Tabitha Sewing Machine
Production date
Circa 1890
Country
England
Object detail
Description
Miniature sewing machine painted gold, with a roll of cream cotton attached. Wooden handle for crank operation The machine had a short needle, which is no longer present. Base plate has the name embossed into it, and two holes for fastening the machine to a workbench or table.
Classification
TEXTILE MACHINERY Sewing Machines tabitha
Maker
Production date
Circa 1890
Production place
Measurements
L105 x W110 x H67 mm
Media/Materials description
Indeterminate (Woods), Indeterminate (Metals - Indeterminate)
Signature/Marks
THE TABITHA
History and use
The Tabitha Sewing Machine was an affordable miniature sewing machine first produced in 1886, and sold into the 1890s as a basic machine for chain stitching. Patented by Thomas Herbert Martin of Middlesex, England, and marketed by London’s Daniel Judson, the Tabitha was sold as a serious machine for adults, rather than a toy for training. It could be mounted to a table and hand cranked, but its small size inhibited operation. This particular model is the second version, which includes a wooden handle and altered base plate.
This object is part of the Marks collection, donated to the Queensland Museum by Dr E.N. Marks. The Marks were a prominent Brisbane family who made significant contributions to the fields of science and medicine.
This object is part of the Marks collection, donated to the Queensland Museum by Dr E.N. Marks. The Marks were a prominent Brisbane family who made significant contributions to the fields of science and medicine.
Registration number
H24631