Originally Posted by
Cawood Girl
Elna 1 made in Switzerland as the first free arm sewing machine I believe. Known as the "grasshopper" . Not shown is the funky carry case which turns into the sewing table sliding in around the free arm.
Nice machine AND poster/sign behind, too
There seems to be some disagreement for first domestic free-arm as evidenced by
First free-arm Sewing Machine and the one someone suggested was 1880 but according to
http://www.sewalot.com/ward_arm_and_platform.htm was 1875/
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.