Historical information

This sewing machine would have been used by some ladies to mend and make clothes for the family as shops were some distance away and to sew items for Church and School fetes.

Significance

Used in the Kiewa Valley.

Physical description

Black metal Singer sewing machine with gold decoration and writing on its body and platform. It sits on a wooden tray which is hollow under the body with a separate space on the right hand side. The body of the machine can be lifted by hinges attached at the back. This would enable items to be stored in the hollow part of the box. Similarly the hollow section on the right hand side, which hasn't got a lid. The body has the needle and cotton attachments on the left and a handle for working the machine on the right. There is a metal rod at the top for the cotton reel. The body is attached to the platform at each side forming an arch. The top of the box has metal along its perimeter. At each end of the top of the box there is a plate with a small hollow rectangle in the middle enabling an attachment such as a board to be inserted for an extended bench.

Inscriptions & markings

Front & back of body: "Singer". and at front on an oval brass plate: "The Singer Manfc. Co."
Inside of body on left: "This machine contains / some substitute / parts and accessories"
On metal platform on right: "Y3071189"
Along top of body: "The Singer Manufacturing Co."
On Wood right hand side: "Godfreys Ltd / 57 Gawler Place / Phone 460261 / No. 7063