Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
AMERICAN SEWING MACHINE COMPANY
AMERICAN SEWING MACHINE COMPANY. The American Sewing Machine Company was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1853 or 1854. From 1863, for the next 10 years, The American Sewing Machine Company regularly patented their own overseaming, sewing machine and buttonhole machine advancements. Their Franklin Foell patent of 1882 was for minor improvements to the feed and shuttle of a previous patent by G Rominger.
The American Sewing Machine Model 6 used a shuttle, but took a round bobbin. People who used the American Sewing Machine said it sewed a near perfect seam. The American Sewing Machine Model 7 had already developed into the standard looking sewing machine shape that was to dominate all sewing machines for decades. The American Sewing Machine Company produced a range of attractive and practical sewing machines until the later part of the Victorian period. Their range included the Improved American and the High-Arm American, industrial, boot and leather machines. (1)
Established in Dubuque in 1876, the company had a trading area including Iowa, northern Illinois, and Minnesota. In 1880 the company was located at 69 8th Street. (2)
The American Sewing Machine Company has recently shown us what we believe
to be one of the most handsome sewing machines in the market. It is either
a hand or treadle machine; the work-plate is profusely inlaid with mother
of pearl ornaments, all bright parts being nickel-plated, including loose
wheel and it is fitted with all the latest improvements. The cover is of
handsome figured walnut and with it off or on is a fit ornament to any
drawing room and very portable for traveling. We give an illustration of
this useful article and suggest at the same time that as a suitable New
Year's gift it can be highly recommended.
Sewing Machine Gazette, 1885
The company brought out many patents from 1870 until 1881 but then developments slowed. The company disappeared around 1896.
Source:
1. https://www.fiddlebase.com/american-machines/american-sewing-machine-company/
2. "New Business House," Dubuque Herald, September 2, 1876, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18760902&printsec=frontpage&hl=en