PEERLESS SEWING MACHINE, 1890's

Thomas Howard White founded the White Sewing Machine Company in Templeton Massachusetts in 1858 and a partner when he was 22 years of age, he invented a chain stitch sewing machine that could be completely held in one hand. This he sold for $10. It was successful enough within a few years he had to find larger premises, and in 1866 the company moved to Cleveland Ohio. The White company were equal almost to their largest competitor Singer and continued the flourish until the 1960's when Japanese low cost machines stated to flood the market. In 1986 the company was merged with the Swedish company Husqvarva Viking that was part of the Electrolux group. Dating these machines is very difficult, the dates on the machines refer only to the latest patent in this case 1881, and this can be misleading and not at all accurate. Judging by our research from the serial number this machine is dated around 1892, but could be as late as 1900. This model has a unique folding hand crank handle but has lost its bobbins making it almost impossible to use unless replacements could be found.

Donated By Allen Jamesford.

A1707