National Sewing Machine Company
National Sewing Machine Company: An American Innovation Legacy
Founded in 1890 when Barnabas Eldredge consolidated his business with the June Manufacturing Company, National Sewing Machine Company grew from a small operation into one of America's leading sewing machine manufacturers. Based in Belvidere, Illinois, the company was known for its innovative designs including the popular Rotary B with automatic tension (1910), the Vindec C with capped components (1912), and the groundbreaking Reversew (1935) that sewed in both directions. Beyond sewing machines, National diversified into bicycles, automobiles, and household appliances before eventually closing in 1953 amid rising competition from Japanese manufacturers. This collection preserves the rich history and technical achievements of this significant American company that helped shape domestic life through much of the 20th century.
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View of the National Sewing Machine Company Factory in 1939
- Eldredge Advertisement
- This rare 1879 advertisement from Sewing Machine Advance showcases Eldredge during its early years, before the company relocated and eventually became National Sewing Machine Company. The promotional material highlights the craftsmanship and innovations that helped establish Eldredge's reputation in the growing sewing machine market.
- Letterhead
- This ornate woodcut letterhead from 1908 represents National Sewing Machine Company during its prime manufacturing years under the leadership of Barnabas Eldredge. The correspondence with the French Thimonnier company demonstrates National's international business connections during the early 20th century.
- National Advertisement
- National History
- Graham Forsdyke traces the remarkable journey of Barnabas Eldredge's sewing machine business from its post-Civil War roots to becoming the manufacturing giant National Sewing Machine Company. This comprehensive history details the company's factory relocations, product innovations, and diversification before its eventual closure in 1953 amid competition from Japanese manufacturers.
- National Sewing Machine Manuals
- This extensive manual collection preserves operating instructions for National Sewing Machine Company's various models, including both Eldredge-branded machines and those rebadged for retailers like Montgomery Ward and Western Electric. These original instruction booklets provide valuable technical information and historical insight into the operation of these classic American machines.
- Reversed B: Machine and Cabinet
- The innovative National Reversed B, introduced in 1935, was a groundbreaking long-shuttle machine that could sew in both directions, representing a significant advancement in domestic sewing technology. This model was typically paired with the elegant No. 1502 cabinet, which provided both storage and an expanded work surface.
- Rotary B
- The National Rotary B was introduced in 1910 with automatic tension that adjusted to thread and material thickness without manual adjustment. This popular model was offered in several cabinet options including the elegant models 1419 and 1465.
- Rotary B Cabinets
- National Sewing Machine Company offered its popular Rotary B model in a variety of elegant cabinet options to suit different home decor preferences and space requirements. This visual collection showcases four distinctive cabinet designs (models 1419, 1465, 1516, and 1507) that demonstrate the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of early 20th century sewing furniture.
- Using Your Attachments: The Underbraider