Today, in many homes you can see a sewing machine that is designed using the latest technologies, made of high quality material and can almost sew on its own using software. And this is not surprising, because we live in a time of scientific and technological progress. But earlier, 100-150 years ago, the situation was different. In this article, we will talk about an invention that at one time turned the world upside down and opened up many new opportunities for people - this is Singer foot sewing machine.
History of creation
In the 18th century, in order to have new clothes, they had to either sew on their own using needles and threads, or go to a special workshop where dressmakers worked using the same attributes.
It was during this period that the Singer sewing machine began its history.
Its creator was the American inventor and entrepreneur Isaac (Isaac) Singer. He successfully improved the existing Phelps sewing machine, equipping it with a foot pedal.
His brainchild was so perfect and unique that it quickly became popular. Singer made his product “long-playing” - this means that in the event of a breakdown, the mechanism could be repaired, and thereby increased its popularity. Already in 1854, 3 years after the appearance of the first Singer machine, this sewing equipment was used not only by housewives, but also in large factories and workshops.
Features
Of course, the old Singer sewing machine with a drive in itself is special, because it is the first of its kind, and all subsequent similar units were made according to her example. We list the main features of the Singer sewing machine.
- Design and decoration.
- Excellent functionality - she could sew a perfectly even stitch even on the thickest fabric.
- For the operation of the unit, no additional adaptation was required, but only mechanical force, and the weakest. Even a fragile woman could calmly start and sew her, just shaking her foot with a special pedal.
- Convenience of work - the hands of the dressmaker remained free to perform various operations.
- The presence of a table - boards, thanks to which the work became more comfortable. It was possible to place threads, fabric, scissors and other tools and attributes necessary for work on it.
- An instruction was attached to the sewing unit, in which it was clearly painted how to use it correctly.
- Absolutely all components and parts in case of breakage can be repaired even with your own hands. As already mentioned, it was this feature that made the machine popular and in demand, because its life was unlimited.
Proof of the durability of the Singer mechanical foot machine is the fact that to this day, there are instances that function as fully as they did 150 years ago. If you have one lying around in the attic, do not rush to throw it away or sell it - perhaps it is with its help that you can stitch more than one beautiful outfit, revealing a talent for sewing.
It is worth mentioning other models of foot-operated sewing machines that were quite popular at the time, in the constructions of which the principle invented by a talented engineer was used:
- Soviet "Seagull" and "Podolsk";
- American Afrana;
- Chinese Buterfly;
- Hungarian Csepel;
- German Kohler and others.
Is an old model appreciated?
Today, the old Singer foot sewing machine - this is a real antiques that excites many relic hunters and just those who want to “hit the jackpot” without straining. The question of how much you can earn on it is quite relevant today.
The hunt for such a rarity opened in the early 90's. Perhaps everything would have turned out differently if not for mythical stories about this sewing attribute.
First story
This myth about the value of the machine was associated with an inscription that is on the attribute and testifies to its authenticity. The thing is that on one machine you can see the inscription Singer, and on the other Zinger. And here the question arises of what is fake and what is the original?
In fact, the original name, of course, with the letter S. This indicates that the machine was manufactured at the factory of the first manufacturing company Singer Manufacturing Company, which was founded in the United States.
After the company expanded, and its products became known throughout the world, it opened the sale of franchises. That is why companies in other countries engaged in the manufacture of sewing machines with a drive began to distort the name. So on sale a machine appeared with the inscription Zinger.
Second story
Thanks to her, the value of the machine has increased, and this is due to the presence of precious metals in certain parts.
For a long time, there were rumors that the drive shaft and shuttles of the cars were made of gold, platinum and palladium.
But, as it turned out later, all this was just a fiction, which entailed many facts of fraud, theft and even murder. In fact, Singer cars, even the oldest ones, are of value only as part of antique collections, but no more.
In the next video you will learn how to distinguish a real Singer sewing machine from its counterparts.
