Some of the salient features of the processes of production having been thus briefly touched upon, the conclusion will have been anticipated that the complete products themselves are in all respects thoroughly substantial and as nearly perfect as can be made from the best materials by the most skilled labor with the most effective appliances. These products consist of sewing machines of various styles, suited as well to the heaviest manufacturing in cloth and leather as to the lightest domestic purposes.
In the heat of the lively competition which has existed for years among the rival manufacturers of sewing machines, it has been the custom for each company to claim that its particular machines were the best in the world.
There are few sewing machines that are not very much better than none. As we said at the outset, it is no part of our purpose to judge of their relative merits; but the fact that at the Paris Exhibition of 1878, the only grand prize for sewing machines from all the world was awarded to the Wheeler & Wilson Company, as is attested by the highest authorities, certainly indicates that the claims of superiority on the part of this company are far removed from idle boasting. At all events, it is gratifying to be able to state the fact that throughout the world American products in this branch of industry are more highly esteemed and fetch a materially higher price than those of any other country.