Model represented: Willcox and Gibbs improved lockstitch roller puller. Descriptive Notes: Line drawing of Willcox and Gibbs lockstitch roller puller and description of its use; list of Willcox and Gibbs Sewing Machine Company branches. Smithsonian Location: NMAH. Textiles Collection. The serial number is a bit of a mystery: “F 198055”, with a clear space between the ‘F’ and the digits. If that number was truly just “F198055”, then it would refer to a model 15K machine, made in 1920. In addition, these models are supposed to have serial numbers starting with “FA” or “FB”. Willcox and Gibbs Decals. Hidden below the needleplate is the serial number. I submitted a photo of this machine to the Needlebar website a while ago, and was. Event date: event description: 2013-01-10: new application office supplied data entered in tram: 2013-01-11: notice of pseudo mark mailed: 2013-04-12: assigned to examiner.

1. Willcox And Gibbs Sewing Machine Serial Numbers
2. Willcox And Gibbs Serial Numbers

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The following revised rationale of Willcox & Gibbs serial numbers, painstakingly researched by Bill Grewe, initiated this revealing correspondence between the author and ISMACS’ Graham Forsdyke...

When Willcox & Gibbs began their partnership, keeping records of their sewing machine production dates, and serial numbers was not a top priority. They were focused on making sewing machines. According to Grace Rogers Cooper’s book “The Sewing Machine: It’s Invention and Development”, page 40, “After taking out two minor patents (on December 16, 1856, and January 20, 1857), Gibbs obtained his important one, U.S. patent No. 17,427 on June 2, 1857.” It is from this date that we can trace the birth of the cute machines that we have come to know and love.

While we may never know the actual production numbers of W&G earliest sewing machines, with a few mathematical calculations and reasonable assumptions we can come up with a much improved early serial number dating guide. The mathematical calculations will all be based on data presented in Cooper’s book. The reasonable assumption is that a start-up sewing machine company’s production will be done at a linear (gradual slope) pace and will have some correlation to the production (and sales) of other sewing machine companies at that time. Said another way, it takes time to ramp up production and it would be unreasonable to have a brand new sewing machine company immediately outproduce well established companies.

The early Willcox & Gibbs dating guide that we have right now comes from Cooper’s book, page 123:

This distribution of production is a simple accommodation. Consider The Combination production numbers that Cooper’s book reports on page 40 for established companies in 1857:

It is unreasonable to assume that in the last 6 months of 1857 that a start-up sewing machine company would out-produce an established maker – much less produce 10,000 machines. So clearly there is room for improvement on Cooper’s dating guide.

A generous start-up production number for W&G in 1857 would be 100 – more than Bartholf and just under Howe – both established companies. In 1858 another healthy production figure would be 900 – making W&G the 4th largest sewing machine maker at the time – a rapid rise indeed. 1859 would prove to be a boom year as all companies had production increases of 2 or 3 times the previous year – so we will increase W&G production to a level of 3,000 machines. And we will double that again in 1860 to a level of 6,000. In 1861, at the start of the Civil War, this rapid sewing machine expansion was halted, but overall production increases for Wheeler & Wilson and Singer continued throughout the war years – see Cooper’s chart on page 40 – so we can assume that W&G continued to make gradual production increases.

On the other end of Cooper’s W&G production numbers there is also room for improvement of the 14,999 per year allocated from 1867-1870. The accuracy of these numbers can be improved simply by using Cooper’s chart on page 40 which shows the number of sewing machines licensed to The Combination for W&G:

It is curious why Cooper didn’t do this originally since she used the W&G numbers reported to The Combination in that same chart for the years 1871-1876.

Another mathematical adjustment of Cooper’s W&G numbers starts with the overall production number (1857–1876) of 279637 – the last serial number. If we add up all the W&G numbers reported to the Combination numbers from 1867- 1876 we get 195,880. Subtracting 195,880 from the overall production of 279,637 leaves us 83,757 worth of production to spread amongst the years 1857–1866. This is fewer than the 100,000 total (10K per year) that Cooper allocated.

With the above mathematical adjustments and the reasonable assumption of a gradual start-up and linear growth in concert with other top sewing machine makers, here is the new and improved W&G serial number dating chart:

PRODUCTION NUMBERS from The Combination Report (Cooper, page 40)

The biggest change is in the years 1857-1860 where Cooper allocated 40,000 machines and the new allocation is for 10,000. After that the allocations gradually get closer together until they match The Combination report starting in 1871. This matches my personal observation of early W&G serial numbers being dated according to Cooper’s chart and frequently showing a production date earlier than the patent dates on the machine. Bill Grewe ([email protected])

From Graham Forsdyke

Thanks Bill. A very well thought out and argued paper. Let me devil’s advocate one point: the number of machines made in the early years and the linear growth theory.

You compare the low initial sales of other companies (Singer, W&W) to the relatively high figure attributed to W&G,. I think theres a good reason for this which might explain and support 10,000 units in the first year.

Most companies were limited by production capabilities. I have letters from James Bolton, designer of the Singer 12 and their Chicago branch manager dated early 1860s, begging for more machines.

And speaking of lost sales due to promises continually being broken... Singer and W&W virtually hand made its machines in the early years with final fitting done on the assembly bench. They were simply not able to keep up with demand.

W&G went a totally different route. Instead of trying to produce their machines in house, they employed Browne and Sharp, the premier American precision tool maker to make the production machinery to a level where there was complete interchangeability of parts.

It took two years to complete the work before production started and parts could have been stockpiled during this time.

Thus with a machine that could be assembled in a matter of minutes, W&G would have hit the ground running. Given this, and the fortune spent on advertising, 200 machines a week might not be an unreasonable total.

I have paperwork from W&G giving production figures with serial numbers. I’m a little skeptical about it as we are talking round numbers every year. However, this could simply reflect the ordering from Browne and Sharpe. The numbers are pretty close to your figures for most years......

Which begat from Bill...

I grant that the W&G chainstitcher was much easier/quicker/cheaper to make than the other companies machines. And it is conceivable, although unlikely, that they had Browne and Sharpe, raw materials, parts, agents, and stores all lined up to assume 10,000 unit production and sales once the key patent was awarded in June 1857. But that doesn’t mesh with what we do know: 1. W&G numbers were not in the report to The Combination until later years. If they had quickly jumped to the #1 maker of sewing machines in the US, I’m sure that Mr. Howe’s lawyers would have taken notice.

2. No other sewing machine company was able to enter the market at such speed. 3. A start-up of anywhere near 10,000 per year does not conform with the production and sales growth of the later years.

Said another way, if the chainstitcher was so easy/cheap to make and sell, then an initial production start of 10,000 should have been followed with a growth to 20,000 in 1858, and then 40,000 per year in 1859 - the growth rate of the other companies. If the demand couldn’t be meet by Singer then W&G would have reason to greatly increase production - but that increased rate is only evident if they started in the early years with a very modest production.

Graham replies...

Good points, Bill, Worth bearing in mind that the patent grant could have been well after production had started -- the patent model is a production machine, not a one-off designed for the job....

One thing that’s always bugged me about The Combination’s production numbers. If we accept these, one would expect surviving machines to be in roughly the same ratio..... e.g., one Ladd and Webster for 10 W&Ws. Or one Bartholf for every 100 Grovers -- clearly not so......

Figures can be a lot of fun.

Bill again...

I haven’t looked at those ratios/numbers, but I would not be surprised to find fewer of the less successful company machines remaining. I would think that if you had a successful, and therefore surviving sewing machine model, then customers would hold onto your machines at a greater rate because it works, you can get parts, you can contact the company agent, etc. Conversely, a short-lived company indicates an inferior sewing machine, less company support, no replacement parts -- and eventually the customer will scrap their machine -- or trade it in to the traveling salesman for a different sewing machine -- and then he will sell it for scrap.

And finally, from Graham...

To which there’s a counter argument that, perhaps, has some validity.

When I find a super rare early machine it’s often in great condition. It suggests that it performed badly and was swiftly relegated to the attic or cellar, Better machines got used, worn out, scrapped and replaced...

We could go on forever..... (GF & BG)

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If your grandma likes or liked sewing perhaps it’s a good idea to clean up your basement and look for an old sewing machine.

Why? Well, because it’s possible that you own an antique sewing machine without having the slightest clue about it!

Pay special attention if someone close to you, a relative, possibly grandma worked as a seamstress or any other similar job that could have anything to do with sewing!

If it somehow happens that you find an old sewing machine but you’re not sure about its real value I’ll try to help!

I’ve already told you a little something about the beginnings of the sewing machine. You can research here and find out some basics that can be helpful in this situation.

Like with everything there are some factors that can help you determine whether your newly discovered or long ago found sewing machine is worth trouble!

Basic factors are:

• Age
• Manufacturer
• Type
• Current condition

Age factor

People mostly throw away old stuff. The same thing happens with old sewing machines.

If you were among the lucky ones and you still have an old sewing machine determine when was it made.

If it was made before the 19^th century it’s considered to be an antique!

Most old, or better said older (than the 19^th century), were lost! That’s why it’s hard to find them and if you find them you should know they cost a lot of money!

Manufacturers and most popular types of sewing machines

Singer machines are among the most popular and the most expensive sewing machines. That’s why I dedicated an entire article to tell you how to identify old Singer sewing machines!

Willcox & Gibbs is the company founded in the 19^th century (1857). They’ve made terrific industrial machines as well as machines for domestic use!

Wheeler & Wilson is also an old company that became famous for its hem – sewing machines. They also made a machine capable of making 100 buttonholes per hour in 1860.

White is one of the most selling sewing machines in the United States, just after Singer! Their praiseworthy is the White Family Rotary sewing machine produced in the period of the 1890s – 1950s.

Condition factor

Basically, almost every old sewing machine is worth some money. The question is how much?

If you have an old machine with its original parts which is still working, you’ve hit a bullseye! This sewing machine can really be valuable.

If, on the other hand, you’ve got an old machine that doesn’t work properly, or doesn’t work at all, it can still worth something! It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worthless! It will probably worth less than in the first case, but it will still worth something!

How old is my White sewing machine?

White sewing machines are old, produced and used since the 1800s (second half).

It’s a good thing to own this machine since it can worth much!

These machines were commonly used since the 19^th to the other half of the 20^th century. They were quite popular among seamstresses.

White Sewing Machine Company produced a lot of these machines in periods, from 1858 – 1880, and from 1930 – 1950.

If you own this type of machine than you probably want to know how to find out how old it is!

Search for:

• A serial number that should be written on your machine. It’s a stamped number on the outside part of the machine. Your White sewing machine has to have that number. The place can be different so make an effort and find it!

When you have the serial number go to the Husqvarna Viking page and find the option Contact Us. Check with the company about the year of production, machine’s value and everything else you want to know!

How old is my Montgomery ward sewing machine?

The identification of the real age of the Montgomery sewing machine can be trouble!

No matter you have the serial number and the seller; it can be a problem if you don’t know who made it!

Why is this? – You need to know who manufactured the machine in the first place!

Montgomery Ward Company used more than one maker. They were all well – known but they all copied each other style. The next thing that messed things up, even more, is the switch made between the old and the new company!

If you don’t know what to do, find an expert. He or she will probably ask you a manual (an instruction book). You’ll find the date on the first, or the last page.

This is the best way to determine how old your Montgomery sewing machine is and according to it what its price is!

How old is my Brother sewing machine?

Brother sewing and embroidery machines can be both mechanical and computerized. The company was started at the beginning of the 20^th century and expanded a lot since that time!

They produce machines of great quality, long-lasting. The first Brother sewing machine was manufactured in 1928. In 1971, they produced their first electronic sewing machine. They are newer than for example Singer machines but still very good.

Willcox And Gibbs Sewing Machine Serial Numbers

If you want the best possible answer to “how old is my brother sewing machine” is to go to their website and consult an expert!

How much is an old sewing machine worth?

Willcox And Gibbs Serial Numbers

I’ve already mentioned some most important factors that affect sewing machine prices. You can search them in the text above. But I think it is ok to mention them one more time.

To determine how much an old sewing machine is worth you need to pay attention to its type, age, manufacturer and condition!

If your machine is old, then it is probably worth something. You just need to find out how much!

My advice is that if it’s an old family sewing machine, you should first check with your family members if they would like to keep it or redeem it from you.

It is possible that this type of sewing machine has sentimental value and you don’t want to offend someone!

If you’ve checked with your family and no one wants it, you’re free to search for an adequate buyer!

The price really depends on the factors we’ve already mentioned. It is not grateful to talk about the exact price without knowing all the facts about a certain machine!

Perhaps your machine is very pretty but it’s not working! If you want to sell it, then you have to find a collector who is really into the looks of the machine.

If your machine is old, pretty and working you won’t have trouble selling it and at a good price!

But, if you can’t find a proper buyer, you can sell your machine parts! This is one more good way to earn some money!

Just like I’ve mentioned at the top of this paragraph, there’s always a way to sell an old sewing machine so you don’t have to worry about it!

As far as some exact price is concerned, I’ll have to tell you that it varies from approximately 20$ to 5,000$ and more.

It really depends not only on all the factors we talked about but also how lucky you are on the selling day!

How much is an antique sewing machine worth?

Now, you probably wonder what’s the difference between an old and an antique sewing machine.

We often say that ten – year – old things are old. Yup, sure they are, but not in a way to be considered antiques.

So, how to determine whether our machine is an antique?

Not just the age, but the type and manufacturer are important in determining this!

Also, some sewing machine models were produced for one period of time and then stopped being produced. Therefore the number of such machines is limited. They can’t be found at each corner.

Real fans of sewing machines pay a lot of money to own such things so if you have one of these you can cash it nicely!

If you’re not sure how to specify your machine (is it an antique or not) there are places to inquire. At these places, you can find everything you want to know and what’s probably most important for most of you the answer to how much is an antique sewing machine worth!

Search for people in your town who are possibly collectors or appraisers. They will check out your sewing machine and tell you the approximate value! This is also a good place to sell your machine!

If you don’t have anything similar you can find all the information you need on International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society or search further on the Internet.

If you have all the necessary information (age, manufacturer, type) you won’t have problems defining the amount you are going to ask for!

The price depends on all four factors I’ve mentioned above. Your machine can be cheap and cost like 20 bucks but this happens rarely if we talk about real antiques.

Well preserved and still – functioning machines worth much more money, several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Old sewing machine brands

Today, there are many different brands of sewing machines but here I dare to abstract some of the oldest sewing machine brands.

Singer sewing machines certainly deserve to be found in the first place. These are one of the oldest and most selling models. They’ve produced their first sewing machine in 1851 (see history of the sewing machine).

The White Sewing Machine Company produced a rare Gem – brand sewing machine in 1887.

Jones & Co. made an extraordinary hand sewing machine in 1869.

Willcox & Gibbs made metal sewing machines on a wooden base. One of these machines costs around 500$.

Bernina International produced their first sewing machine in 1932 and continued its production until 1945.

How much is an old Singer sewing machine worth?

We can spend hours talking about how valuable Singer sewing machines are. They are probably the best sewing machines money can buy.

If you have an old Singer machine you can sell it no matter how old or in what condition it is.

Let’s just see some of the models and their prices. I hope you’ll find this information useful!

Like with all other sewing machines their price varies and depends on age and current condition. But, to repeat, independent on all it can be sold, it’s just a matter of price!

• Fiddle – base Singer machine from 1887 can be sold for about 50-60$
• Singer machine manufactured in 1874 is worth somewhere around 170 – 200 dollars
• Singer Model 28 can be sold or bought for approximately 300$
• Singer BZ 9 – 8 can be found for 60 dollars
• But a rare Red S Singer Featherweight is worth over 2000 dollars

It is a fact that there isn’t the exact price for the exact model. Many things influence the final price.

The name can sell the machine!

But again, it can happen that you have a worthy Singer sewing machine in great shape and not being able to sell it decently! All have to fit in!

Just take the advice that you should ask around to find out if your Singer sewing machine has value and don’t go under the price. It happens quite often that people don’t inquire well and lose their money.

To get the best price, gather all the information, search the Internet well and then determine your final price! Respect that price and be patient. The buyer will find you if you don’t find him!

You see now that it’s not easy to determine the real price of an old or antique sewing machine. This article was pictured as 911 for those who want to sell their old sewing machine and don’t have the slightest clue about its possible price.

Consider everything I‘ve told you here, search for similar or even the same models of the sewing machine and then decide how much money you should ask for your antique!