Hopkinson

ISMACS News
Issue 59

For many years now two sewing machine models have been known - both small, both domestic, both undeniably from the same manufacturer.

The design characteristics between the two show the hallmarks of product development rather than radical redesign. It has therefore been speculated, with some reasoned argument, that one predates the other.

Almost unnoticed in a London saleroom some months ago, a Hopkinson went under the hammer. I missed the sale myself and only knew of the machine because it was recently illustrated in a "what's it worth" type glossy magazine I happened to chance upon.

My first reaction was "how did I miss the sale?"

My second reaction was "there's some bits missing anyway!"

A couple of days later, I picked up the magazine again and took a closer look at the tiny picture. To my surprise it appeared that, rather than bits missing, the machine was a little different to the known models. After some considerable endeavor, I can confirm that the machine is indeed a newly discovered variant, for I've since located a second - this one being safely housed in the storerooms of a South Yorkshire museum.

With similar reasoning to that applied to the previously known models, it would appear that the new machine should be classified as the Mark 1. The progressive development between the three is a joy to behold for a sewing machine junkie like myself.

As for the Hopkinson's firm, an account will follow later - watch this space!