Notable and hard-to-find charming small cast iron antique Victorian table top sewing machine with hand crank mechanism manufactured by Foley & Williams, Chicago, Illinois, circa early 1900's. The machine body is black cast iron with nickel plated moving parts. Hand crank has wooden knob handle. Front of machine is marked “Midget” in gold lettering on the bar below the cloth plate. Sewing machine includes the original needle and spool pin not often present on comparable machines.
The Midget was available with several gold foil floral patterns, most often with the typical vine and berry decals, however, this item displays the more unusual Calla Lily decal finish.
Measures approximately 8” tall, 5 ½” wide. Sewing presser foot is detached, some oxidation to sewing plate and nickel plating. Additional parts may be missing, including bolt to hold crank handle in place. In age appropriate condition, dusty with some paint loss and signs of age.
Additional Info: According to Glenda Thomas' first book "Toy & Miniature Sewing Machines" (Plate 33), page 70, the Midget was manufactured by Foley & Williams Manufacturing Company in Chicago. "There is a difference of opinion among collectors whether the small machines manufactured by this firm were toys or adult models. They were portrayed in advertising as domestic hand sewing machines or a family sewing machine, or for use while traveling, however several mention kindergartners." Foley & Williams went out of business in 1926 and reorganized as the Goodrich Sewing Machines Co.
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