Accession Number

992.021

Description

A wood and cast iron treadle sewing machine, the cast iron famework supporting the wooden work surface, the fly-wheel and pulley assembly at the user's right-side, the face-level stitching apparatus decorated with gold coloured filigree and leafy-vine decoration that is heavily worn.

Narrative

The Canadian sewing machine industry began in 1860 when Richard Mott Wanzer of Buffalo, New York established a factory in Hamilton, Ontario. He began making Wanzer sewing machines like this example. The business flourished until 1890 when the Wanzer Sewing Machine Company ceased operation. 

D'Arcy Porter of Hamilton is credited with obtaining the first Canadian patent for a sewing machine in 1854.

Nineteenth Century maids in households like Craigdarroch were expected to be competent sewers. It's likely that Joan Olive Dunsmuir kept her old sewing machine even after becoming wealthy, and so this older machine has been collected for display in the service areas of Craigdarroch. 

History of Use

Unknown. The machine was purchased by the donor circa 1980 at a public auction in Ontario. 

Date

November 9 1870

Dimensions

101 x 33.8 x 64.7 cm

Material

Wood; Metal, iron; Paint, powder

Brand Name

Wanzer

Serial Number

9578

Technique

Cast; Milled; Painted

Inscription

The Wanzer (on painted portion of upper apparatus)

R. M. WANZER  & CO.
SEWING MACHINE MANUFACTURER
HAMILTON. ONT. CANADA.
PATENTED MAY 16 - 1867
PATENTED JUNE 15 - 1867
PATENTED SEPTEMBER 26 - 1870
PATENTED NOVEMBER 9 - 1870
No. 9578

Country of Origin

Canada