POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Sewing machince and attachments made in Germany

Object No. H7265

Sewing machines were a transforming technology in nineteenth century Australia, revolutionising the clothing and textile industries and changing the nature of women's work in the home. Women quickly saw in sewing machines a means of reducing the drudgery involved in manufacturing their households' clothing and textiles. As Rachel Suttor wrote to her sister from Balmain, Sydney, in 1861: 'Sewing machines are very general, they are a grand invention. I shall never be contented to "stitch, stitch, stitch" again.' Anni Turnbull, 2014

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Summary

Object Statement

Sewing machine, Seidel and Naumann with lid, key and box of attachments (17), adapted treadle machine, metal / wood / cardboard, made in Germany, imported and rebadged by Wertheim, used in Australia, c.1889

Physical Description

sewing machine, c.1889. Made in Germany. Used as a treadle machine until 1898, when it was converted to a hand machine. Set on a wooden base 21" x 10 1/2", with an inlaid wooden cover. Also a cardboard box containing a full set of extra appliances and a book of instructions

PRODUCTION

Notes

There is very little information avaliable about this German manufacturer who also made knitting machines. Traces of a Wertheim transfer have been found on a machine which also bears the name Superba 'D'. Veteran Sewing Machines- A Collectors Guide, F. Brian Jewell, David and Charles Limited, Canada, 1975, p.131

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of R Beale, 1963

Acquisition Date

7 June 1963

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