Objectnummer
81/29
Vervaardiger
Beschrijving
Moldacot lock-stitch sewing machine with serial number 5658, made in Germany. This small sewing machine could be attached to a table. The machine comes with a double ended screwdriver and crank handle, and is stored in a cardboard box. Part of the Barnett Collection (81/25-81/143) which illustrates the history of the sewing machine. Nothing is known about the history of this specific machine.
Fysieke kenmerken
1 sewing machine, with double ended screwdriver and crank handle: metal, wood
Archiefgeschiedenis
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: sewing machine // Accession number: 81/29 // Classification: // Negative number: // Acquisition method: // Acquired from, date: Barnett Collection // Store: // Condition: // Recorder, date: DJE, 21.7.81 // Description: Moldacott sewing machine 'Patent [ink sketch] London' // 'No 5658 Made in Germany' // Dimensions: // Associated information: // References: [insert] Barnett Catalogue No. 43a. [end insert]', Citation in publication [E.J. Barnett, ‘Sewing machines: a catalogue of the Barnett collection’ ([Reading]: University of Reading, 1982] - '43a // Moldacot Pocket machine // This small but effective lock-stitch sewing machine was manufactured by the Moldacot Pocket Sewing Machine Company of London in 1886-7, based on the machine patented by Rosenthal of Berlin. The machine was supplied in a metal case measuring only 8 by 2¾ by 1½ inches and was intended to be clamped to a table. The needle bar reciprocates vertically and its upward motion is assisted by a spring. The shuttle is carried in a holder, which receives a swinging motion from a pin on the lower end of the needle bar engaging with a curved slot in the carrier. The presser foot is rocked by a projection on the needle bar at each extremity of the stroke, so providing a feed motion which is towards the operator. // There are three varieties, one with no handle, seen on the right hand side of no. 43b, the button at the top being pressed to form each stitch; one with a fixed handle seen on the left hand side of no. 43b; and one with a detachable handle [no. 43a] which allows the whole machine to fit into a small tin box (which, incidentally, was made by Huntley, Boorne and Stevens of Reading). [page break] // 43b Detachable handle version' (pp.32-33), Barnett Collection Review (2011) - 'This machine was sold as a 'pocket' machine (e.g. for use when travelling). The original German patent for this design was held by Rosenthal and was established in circa 1885. In England the design was patented by Moll and Cottam, hence Moldacot. It is essentially a small lockstitch sewing machine that can be clipped onto a table. This example is missing the shuttle. It bears the serial number 5658.', MERL Miscellaneous Note – The Moldacot Pocket Sewing Machine Company aimed to break the dominance of US companies by inventing a smaller, more convenient machine. Having secured patent rights in 1886, Albert Moll and Charles Cottam contracted manufacturing to individuals in Birmingham, Manchester and an unknown German location. Moldacot machines were the smallest on the market, measuring only 8 inches in length. Despite their innovative design, they did not sew as efficiently as American competitors, and so they sold very poorly. The company closed in 1887. Its sister company, serving “Colonial and Foreign” customers, achieved slightly better sales but went into liquidation in 1888. [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett Project, 2022], MERL Miscellaneous Note - From TR BNT P2/B69: Could be worked with or without a rotary arm attachment, which was screwed on with two thumb screws. Three sizes of needle were supplied. The first was suitable for muslins, handkerchiefs and linens, the second for baby linen, silk and fine materials, and the third for flannels and dressmaking. [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett Project, 2023]
Vervaardiging plaats
Germany
Objectnaam
Materiaal
Formaat
- Length 210 mm
- Width 96 mm
- Depth 70 mm