This month’s item is a large free-standing sewing machine that was once used within the Hope Brothers Ltd factory in Littleport.
The machine is very heavy – made of a combination of wood and mixed metals, complete with foot pedals at the base. A wooden box of perhaps a later construction acts as a cover over the top of the machine when it’s not in use, complete with a fabric skirt to hide the lower mechanism from view.
These machines were made by American company Wheeler & Wilson and it is a rotary hook lock-stitch machine used at Hope Brothers from around 1882 until 1910, when the factory upgraded its equipment.
Upon the deaths of Messrs Wheeler & Wilson, their sewing machine company was sold on to Singer – probably the most recognisable sewing machine manufacturer today. Singer eventually stopped manufacturing this type of machine.
This sewing machine was kindly donated to the Society by Edward Murray-Harvey, and it stands on display at The Barn where we have many other Hope Brothers Ltd items.
Latest acquisitions
Through the generosity of donations and our Membership, here are some of the latest items that we have been able to acquire for our collection;
- War and Victory Medals for Pte Harry Bowers of Littleport
- Hope Brothers Ltd advertisement playing card
- Transport and General Worker’s Union (T&GWU) ashtray with image of The Grange
