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Almost 150 years old, this fine example of a rare Grover & Baker hand-crank machine, specially modified by the factory for the European market, has survived in superb condition.
Like other American manufacturers when exporting to Europe where house space was at a premium, they produced a special hand-crank model based on the normal treadle head.
Grover & Baker’s solution to this problem was an elegant four-legged stand without rigour arm and a large hand-driven balance wheel.
The base, in mahogany, is in as-equally fine condition as the machine.
The underside of the bed is again in perfect condition and totally complete, even down to the lower-thread tension assembly. Note how cleverly the lower-thread spool is carried on a pin from the mahogany board between two of the wooden legs.
G&B machines used a unique stitch achieved with two full-sized thread spools, one beneath the bed.
Stitch plates are original – that’s getting on for unique on these machines - and there\'s not a spot of rust anywhere on this machine.
Grover & Baker was, of course, one of the important pioneers of the sewing-machine industry. It was run by the two tailors who gave their name to the Company and a lawyer, Orlando Potter.
They started production in 1851 andare best known forproducing treadle machines, the only other hand-cranks being the boxed portable sold in the USA and the more-common of what European collectors call the \"turned-leg\" model.
This hand-crank high-leg machineversionis probably the rarest of all the G&B models. The serial number is clearly shown on the stitch plate, 209464, and is matched by the number on the bed.
It, of course, carries the brass plate acknowledging Howe’s patents and various others from 1848 to 1861.
Grover & Baker records survive at the Smithsonian so we are able to date this machine accurately to 1868.
The machine measures 12 ½ inches left to right (excluding wheel), 8 inches back to front andand the turned-mahogany legs are 5 1/2inches high.
Grover & Baker machines are called the Holy Grail for collectors by historian Alex Askeroff.
For more information on the Company please see the following links.
This first shows a line drawing of this actual machine taken from an early catalogue.
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Shipping information – please read before offerding
This is an exceptionally heavy machine so shipping costs are a factor. We use FedEx or similar for speed and safety. Costs vary from country to country,but will be$115 to the USA and Canada;$140 to Australia;$15 within the UKand$50 to some European countries, eg Germany. Other countries, including some inEurope,may vary so please email me for a quote.
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