Showing 139 items
matching box - sewing
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City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Sewing Machine, Melber, Early 20th Century
... in the late 1870s. The 'Box Cottage' Melber Treadle Sewing Machine... 1870s. The 'Box Cottage' Melber Treadle Sewing Machine was owned ...Melber sewing machines were first sold in Australia in the late 1870s. The 'Box Cottage' Melber Treadle Sewing Machine was owned by Mary Box, nee Kloster / Closter, wife of Alonzo Box , the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler The machine was bought in 1909, and is a good example of its kind. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm.”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment. The cottage has both the Receipt, cat 00004.1 and Guarantee, cat 00004.2, for the sewing machine. This machine was possibly built by Wertheim Pty Ltd Hugo Wertheim (1854 – 1919) arrived in Melbourne in 1875. He became a successful agent for sewing machines manufactured by his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim in Frankfurt, Germany. Hugo married Joseph’s daughter Sophie Emilie and they settled in Richmond Melbourne Australia. Hugo made many trips back to the main factory in Germany and, with extensive advertising, established a thriving business for sewing machines, bicycles, pianos under various ‘brand names’ - Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin, Hapsburg. It has been said that Dame Nellie Melba preferred a Wertheim piano for her performances. In 1908 Hugo opened a large piano factory in Bendigo St Richmond, Victoria and his son Herbert maintained the business until 1935 The sewing machine was donated in 1985 by, a descendant of the Box family. The machine is complete, and in good condition. William and Elizabeth Box purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler who had bought part of the land noted in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. They raised their family there and established a market garden to supply produce to the population of Melbourne. Their nephew Alonzo married Mary Kloster/ Closter in 1918 and she brought with her this 'Melber' sewing machine that she used to provide clothing for the family. 'Melber'Treadle Sewing Machine that was owned by Mary Box, nee Kloster/ Closter. It was bought in 1909, and it is a good example of its kind. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm.”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment. The Box Cottage Museum has both the Receipt, and Guarantee for the sewing machine. 'MELBER' stamped on sewing machine.dendys special survey, treadle sewing machine, box cottage, mary kloster, alonzo box, melber, wertheim hugo, wertheim sewing machine manufacturer, richmond melbourne victoria, -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Sewing Machine and case, Joseph Wertheim, late 19th century
... latch, and inside the box are 23 metal sewing attachments..., and inside the box are 23 metal sewing attachments, a disc ...Hugo Wertheim (1854-1919), was a merchant and manufacturer and was born on the 12th July 1854 at Lispenhausen, in the German electorate of Hesse-Kassel, son of Meyer Wertheim and his wife Minna, née Heinemann. Hugo reached Melbourne in October 1875. He soon began advertising, from premises at 39 Flinders Lane East, as agent for his father's cousin Joseph Wertheim, a well-established manufacturer of sewing machines. Hugo returned to Germany where he married Joseph Wertheim's daughter Sophie Emilie (1864-1953) on 30 August 1885 at Frankfurt. the couple then came to Melbourne. In a short time, with extensive advertising, Hugo established a substantial business, selling sewing machines, bicycles, pianos and other mechanical devices, under brands such as Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin and Hapsburg. He also mounted elaborate displays at agricultural shows and in 1901 at the Pan American Exposition, Buffalo, United States of America. O. C. Beale worked with him before setting up his own piano business in New South Wales. Hugo continued to own 25 per cent of one of Beale's companies, which became Wertheim's Queensland business. In 1908 Wertheim opened a large, innovative piano factory at Richmond, Melbourne, intending to produce 2000 pianos and player pianos annually, predominantly using Australian materials. In laying the foundation stone, Prime Minister Alfred Deakin observed that “few men with such opportunities for a life of ease would have embarked on such an enterprise” Hugo died of chronic hepatitis on 11 July 1919 at his home at South Yarra, his wife, two daughters and three sons survived him; Herbert Joseph (1886-1972), the eldest, continued the business. Rupert became a share broker and went on to represent Victoria in inter-State tennis in 1913-27 and Australia in Davis Cup matches against Czechoslovakia in 1922. The piano factory closed in 1935, becoming a Heinz food processing plant and in 1955, GTV Channel 9 studios and offices.Early Australians had to be self-reliant in regards to making and mending their clothes and utensils. This sewing machine was one of many items used that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these early families. A sewing machine was a necessary part of each home and this item demonstrates how women of the time managed had to become self-reliant in the repair and making of their families clothes to make their household budgets go further.Sewing machine, Wertheim brand “ Syst 182” hand crank operated machine with folding handle, timber case and carry handle. Metal machine is painted black, with remnants of gold, red and green scrolls and floral decoration. Machine has base with inlaid measuring rule across front and 2 holes drilled through the base (perhaps for mounting machine to a bench). Machine tilts open, hinged on one side, after thumb screw is unwound, revealing machine’s workings and serial number. Base has a fitted round, concave, silver metal pin holder with lid that hinges open, and symbol pressed into lid; several pins are inside. Body of machine has brand name transfer across front and oval metal trademark disk on front. Metal sliding covers over footplates have stamped lettering. Timber machine case or cover includes an accessory box with sliding cover and metal hook and eye latch, and inside the box are 23 metal sewing attachments, a disc and a stick of black crayon with maker’s trademark on it paper cover. Workings of machine have seized up. The crayon wrapper has printed on it “For the wonderful Wertheim new family machine made in Germany ‘Syst. 182’”, and the maker’s symbol with “Trademark” beside it. Made for Hugo Wertheim.“WERTHEIM” transfer across front and back of machine body. Cover of pin holder has symbol ‘Wings above a shield’. Maker’s trademark on gold oval disc, “WERTHEIM / FRANCFURT” and picture of a dwarf with a hammer. Left footplate has script “Syst 182”, right footplate has stamp in oval shape “MANUFACTURED IN - - /SPECIALLY FOR / HUGO WERTHEIM” Serial Number “7501”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sewing machine, hand crank sewing machine, hugo wertheim, wertheim, clothing manufacturer, sewing, syst 182 -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Sewing equipment, wooden pin tray, c1920
Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and the women made their own clothes, bed linen and tableware as they established homes and farms for their familiesThe Family of Mrs Nance Blackburn were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire c 1880A polished wood tray used by women to hold pins when dressmaking, crocheting or mending clothes and linen c1920 dressmaking, crochet work, metal pins, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, blackburn nance -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Haberdashery, crochet doiley, c1900
Early settler women in Moorabbin Shire c1900, were skilled in crochet and made these doilies to cover milk jugs, and other food containers, to protect the contents from flies and other insects while on the kitchen table.The women of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire c1900, were very skilled with craftwork, crochet, knitting, sewing, needlework.A crocheted cotton doily with raised decoration of a cup and saucer. Coloured beads anchor the points to add weight to keep the doily in place when protecting contents of a cup or jugpioneers, earley settlers, haberdashery, craftwork, crochet, doileys, kitchen equipment, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, moorabbin, ormond, cheltenham, -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Sewing Equipment, black cotton reel 'Brook's
A cotton reel with a little black cotton by 'Brook's'BROOK'S PATENT GLACE THREAD -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
WW11 1939-1945 Australian Army Soldiers Sewing Kit, c1939
1939 - 1945 Australian Army Sewing Kit. This kit is just one of many different brands of sewing kit - issued to Australian troops during the Second World War. Containing the standard requirements for uniform/clothing repair in the field. Items include:- assorted sewing needles,spare metal (quad hole) buttons and spare cotton/wool thread. Originally the "hold-all" (or pouch) was manufactured using leather, which was in plentiful supply in Australia and is quite durable. The major problem with leather however, especially in tropical or damp conditions - is it's susceptibility to moisture. This will then have an adverse affect upon the metal items contained within the kit, obviously resulting in corrosion to the metal sewing needles and buttons. This sewing kit hold-alls was manufactured from a khaki cotton or similar material. The metal thimble is missing.Standard issue sewing kit for Australian Soldiers serving in WW2 1939-45 in New Guinea and tropical areasA rectangular khaki cotton pouch containing wool and cotton threads, needles, metal buttons, folding stainless steel scissors that rolls up and is tied by two cotton bands.world war 11 1939-1945, cotton, khaki, soldier field kit, sewing kit, new guinea, army supply department, australian army, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Sewing Equipment , wooden 'Pic-Quic', 20thC
D.R.G.M.,is not a German patent but was instead a way for inventors to register a product’s design or function in all states within Germany. From 1891 to 1952, products manufactured in Germany might have been stamped with this D.R.G.M. designation. This Quic Pic was used by the family of Ailsa Hunt in mid 20thCThe women of the post World War 11 estates made clothes and furnishings as their families settled in Bentleigh, McKinnon, Moorabbin ,Ormond in City of Moorabbin c1950s A wooden egg shaped tool with enclosed steel blade for cutting stitches while dressmaking c1950'PIC - QUIC' DRGM 989116clothing, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Sewing Equip, 'Singer ' treadle machine
'SINGER' -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Craftwork, crochet wool circlet roses, c1950
Craftwork was very popular c1950 and these crochet circles, like roses, in pink, blue, and white wool may be sewn together for a light baby wrap Craftwork, Crochet, Knitting and Sewing were all popular in post World War 11 Moorabbin as the new settlers established their homes on the previous market garden estates. Crocheted pink, blue, white wool circlet roses for a rug or baby wrapormond theatrical society, mckinnon, bentleigh, moorabbin, reed gladys, clark judy clothing, actors, early settlers, post world war 11 estates, knitting, crochetwork, -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Craftwork, crochet silk and hooks, c1960
Craftwork, Crochet, Knitting and Sewing were all popular in post World War 11 Moorabbin as the new settlers established their homes on the previous market garden estates. Gladys Reed was and accomplished dressmaker and was involved in local community activities like the Ormond Choral Society Craftwork, Crochet, Knitting and Sewing were all popular in post World War 11 Moorabbin as the new settlers established their homes on the previous market garden estates.A ball of silk thread and 2 steel crochet hooks, 1 completed cotton handkerchief, 2 squares of fine cotton and a small length of lacework 2 Crochet Hooks ; a) Made in England / 4 / CROSS FOX b) ARGOBY / 6 / ; packet MILWARD Silk Cotton ; J & P COATES / MERCER CROCHET / 80 -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Craftwork, knitting green cotton glove , needles, c1950
Craftwork, Crochet, Knitting Sewing were all popular in post World War 11 Moorabbin as the new settlers established their homes on the previous market garden estates.Craftwork, Crochet, Knitting Sewing were all popular in post World War 11 Moorabbin as the new settlers established their homes on the previous market garden estates.A partly knitted green cotton glove with 4 steel knitting needles wrapped in a silk scarf knitting, clothing, manufactured lace, dressmaking, blouses, theatrical props, craftwork, sequins, beading, early settlers, moorabbin shire, mechanics institute cheltenham, ormond choral society, postworld war 11 settlers, housing estates moorabbin 1950, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, cheltenham, drama societies, musical society cheltenham, clark judy, reed gladys, reed george -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Equipment - Gladstone Bag, Mrs Emma Warburton - midwife, c 1900's
The bag was used by Nurse Emma Warburton (1863-1946), who provided assistance at the birth of a couples child, not only looking after the new mother but also the family and the house hold chores. Nurse Warburton lived in Bourke Street, Mentone. The contents of the bag were, five letters of recommendation, a sewing kit, a breast reliever, seven keys, Red Cross Emergency Service Badge and two notes re medication. Nurse Warburton was married to Joseph Warburton (1853-1947) who was a market gardener in the Shire of Moorabbin (City of Moorabbin).The bag belonged to one of the pioneers of Moorabbin. and gives an insight into the birth of children and family life.Brown leather Gladstone Bag and contentsnursing, midwife, emma warburton, cheltenham, moorabbin, city of moorabbin, mentone, child birth -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tool - Sewing Kit
This sewing kit was owned by Nurse Emma Warburton and was in her Gladstone Bag. A sewing kit made by Kirby Beard & Co. Ltd Kirby Beard Company was founded by William Cowther. He established this business in 1743. His son, Richard, succeeded his father and went into partnership with Robert Kirby. Mr Kirby was well connected & became the Sheriff of London in 1816. By 1820 two further partners George Beard and William Tovey joined the firm. By 1840 the firm was known as Kirby, Beard and Company. They were the longest established & most successful pin making concern in Gloucester.Owned by Nurse Emma Warburton, one of the residents of the City of MoorabbinSewing Kit - sewing needlesBest Sewing needles - Kirby, Beard & Co. Ltdnursing, midwife, emma warburton, cheltenham, moorabbin, city of moorabbin, mentone, child birth, sewing equipment -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Textile - Sewing Equipment, Cotton reel ' Coates' 400yds, c20thC
An example of the Cotton Reels used by residents of City of Moorabbin and Australia in 20th CAn example of the Cotton Reels used by residents of City of Moorabbin and Australia in 20th CA wooden cotton reel with some white thread remaining from the 400yards when made Around Top of reel J&P COATS MACHINE 10 COTTON / BEST S........ / 400 YDS Base damaged 366 METRES -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Sewing Machine 'Singer' Model 20, c1920
First marketed in 1910, this early version Singer No 20 was sold as both a toy and adult miniature. The design underwent several improvements and cosmetic changes in the years that followed. By the mid 1900s, many companies had cloned the machine, with most showing the same uncertainties as to the intended market.A miniature 'Singer' Sewing machine ,Model 20, with hand crankSinger Pty Ltd early settlers, craftwork, toys, sewing machines, pioneers, moorabbin, bentleigh, ormond, cheltenham, market gardeners, dressmaking -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Personal Effects, lady's evening bag, 20thC
This evening bag was purchased in Hong KongA lady's pale blue, satin, evening handbag, with a drawstring, hand-made in Hong Kong. It is lined in darker blue satin and has appliquéd silver sequins and light blue crystal-like beads and rows of tiny, pearl-like beads made in Hong Kongcraftwork, sewing, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, cheltenham, personal effects, handbags, evening wear, hong kong, chinese -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing, lady's leather gloves, c1900
This pair of gloves was made in France and purchased by a Moorabbin residentA pair of cream, chamois leather lady's gloves with stitch detailing on back . Size 7 Made in France Size 7craftwork, sewing, gloves, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, cheltenham, personal effects, evening wear -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Sewing equipment, sewing container, threads, needles, 20th C
This type of sewing equipment was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm.”, and clothes and hosiery were mended, darned or ‘re-made’ into another garment.. These cotton and silk threads are examples of those used for dressmaking, crochet and needlework by the women of the early settler families who made, mended or darned the clothes and hosiery in Moorabbin Shire c1900A tin with lid, containing various packets of sewing threads and needlesPackets ; CLARKE’S Fine Filosheen Grist / 20 yards 3076 Squirrel / No 40 : PRESTIGE ; NEWEY’S Spring ; PARAMOUNT Linen Finish THREAD ; Embassy rustless needles ; sewing, prestige cotton, needles, threads, moorabbin, bentleigh, ormond, craftwork, dressmaking, early settlers, market gardeners -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Personal Effects, lady's evening handbag, c1900
This evening bag is an example of the skill and craftwork of the early settler women in the Shire of Moorabbin. A lady's hand-crocheted, blue, evening bag with an 'Ivorine' clasp and frame and a 'chain' handle. The bag has a decorative fringe at base. craftwork, sewing, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, cheltenham, personal effects, handbags, evening wear -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Sewing Equipment, cotton reel 'Knox's', early 20thC
W & J Knox Ltd were cotton millers in Kilbernie, Scotland during the time after the Industrial Revolution when Great Brittain exported manufactured cotton products globally. The early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing, napery, tools and household goods. The women were skilful dressmakers and craft workers.A wooden reel of 'Knox's Three Cord' sewing cotton . 100 yardsW..J.KNOX / KILBIRNIE SCOTLAND/ 50/ 100ydsmoorabbin, brighton, early settlers, pioneers, cheltenham, knox pty. ltd. kilbirnie scotland, cotton mills, dressmaking -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Sewing Equipment, reel of nylon thread, c1950
Nylon is a thermoplastic, silky material, first used commercially in a nylon-bristled toothbrush (1938), followed more famously by women's stockings ("nylons"; 1940) after being introduced as a fabric at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Nylon was intended to be a synthetic replacement for silk and substituted for it in many different products after silk became scarce during World War II. It replaced silk in military applications such as parachutes and flak vests, and was used in many types of vehicle tyres. Nylon is clear and colourless, or milky, but is easily dyed. Multi-stranded nylon cord and rope is slippery and tends to unravel. The ends can be melted and fused with a heat source such as a flame or electrode to prevent this.A wooden reel of ' BLONDAL' Nylon sewing thread 100ydsBLONDAL 100ydsmoorabbin, brighton, early settlers, pioneers, cheltenham, dressmaking, craftwork, nylon thread, blondal pty ltd -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, boy's first underpants, 1907
These white cotton underpants were made for Mr Geoff Maggs by his mother in 1907 as his first underwear at age 2 years old. The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. White, cotton underwear for a 2 year old boy. Made at home on a sewing machine with hand feather stitching and factory-made guipure lace on leg-bands. Buttons at waist, and a tuck pleat to let down as child grows.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, dressmakers, market gardners, early settlers, maggs geoff -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, lady's Bombasine jacket, c1900
This lady's jacket would have been worn for special occasions by an early settler of the Moorabbin Shire c1900. Bombasine material was usually black and worn during the mourning time. It has a dull, twilled surface with a silk warp and worsted wool weftA lady's shiny black Bombasine dress jacket with embroidery at buttonsclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, sewing, dendy henry, early settlers, craftwork, jackets -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Sewing Equipment, needles
In the 1820s perforated cardboard first became available. Then, with the invention of the printing press, designs such as sentimental or religious mottos were pre-printed on the card and a Victorian craze began as it provided a simpler and cheaper method of embroidering for the masses compared to the previously far more expensive linen embroidery. Over the following decades embroidering of punched-card grew enormously in popularity and a variety of articles from Christmas decorations to birthday cards, and in this case a Neele case to celebrate Queen Victoria's golden Jubilee in 1887. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items used to exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. Small cream coloured Punched-Cardboard needle case,with red satin lining and red cross-stitch decoration. The case contains four paper packets each containing sewing needles of a different gauge. Each packet of needles is 3 1/2 cms long and 1 cm wide. The size of the needles In red cot tonCross stitch on one side of the card needle case the word "NEEDLES" is embroidered, and on the other side the word "JUBILEE". Inside the needle case is four packets of different sized needles, by Wm Mattins1887, queen victorias golden jubilee, victorian punched card work, hand embroidery, different packets, different gauge sharp needles, wm shrimpton and sons, william mattins, abel morrals, copestakes, cross stitch -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Sewing machine, 'Singer' boot-making, c1914
Early settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant, producing their food making and maintaining their own equipment, clothing and utensils This Singer boot-makers sewing machine is an example of the skills and craftsmanship of the pioneer settlers in Moorabbin Shire.A black, Singer 29K2, treadle, boot-maker's sewing machine c1914' SINGER ' on body of machine / 'SINGER 29K2' on plate/ emblem plate on right shaft shows 'S entwined with a shuttle/ bobbin over a reel of cotton' ./ ‘Singer Manef.c Co’ on iron support framebrighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, market gardeners, early settlers, farm equipment, sewing machine, singer manufacturing company, boot-makers, leatherwork -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Clothing - Clothing, baby’s dress, c1900
This baby's long calico gown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Walker family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. A baby’s long, white calico day-gown that is machine sewn clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, walker alice, sewing machines -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Document - Kitchen equipment, charcoal sad iron, c1880
This type of Charcoal iron was used by early settler families in Moorabbin Shire. The body or ‘box’ of the iron was filled with red-hot coals from the Kitchen hearth. This made for hot as well as smoky ironing and the handle would have become very hot. This type of iron is still used in some countries where electric power is unavailable. This Charcoal flat iron was used by the Curtis family who were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1880. A charcoal sad iron with leather covered handle c 1880 The cast iron body or ‘box’ of this sad iron was filled with red-hot coals from the hearth and great care had to be taken to prevent scorching the material to be smoothed.iron charcoal, flat iron, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, brighton, market gardeners, craftwork, sewing, laundry equipment, kitchens -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Wertheim Sewing Machine, c1880
Hugo Wertheim (1854–1919) arrived in Melbourne in 1875. He became a successful agent for sewing machines manufactured by his father’s cousin Joseph Wertheim in Frankfurt, Germany. Hugo married Joseph’s daughter Sophie Emilie and they settled in Melbourne. Hugo made many trips back to the main factory in Germany and, with extensive advertising, established a thriving business for sewing machines, bicycles, pianos under various ‘brand names’ - Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin, Hapsburg. It has been said that Dame Nellie Melba preferred a Wertheim piano for her performances. In 1908 Hugo opened a large piano factory in Bendigo St Richmond, Victoria. His son Herbert maintained the business until the factory closed in 1935.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This sewing machine was one of many items they used to exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A sewing machine was a necessary part of each home.A Wertheim hand–crank sewing machine c1880. The hand machine was operated by turning the handle. The hand machine could also be fitted to a stand with table and draws, the machine could then be used by hand or foot. This type of sewing machine was widely used in many homes, in an era when hand-made clothes were the “norm”, and clothes were mended, or ‘re-made’ into another garment 'WERTHEIM' across body of machinemelbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, germany, piano, pioneers, richmond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, sewing machines, wertheim hugo, wertheim joseph -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Craft - Craftwork, tape measure c 1880, c1880
c1880 This tiny tape measure, in Imperial measurements, was part of a Victorian era lady's sewing basket. The case is of polished timber, and the little winder, to retract the tape, is made of brass with a small ivory handleEarly settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant producing their own food and making their farm equipment and clothing. The women of these families were skilful in all craftwork.c1880 this tiny, retractable, tape measure, in Imperial measure, is made of polished timber with a brass winder and ivory handle. Imperial ‘inch’ measurements on tape dressmaking, tape measure, sewing, craftwork, pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh cheltenham -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Sewing machine, Wilcox & Gibbs, c1870
Willcox and Gibbs: Serial No. 158679. The Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine Company was founded in 1857 by James E. A. Gibbs and James Willcox and opened its London Office in 1859 at 135 Regent Street . By 1871 the Company's Chief Office for Europe was at 150 Cheapside, London, this office was later moved (post 1885) to 94 - 96 Wigmore Street, then 37 & 39 Moorgate Street (by 1891 to post 1907) and later 20 Fore Street, London . Right from the initial production the manufacturing of the Company's single thread, chain stitch machine was undertaken by Brown & Sharpe, Rhode Island and this continued up until 1948. A special hand crank mechanism was produced in England for the European market, but the general design of the Willcox & Gibbs remained essentially the same throughout its production. The only major improvement was in 1875 when the glass tension discs were replaced with an automatic tension device which ensured the machine could not get out of adjustment. In addition to the domestic hand and treadle machines the company produced a wide range of industrial models. The Company finally closed in 1973. This Willcox & Gibbs came complete with its wooden carry case. The machine was made in America in the late 1860's but it has the ornate hand crank produced at Coalbrookdale near Telford, England which was, in Victorian times, renown for producing high quality ornate iron castings. This machine has the glass tension discs which were used on domestic models until 1875. The Willcox & Gibbs badge is located on the rear of the base casting and it also has a deep wooden base. The cloth plate has various American patent dates, four dating between 1857 & 1860 relating to J. E. A. Gibbs, three dating between 1860 & 1864 relating to Chas H. Willcox (son of James Willcox), the machine was also licensed under five other patents including the infamous Elias Howe patent of 1846. There are only two English patents one for J. E. A Gibbs and the other for James Willcox. In 1887 a W & G Sewing Machine sold in England for 6 pounds , with its box and bits, at a time when the average wage was less than 10/- shillings per week. The early settlers of Moorabbin Shire had to be self sufficient making their own clothes, tableware, bed coverings, furnishings and equipment. The women were skilled dressmakers and craft workers.Willcox and Gibbs: Serial No. 158679. A single thread, chain stitch Sewing Machine with a special hand crank mechanism produced in England for the European market, and the glass tension discs which were used on domestic models until 1875. This Willcox & Gibbs came complete with its wooden carry case. The machine was made in America c1870 but it has the ornate hand crank produced at Coalbrookdale near Telford, England which was, in Victorian times, renown for producing high quality ornate iron castings. This machine has the glass tension discs which were used on domestic models until 1875. The Willcox & Gibbs badge is located on the rear of the base casting and it also has a deep wooden base. The Willcox & Gibbs badge is located on the rear of the base castingsewing machines, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, brighton, gibbs james, willcox james, willcox henry, new york, america, dressmaking, mateial, machine makers, wrought iron work, telford england