Second Project
Willcox & Gibbs Treadle
Serial No. A307426

Update : 10/11/2002

Willcox & Gibbs Automatic Silent Sewing Machine

Treadle frame has been fully reconditioned, all bearings re-machined, knife edge recut on treadle mount. Original finish showed traces of the unusual bronze coating found on some export models, so I've recoated it accordingly. Table top had suffered greatly from oil saturation, probably sump-oil. I couldn't get the blackness out of the wood, so I've refinished it in dark walnut. Machine head has been re-japanned and decorated but still needs finishing off. Box lid still requires a lot of work.

Update : 01/12/2002

The Willcox & Gibbs Automatic Silent Sewing Machine.

The Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine Company of New York was formed in 1857 by James Willcox, Charles Willcox ( James' son ) and James E.A. Gibbs. All the machine components however were actually made by the J.R. Sharp & Brown company right up to the late 1940's. This beautiful example, first introduced in 1875, is one of only a limited number which displayed the bronze finish ironwork especially for the export market. I have dated this machine at early 1878. This is based on a receipt held by the Smithsonian Institute for the sale of machine # 368987 in Baltimore on July 13, 1880. Purchase price was US$65.00

Update 17/02/2003

Bibi getting into the spirit of things by dressing up in period costume and sewing up a set of kitchen curtains

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