This is an Elias 'Howe' Jr. Sewing machine,

manufactured by the Howe Machine Co, 1872, Bridgeport, CT - USA.

( Just as a time reference: ... Lincoln Dies & the Civil War ends in 1865. )

This machine sold on Ebay in August of 2020

History & points of interest

(Before & After Pictures below)

Elias Howe was the original Patent holder for the Sewing machine, in 1846, but it was nearly 20 years before he actually began to sell his own machines. This Sewing Machine is one of the first machines successfully manufactured by Elias Howe, himself.

His brother, Amasa Howe was making his own designs right along - with permission from Elias, which were much Fancier, and more expensive machines. Once Elias went into production with this machine, he was quite successful, and eventually able to buy out his brother’s factory.

Elias died in 1867 - after which his sons in law, the Stockwell Brothers, took over the business, & marked their machines with a brass medallion, picturing an embossed bust of Elias. This was done to distinguish their Howe machines from Elias' brother - Amasa Howe's sewing machines (His company was named the Howe Sewing Machine Co).

It's easy to tell them apart, as that brass medallion is quite obvious, & very different from the Amasa Howe logo - which is a decal with the letters HSMCo intertwined on a green & gold background.

Details: Elias new machine utilized a shuttle & long bobbin for a locked stitch, & operates via a massive drive shaft running below the table surface. The shaft operates the arms & needle bars, as it rotates via treadle power. Notice there is no crank wheel, or gears above the table level, making a sleek looking machine. It was probably a lot cleaner, as well, since little oil would have to be used above the table's surface.

* In this particular instance, I made a wooden display stand, to hold the machine level, on a table top. These were originally intended to seat with most of the works below the table. They are often seen sitting at an angle, when sold on Ebay.

She had a Needle, but was missing her Shuttle, Bobbin, & presser foot. It was also missing one slide plate, so I replaced it with one from another Howe machine. It fits perfectly, though not a perfect match on color (the brass one is her original slide plate).

Measurements (approximate):

* 13" Wide Base.

* 8.25" Deep at the Base

* 13" Tall (Including the needle bar & Thread spool pin).

Weight was extremely heavy due to the solid mass of the drive shaft. I could barely lift it.

Shipping was very expensive, due to weight & the display box, needed to seat it level.