Willcox and Gibbs chain-stitch sewing machine, c 1890.

Wilcox and Gibbs chain stitch sewing machine, a design based on patents to 1883 complete with wooden box, c.1900.

Wilcox and Gibbs chain stitch sewing machine, a design based on patents Wilcox & Gibbs obtained up to 1883, complete with wooden box. This particular machine was made using the principles of the 'American system' of manufacture by its contracted makers, Brown and Sharpe Co. For example, all components were checked with highly accurate gauges to ensure that all of a type were easily interchangeable if replacement was needed. The machine was mass produced and, being very cheap, sold widely.