SEWING MACHINE; SINGER 31K
1924Singer brand, heavy duty, sewing machine with manual
a) Complete Singer sewing machine, treadle powered heavy duty variety. Model no. is 31 K20, central bobbin, stop motion balance wheel, knee-controlled pedal of unknown use. Longer and heavier than most Singer sewing machines, with a larger work table. Machine itself is lacquered black and still in operating condition.
b) Instruction manual for machine, gives instructions on setting thread, stitching options. Marks: a) Singer Manufacturing Co, oil, V2 158053, Singer Logo on oval brass plate with bobbin over crossed needle and thread, 'The Singer Manuf Co'
This machine was originally owned by the donor's mother in law, Muriel Lee (nee Walker) who worked as a tailor. Mr. and Mrs. Lee lived in Toodyay and were strong supporters of the local sports clubs and community associations. Muriel worked as a tailor at home for private customers and in World War 2 performed private contract work for Beer's Menswear in Northam. The machine was passed down to Muriel's daughter Pat Overington. There is therefore a direct date range for this item being produced in 1924 and being used at least up until 1945.
Details
Details
The sewing machine is the Singer brand, named after the company founder Isaac Singer, which developed early patents of sewing machines after 1851. The Singer Company manufactured more than 100 different sewing machine models in their first century of operation, with this number exploding further after World War 2. The date of the machine has been derived from the date on the machine's instruction manual.
The sewing machine is treadle-powered and of the 'heavy duty' variety, with a longer neck and wider cabinet than most of its contemporaries, suggesting it was used for larger projects than most machines. The placement of the power belt on the outside of the main wheel rather than the inside is unusual for this model type. Again, this may be related to the heavier fabric that this machine was designed for. This machine has the black 'Japan Lacquer' applied rather than the beautifully decorated 'Egyptian' and 'Red Eye' machines from the same period. These features suggest this was a simple, functional working machine as opposed to the smaller, ornamented sewing machines given as gifts during this period.
The value of this item lies in its historic significance and to a lesser extent scientific significance. Through its direct historical link to a Toodyay family, this machine can be associated with women's roles, production and family history in Western Australia during the period 1924-1945. From a scientific viewpoint, a working example of this machine type can provide future researchers with valuable technical information regarding the development of mechanical industry.
Other items from Shire of Toodyay
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WEDDING SHOES
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LADY'S CLOAK
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LADY'S COLLAR, OR SMALL CLOAK
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SILK APRON
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RIFLE CARTRIDGES X 5, .30
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FIVE ROUND LOADING CLIPS X 11, .303
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BULLETS X 9; SPITZER .303
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FAMILY GROUP, COLLECTION OF 3 PHOTOGRAPHS, ONE INCLUDING ART BYWATERS
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TOODYAY COUNCIL BANK STATEMENT (FRAG)
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LETTER FRAGMENT
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SUPPLEMENT TO BOREHOLE BULLETIN 1990
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OPENING OF EXTENSIONS TO TOODYAY SHIRE OFFICES (OLD COURTHOUSE)
