(77) The Florence Antique Sewing Machine

This example is in very good condition, and the floral decoration being particularly well preserved.
This machine can be dated 1861 by its serial number. The florence machine was based on the USpatents of Leander. W. Langdon and was in production from 1860 until after 1878 when its name was changed to 'Crown'.
In 1861, reverse stitching was introduced with a machine which could sew from both left to right and right to left.
In the 1870s, the Florence was offered for sale at £10.

Peter Hobkirk, Managing Director of Hobkirk Sewing Machines Ltd is a keen antique sewing machine enthusiast and collector & is also a member of ISMACCS. (International Sewing Machine Antique Collectors Society).

We have listed many of Peter's collection here on our web site and invite anyone with an interest to come and view our two museum rooms.