BECKWITH SEWING MACHINE Co.
1871 Barlow & Son Manufacturers
26 West Broadway, New York
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1872 Barlow & Son Manufacturers / Beckwith S.M. Co.
26 West Broadway, New York
(Warren S. Barlow, Pres. - E. D. Barlow, Sec. - Wm. G. Beckwith, Treas.)
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1873 Beckwith Sewing Machine Company
26 West Broadway, New York
(After May 1st) 862 Broadway, New York
? (W. S. Barlow, Pres. - E. D. Barlow, Sec. - Wm. G. Beckwith, Treas.) ?
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1874 Beckwith Sewing Machine Company
862 Broadway, New York
(Robert G. Dayton, Pres. - Wm. G. Beckwith, Treas.)
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1875 Beckwith Sewing Machine Company
862 Broadway, New York
(Robert G. Dayton, Pres.-George A. Hall Sec.-Wm. G. Beckwith, Treas.)
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1876 Beckwith Sewing Machine Company
862 Broadway, New York
(Robert G. Dayton, Pres. - George A. Hall Sec. - Wm G. Beckwith, Treas.)
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The Beckwith Sewing Machine
To make a very cheap sewing machine has been the aim of many inventors. To make a very cheap and also a good one has been sought by some, but few have been successful in combining the two advantages of small cost and great utility. We, however, exhibit in the accompanying engraving one that possesses the utility of more costly machines, while it is furnished at a price below anything we have seen of the kind that can perform the same work in as complete a manner. It is capable, as we have proved by operating it, of doing plain seaming, hemming, tucking, stitching, embroidering and, in short, most of the sewing done in families. The stitch is the elastic loop stitch, which has, against many misrepresentations and much prejudice, gained a wide popularity, many now preferring it to the lock stitch. In fact, a high priced machine, which has had probably as large, if not larger, sale than any other in England, employs this stitch. The machine under consideration fastens off the seam in such a way as to make the work strong and elastic, so that it stands well in washing and possesses the elasticity, strength and other advantages which undoubtedly belong to the loop stitch. The parts of the machine are so few and its adjustment are so simple, that skill to run it may be acquired almost at one sitting. The portability of the machine is an advantage which will lead to its purchase even by those who own larger machines, as it can be carried to any part of the house; or, when its owner wishes to spend the afternoon or evening away from home, it can be taken along as easily as a needle case, or carried in a trunk, valise, or satchel, on a journey. The box in which the machine is packed is, in its greatest length, only six and a half inches and is four inches in hight. It holds not only the machine but the wrench, thread, oil can, bottle of oil, hemmer, different sized needles, etc., which accompany it. The fatigue of operating it is much less than that of larger machines, so that children and ladies, in too feeble health to use the latter, may employ this without injury. An easy speed for this machine is 240 stitches per minute, as we have found on actual trial. A little practice would enable this speed to be much exceeded, while it may be run as slow as desired.
The machine is nickel plated throughout, so that it will not tarnish with handling. It is substantial and durable and the appliances shown in the engraving accompany each machine.
In conclusion, we will say that a large number of testimonials have been shown us, certifying in enthusiastic terms to the satisfaction the machine has given those who have used it. A large number have been sold and the demand for them is said to be rapidly increasing.
It was patented , in the United States, April 18, 1871. Foreign patents have been secured. For further particulars address Warren S. Barlow, President Beckwith Sewing Machine Co., 26 West Broadway, New York.
Scientific American
The Beckwith Improved Sewing Machine
Our readers will remember our illustration of a ten dollar sewing machine, published on page 70, current volume. They will also recollect that the needle, in the machine referred to, was carried by a bar, the downward motion of which was produced by the hand through the agency of a wire and thumb-ring, while the upward movement was made by a coiled spring.
This arrangement, while it answered the purpose very well, had two defects; first, that it required some practice to acquire the motion of the wrist, necessary to impel the machine properly and make it do uniform work and secondly, that the speed was limited to the speed at which it is possible to move the wrist with regularity and without fatigue.
Both these defects are removed by the improvement here-with illustrated, which consists in the attachment of a strong toothed wheel impelled by a winch, which wheel meshes into an equally substantial pinion, the pinion being also a crank wheel connected to the needle arm by a short pitman. This gearing is protected by a shield, so that neither the cloth nor the dress of the operator can get caught in it. A spring is used merely to balance the weight of the bar and render the power necessary to be applied to the winch more uniform. The speed of the needle is by this means more than doubled, with an expenditure of less labor than before, the exertion required to move the fore arm in the former machine being the principal source of the expenditure of power. A much slower motion of the wrist, while the fore arm is comparatively motionless, now produces more than double the useful effect and greatly increases the utility of the machine. No change has been made in the feed, or in the stitch (loop stitch) and the cost of the machine is not increased by the improvement. We have never see a sewing machine that will work with so little expenditure of power as this. It is self feeding, the stitch may be made long or short, it will hem and tuck and it sews with facility though a number of thicknesses of muslin.
For further particulars, address W. S. Barlow, President Beckwith Sewing Machine Co., 26 West Broadway, New York.
Scientific American
The Beckwith
Portable Family Sewing Machine
A new and very simple braiding-foot has been made, by which a child can sew on braid without the least trouble, following any desired pattern with ease; also a new arm, spiral spring and lever for raising the presser foot, all of which arc now set in a position that leaves the needle free to be threaded. The joint is much enlarged and the machine is otherwise greatly strengthened and improved. The use of the braider-foot alone will be valued more than the cost of the machine.
The $20 Portable Family Machine
Comprises all the excellencies of the former machines, with many valuable improvements. Its size and power are increased and its capacity thus very much enlarged, without impairing its portability. There have been added cam and eccentric movement, a balance-wheel and also an oscillating needle-clamp, by which the length of stitch can with the greatest ease be changed to the finest shade of variation without touching the needle.
Each of these machines is put in a neat, compact box, with hemmer and guide, oil-can with oil. thread, different-sized needles, etc., with full Printed Directions for using.
To any one sending us $20, we will send one of the Machines (packed in a neat, portable case, with handle to carry it easily), expressage to be paid by purchaser.
The Machine as a Premium
We will give one of these $ 20 Machines to any one who will collect and forward to us Thirty Subscribers to American Agriculturist for one year at $1.60 each, or One Hundred at $ 1.10 each, expressage on the Machine to be paid by the recipient of it.
Almost any lady can readily secure the small number of subscribers required to get this Machine as described above; or some friend can thus obtain it for her as a present.
ORANGE JUDD COMPANY 245 Broadway New York
American Agriculturist
CHRONOLOGY
In April 18, 1871, William Gould Beckwith, an inventor of Newark, New Jersey, was granted with a Letters Patent US 113.724. The invention consists in certain novel combinations and arrangements of parts and has for its object to make a cheap and effective single-thread sewing machine. The Beckwith machine was first manufactured by Barlow & Son. The machine was exhibited at the Fortieth Annual Exhibition organized by the American Institute of the City of New York. Initially the little sewing machine price was only $ 7.50 but from September 1871, the price advertised was $ 10. The machine has also been sold as a premium to anyone who collects and forwards a number of subscription for various magazines.
In 1872 the Beckwith Sewing Machine Company was formed with Warren S. Barlow as President and his son, a lawyer, Everett D. Barlow as Secretary and the sewing machine inventor William Gould Beckwith as Treasurer and with their office at 26 West Broadway, New York. A second Letters Patent was granted to the Beckwith company for an improvement upon the patent granted on April 18, 1871 and consists in certain novel combinations and arrangements of parts which greatly improved the first machine (a hand crank was added). Again, appear that initially the improved machine was sold for $ 10 but from December 1872 the price became $ 12.
After May 1st, 1873 the company moved their office to 862 Broadway, near 17th Street and Union Square, New York and this happened in coincidence with the advertising of a portable, enlarged and improved model with the weight of 7 pounds. The new sewing machine price was $ 20 and one Diploma was awarded at the Great American Institute Fair, November 15th, 1873.
By 1874 the machines were marked Beckwith S.M. Co. and two 1872 patent dates were added. At the Forty-third Annual Fair of the American Institute the company obtained a Bronze Medal.
In 1876, the Beckwith Sewing Machine Company was still in existence with a capital of $ 750.000 and office at 862 Broadway, New York; Robert G. Dayton, as President, George A. Hall, as Secretary and William Gould Beckwith as Treasurer.
In 1877, when we supposed the Beckwith company was dissolved, surprisingly the Beckwith's President, Robert G. Dayton, was still registered in one of the New York's Directory, at 862 Broadway address but not as the company President anymore and not one of the other members was mentioned.
In the Goulding's New York City Directory for the year commencing May 1st, 1877 and ending May 1st, 1878, nothing appear to have changed from the previous years, but this let me think... when the company has been dissolved ?
H. W. BECKWITH General Agent
was this General Agent a woman ?
I found only William H. Beckwith (Insurance) in the N.Y.'s 1871-72 Directory
1871
26 West Broadway, New York
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In 1867 from the New York City Directory:
Eastman, Bigelow & Dayton (Silk & Ribbon Importers) 332 B'way, N.Y.
Lux Henry (Boot and Shoe Dealers, Retail.) 745 Broadway, N.Y.
Edwards Sarah (Ladies' Under Garments) 745 Broadway, N.Y.
Robert G. Dayton (Country Stores) North Granville
Country Stores: Where is kept a general assortment of Dry Goods, Groceries, Agricultural Implements, Hardware, &c.
In 1868-69 from a City New York Directory:
Warren S. Barlow (pianos) 694 Broadway, N.Y.
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In 1867 from the New York City Directory:
Dayton Robert G. North Granville
Granville is a town on the eastern border of Washington County, New York, United Stated. It is part of the Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town population was 6.456 at the 2000 census.
The town of Granville contains a village that also bears the name Granville.
West Granville Corners, a post-village in Granville township (town), Washington co., N.Y., about 6 miles South of Whitehall. Pop. about 300.
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1872
26 West Broadway, New York
1873
(Until May 1st) 26 West Broadway, New York
1873
(After May 1st) 862 Broadway, New York
1874
1875-77
BECKWITH PATENTS
Patented in the United States and 5 Patents in Europe
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US 113.724 William Gould Beckwith
The invention consists in certain novel combinations and arrangements of parts and has for its object to make a cheap and effective single-thread sewing machine.
April 18, 1871
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GB 1.201 William Gould Beckwith
This invention has for its object the production of a cheap and effective single thread sewing machine. Two levers are hinged together having arms, one of which carries the cloth plate and the other serving as the needle carrier. Another lever operates and forms part of the looper. A curved rod is secured to the upper lever working through a slot in the lower lever and operates the looper. A needle of a curvature greater than the arc described by the end of the needle arm is held in the end of the same in such a position that it performs the operations of feeding and sewing the cloth at the same time. The cloth plate is provided upon its underside with a block wedge shaped upon the end nearest the needle which forms a loop check to hold and properly distend the loop for the purpose of insuring the descent of the needle through the same. A clamp is provided with a thumbscrew for the purpose of securing it to the side of a table to hold the machine.
May 3, 1871
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US 126.921 William Gould Beckwith
Assignor to The Beckwith Sewing Machine Company
The invention is an improvement upon the patent granted me April 18, 1871 and consists in certain novel combinations and arrangements of parts which greatly improve the machine patented to me.
May 21, 1872
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US D 5.861 William Gould Beckwith
Assignor to The Beckwith Sewing Machine Company
The design for a sewing machine bed.
May 21, 1872
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US 133.351 William Gould Beckwith
Assignor to The Beckwith Sewing Machine Company
The invention relates to single-thread sewing machines in which an eye-pointed needle and hook co-operate together to interlace the stitches and the invention is an improvement upon the patents granted on April 18, 1871 and May 21, 1872 and it consists in a novel mechanism for operating the hook.
November 26, 1872
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US 146.505 William Gould Beckwith
The invention relates to the mechanism for feeding the material sewed through sewing machines and consists in a novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts, which have for their object to improve the operation of the machine and afford an easy and accurate means of regulating the length of the stitch. The machine similar to the one shown and described in Letters Patent US 133.351, granted on November 26, 1872.
January 20, 1874
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GB 474 William Gould Beckwith
This invention relates to sewing machines in which a needle and hook cooperate to form the stitch and in which the material sewn is fed along by means of the needle and it consists in a novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts which have for their object to produce an improved, simple, effective and cheap sewing machine.
February 5, 1874
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US 167.382 William Gould Beckwith
The invention relates to that class of double thread machines in which the stitch is formed by the under thread being interlooped with the upper by means of a reciprocating needle or hook and it consists in a novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts, which have for their object to simplify said machines and improve their operation. The drawing, which is a view underneath the machine, shows this invention as applied to and operating with, the machine patented on April 18, 1871, US 113.724, May 21, 1872, US 126.921 and November 26, 1872, US 133.351.
September 7, 1875
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BECKWITH MACHINES
DATING BECKWITH SEWING MACHINES
Using serial numbers, machines may be dated approximately as follows:
1 - 3.500 .......... 1871
3.501 - 7.500 .......... 1872
7.501 - 12.500 .......... 1873
12.501 - 18.000 .......... 1874
18.001 - 23.000 .......... 1875
23.001 - ? ........... 1876