Example of original pattern Singer sewing machine of 1851, made c. 1853.

Singer Lockstitch sewing machine model of 1851, by I. M. Singer and Company or the Singer Manufacturing Company, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 1851-1855

This is an example of the first model of sewing machine marketed by Isaac Merritt Singer (1811-1875), the first sewing machine to achieve commercial success. Four individual features of the design were new, and Singer was obliged to pay compensation to Elias Howe (1819-1867) for infringement of his patent of the use of a needle with the eye near the point. These heavy machines were designed for commerical, rather than domestic, use. Many were supplied in a wooden packing case which could then be used as a bench.