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Description
They most definitely don't make 'em like this any more! Whilst they might have been functional tools designed to serve a purpose, 116 years ago Frister & Rossmann sewing machines were highly decorated with Art Nouveau patterns in gold that transformed them into objects of beauty.Founded in Berlin by Gustav Rossmann and Robert Frister in 1864, the company rapidly earned a reputation for excellent quality in Germany and won a large number of awards at international expositions through the 1880s, bringing their machines to a wider audience and making them one of the largest manufacturers of sewing machines in the world.
One of their top sellers was the TS (transverse shuttle) range, introduced in 1888 and in production with various redesigns and improvements all the way up until 1925. This is a High Arm TS 5 and it's a very early one: the model appeared in 1907 and the serial number, 1272172, reveals that it's a very early example made either that year or 1908. As with all the pre-Second World War models it was built in Germany, but in this case for the British market as it has a metal plate stating that it was sold by the manufacturer's sole British agent, W. Pierssene of 49 Fore Street, London - William Piersenne's company had been founded by one Samuel Loewe and had been sole agent 1881, but it would last only six or seven years longer as supplies of the machines dried up once Germany became the enemy with the outbreak of the First World War (although he wasn't truly the sole agent, at least when this machine was made, because Frister & Rossmann also produced a special No. 15 model sold exclusively by Harrod's - mechanically identical to this one, it had Harrod's branding on the bed whereas this standard model says "Trade-Mark Berlin").
The brass slots in the wooden base show that it would once have had a cover which probably had the same intricate cross-stitch style decoration (note that in between the names Frister and Rossmann on the base, there's a handy measuring scale in inches), which makes it an unfortunate loss. However, the machine is complete, right down to a selection of accessories in a little cubby-hole and even part of the original user's guide, which must be a very rare survival. Unlike many, it remains hand-cranked and has never been modified by adding either a linkage to a foot-operated treadle or an electric motor.
It has some wear and tear and a few spots of corrosion, but the overall condition is very good, arguably even excellent - the paintwork and decoration is all original and mostly complete with only a few small sections completely rubbed away. There do not appear to be any missing parts and, while the internal parts are very stiff (just as yours will be if you make it to 116 years old) making hand-cranking the machine quite an effort, there is little wear to be seen in the moving parts; given a good clean and some fresh lubrication, it would be entirely possible to use it.
One wonders how many stitches it's already stitched - and how many more it'll stitch in the future.
Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.
This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.
100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.
Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.
Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.
If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.
We only accept payments made through one of eBay's many approved methods. Please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within two working days.
Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.
Domestic Delivery
We aim to dispatch orders within two working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.
We use Evri to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.
Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which require a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.
International Delivery
International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.
For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.
Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.
Change of Mind
If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.
Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.
We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.
Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.
Incorrect/Damaged Goods
We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items, subject to the cost of the chosen return method being reasonable. Please contact us before proceeding if unsure.
About Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Its ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. The aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.
Around 4,000 patients are cared for each year at the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. This care supports people to improve their quality of life and fulfil their end of their life choices.
Alongside the care provided by the Inpatient Unit, Living Well services and Hospice at Home teams, patients can access: patient and family support; lymphoedema care; complementary therapy; medical and pain outpatient clinics; and advice from the clinical nurse specialists within the Specialist Palliative Care Home Team. Programmes are practical, holistic and tailored to the individual patient, family member or carer and may also include rehabilitative support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support.
It will cost £10.5 million in 2021/2022 to run services, which are provided free of charge to patients and their loved ones. Contracted services from the NHS are budgeted at £6.98 million, meaning that £3.52 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising activities and trading. The Charity is extremely grateful to the local community for the continual dedication, commitment and generosity they show in supporting towards meeting this target.