c.1890-1905 This Wertheim sewing machine, donated by Sylvia Schultz, direct Ziebell descendent, is a rare early example manufactured in Frankfurt, Germany before the company established production in Melbourne. Its construction during this earlier European phase highlights the global reach of domestic technology that later became central to Australian household life. The machine features highly decorative cast-iron legs with ‘Wertheim’ prominently moulded into the frame, a brass plaque reading Wertheim Francfort with the firm’s pick-axe emblem, and a finely detailed sewing mechanism enclosed by a wooden cover. The treadle base, ornate ironwork, side storage compartments, and mobility wheels together illustrate the craftsmanship and functional elegance characteristic of 19th-century European sewing machines. As part of the Ziebell collection, the machine reflects the domestic craft, self-sufficiency, and technological adaptation of German settler families. It enriches the museum’s understanding of women’s work, household production, and the adoption of imported machinery in everyday life, offering insight into both global manufacturing histories and local cultural heritage. Hand sewing machine on stand with storage compartments. Ironwork frame, very decorative casting. Large wheel on right as part of sewing machine. Two wooden boxes on each side, with brass pull rings. Wooden box also for covering sewing machine. Decorative border around sewing mechanism. Frame is on wheels.Wertheim' cast in iron in centre of frame, and on both sides. 'Wertheim Francfort' on brass plaque nailed onto sewing machine, along with Wertheim symbol of man with pick.domestic items, sewing, machine, wertheim, francfort, domestic

Donor, Connie Cruikshank was grand-daughter of Poppy Kerr whose father was the first doctor in Orbost. Machine belonged to her grandmother, Mrs Hilda Kerr(Temple).This item is significant for its use by an influential and well-known Orbost identity. It is also an example of a common domestic appliance of the late 19th-early 20th century.Hand-operated sewing machine. Black with gold designs, large metal turning wheel. All set on large polished block of wood.Wertheim Francfortsewing-machine kerr-dr temple-hilda cruikshank-connie wertheim

Black with gold writing. Arm: " W--heim". Badge: "Wertheim Francfort" With wooden basesewing machine, hand crank, wertheim

Sewing machine, hand operated with transverse shuttle, spool wound by running on to a large wheel. Serial no. S6362996|Wooden cover with inlaid pattern on top, metal handle. Painted black gold leaf pattern on arm and plate.Wertheim written in gold on front and a pattern also around metal keyhole.|WERTHEIM FRANCFORT impressed on oval medallion depicting workman with hammer on shoulder.textile machinery, sewing, domestic items