National Factory c. The names on the following machines are examples of the models offered. National probably produced more badged names than any other company. In particular, identification is sometimes difficult because many different machines across the range were sold under the Eldredge name (after Barnabas Eldredge, founder of National). National Sewing Machine Company was a Belvidere, Illinois-based manufacturer founded in the late 19th century. The company manufactured sewing machines, washing machines, bicycles, an automobile, home workshop machinery, and cast-iron toys and novelties (under the Vindex Toy Company label). Here for your consideration is an antique Singer electric sewing machine, manufactured in 1923, along with the original wooden case. This is a late-production G series machine with serial number G9845846 (see photo 5) and ornate artwork decorations.
National Sewing Machine Company was a Belvidere, Illinois-based manufacturer founded in the late 19th century.[1] The company manufactured sewing machines, washing machines, bicycles, an automobile, home workshop machinery, and cast-iron toys and novelties (under the Vindex Toy Company label).[2]
History[edit]
Barnabas Eldredge was an industrialist connected with the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, a firearms manufacturer that also produced sewing machines with Eldredge. Ames sold off its sewing machine dies and equipment to Eldredge, who went to Chicago. There he joined forces with the existing June Manufacturing Company, founded in 1879 by F. T. June; June Manufacturing already produced the 'Jennie June' model. The 'Jennie June' was eventually replaced by a superior model designed by Eldredge. Eldredge took over the company in 1890 on the death of June, renaming it National Sewing Machine.[3]
Eldredge led the company until his death in 1911. He was succeeded by David Patton.[3]
Harold D. Neff headed up the Vindex toy division between 1916-1951; Vindex was the name of a product line of National's washing machines.[2] National Sewing Machine Company and Farm Mechanics magazine partnered up, with the magazine offering Vindex toys as incentives to children to sell magazine subscriptions.[2]
In 1953 National merged with the Free Sewing Machine Company but was unable to compete with the imported Japanese sewing machine models and the National Sewing Machine Company closed in 1957[4]
Products[edit]
National Sewing Machine Company's 'Happy Day' washing machine, circa 1910
National Sewing Machine Models
Bicycles[2][5]
Cast-ironscale models
Cars from Oldsmobile and Pontiac
Harley-Davidson motorcycles
A power shovel
Farm machinery from John Deere, Case, and Van Brunt
Dog door stops
Banks (dog and owl)
Cigarette lighters (bulldog)
Home workshop machinery
Vises[3]
Food grinders[3]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
^List of American Sewing Machine Manufacturers A to Z, David Best, SewMuse, 2011 (retrieved 12 February 2012)
^ abcdVindex Toys, Bill Vossler, FarmCollector.com, March 2001 (retrieved 12 February 2012)
^ abcdFrom Eldredge to National to Janome, Graham Forsdyke, ISMACS News (International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society), Issue 55, April 1997 (retrieved 11 February 2012)
^National Sewing Machine Company, David Best, SewMuse, 2005 (retrieved 12 February 2012)
^Bicycle Brands, The Wheelman (retrieved 12 February 2012)
National Sewing Machine Serial Numbers List Ak361265
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