SteveH

So, when you make friends with folks who deal in the upper rare air of the sewing machine collection world, you have to expect to see some pretty amazing things. I really have seen some pretty amazing machines whose photos were shared with me over the last few years..... Many I was asked not to share because the new owners request it be that way.

Last night however, I got to see a piece of history and our knowledge of the past change before my eyes.

In 1851 Singer produced his first working lockstitch sewing machine, the #1
(mostly meant for commercial sales)

In 1858 Singer made the Family Machine later known as the "Turtleback" It was the FIRST sewing machine to be sold with an iron treadle base (IVY pattern) and the first intended specifically for the domestic market.

This machine was not a very good machine. It was expensive and difficult to operate. The legend is (because I cannot currently find documentation to prove it) that Singer knew this and to protect his future reputation, he offered a 100% trade-in value to owners when the new "Letter A" machine came out. Singer tried to collect all of them back and he destroyed them. Melted them down...

There are 4-5 of these left around the world in museums and there were THREE known to be in private collections.

Until last night...

NOW there are 4 in private collectors hands, because this previously not documented machine was just discovered in a mid-west collection and has been already sold (OH SO NOT TO ME) by my friend Mike!!!!

With permission from Wolfegangs Collectibles:

A 1858 Singer Family Machine (Turtleback) on Ivy Treadle.
(Made 5 years BEFORE Singer was incorporated as a company)

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Just wow..... I hope folks don't mind me sharing this.