ISMACS Logo

International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society

The purpose of the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society is to foster the collecting of, and research into, sewing machines.

About ISMACS

ISMACS was formed in 1985 by a small group of English sewing machine collectors. Since then it has grown into a strong international group with members in every continent and branches in America and Australia.

ISMACS is recognized as the leading authority on early sewing machine history and is regularly consulted by the media, museums and other institutions.

The Society maintains the world's finest archive with copies of manuals, early advertisements, patents etc. All are available to members.

A regular, professionally-produced magazine is issued to members containing a wealth of research findings, social reports, details (with prices) from auction sales throughout the world, hints and tips on restoration and news from members.

Features include pages on toys, Singer Featherweights and detailed histories of pioneering companies.

New members receive a 'welcome pack' with a list of books, both in and out of print, a guide to assessing the condition of a machine, history and information about the Society.

Regular meetings are held in the UK and there are get-togethers in Australia.

The annual UK Convention is the highlight of every sewing-machine collector's year and we hold the largest antique sewing machine auctions where models have sold from modest prices, up to £8,000 ($16,500). Members who are unable to attend may still take part in the auction and buy or sell machines.

The world's leading collectors belong to ISMACS.

You could join them.