revolution and impacted on women’s domestic duties.
This unique object, described by the donor as an “Industrial Embroidery Machine,” features 6 Singer sewing machines attached to a metal desk. Its exact use is unknown; however, it is evident that, in a display of ingenuity, the machines have been placed together to create a production line.
The serial numbers identify these sewing machines as 15k models, manufactured in Clydebank, Scotland during 1945, a time when metal was in great demand for the war effort. The Singer Clydebank factory was the subject of much German bombing during World War Two, yet continued to make sewing machines, desperately needed for sewing army uniforms and encouraging the British public to ‘make do and mend.’
This unique object, described by the donor as an “Industrial Embroidery Machine,” features 6 Singer sewing machines attached to a metal desk. Its exact use is unknown; however, it is evident that, in a display of ingenuity, the machines have been placed together to create a production line.
The serial numbers identify these sewing machines as 15k models, manufactured in Clydebank, Scotland during 1945, a time when metal was in great demand for the war effort. The Singer Clydebank factory was the subject of much German bombing during World War Two, yet continued to make sewing machines, desperately needed for sewing army uniforms and encouraging the British public to ‘make do and mend.’
Marks
THE SINGER MANFG.CO / TRADEMARK Engraved
The Singer Manufacturing Co Painted
SINGER Painted
37 k 13 Engraved
The Singer Manufacturing Co Painted
SINGER Painted
37 k 13 Engraved
Media/Materials
Credit Line
The Singer Manufacturing Company. Circa 1945. Industrial Embroidery Machine [Singer], 2014.103. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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