Florence Sewing Machine, 1860-1865

Summary

When new inventions like stoves, sewing machines and radios first came on the market, they seemed jarring and out of place next to people's furniture. Manufacturers learned that these devices would sell better if their mechanisms were hidden behind stylish cabinetry or fancy decoration. Fashionable parlor furniture inspired the ornately scrolled and pierced iron legs of this elaborately decorated sewing machine.

When new inventions like stoves, sewing machines and radios first came on the market, they seemed jarring and out of place next to people's furniture. Manufacturers learned that these devices would sell better if their mechanisms were hidden behind stylish cabinetry or fancy decoration. Fashionable parlor furniture inspired the ornately scrolled and pierced iron legs of this elaborately decorated sewing machine.

Artifact

Sewing machine (Equipment)

Date Made

1860-1865

Creators

Florence Sewing Machine Company 

Place of Creation

United States, Massachusetts, Florence 

Creator Notes

Made by the Florence Sewing Machine Company, Florence, Massachusetts.

Fully Furnished
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished

Object ID

00.3.10048

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cast iron
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Black (Color)
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 34.5 in

Width: 30.5 in

Length: 19.5 in

Inscriptions

On machine: FLORENCE/SEWING MACHINE CO./PATENTED/AUG.22, 1855 TO JULY 18, 1863/19723

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