Name/Title
Machine, SewingEntry/Object ID
1111.039.001Description
2 pieces: Grover Baker Sewing Machine. First: 30 3/4 inches x 29 5/8 inches x 19 1/4 inches. A wooden cabinet with 2 doors, open to 4 small drawers on far left side and black metal treadle and gears to run machine on the other. (Drawers contain parts and instructions.) Machine is on top of cabinet. Plate is black w/ green, gold and red painted floral design and mother of pearl. Machine is made of 2 long arms extending from base. Spool holder is at rear of machine. Front sides of cabinet are decorated with partial columns that work as hinges. Second: 20 1/2 inches x 11 3/4 inches x 5 3/4 inches. Boxlike wooden piece covers sewing machine. It is decorated w/ columns at front sides. Top front corners round, back plain. In drawers are instructions and accessories.
Mr. William O. Grover and Mr. William F. Baker were both tailors in Boston, and they knew what a boon a sewing machine would be to their business. This machine is considred the "Holy Grail" of antique sewing machines for collectors.
Special Significance: Made in Newton Upper Falls, Mass. Baker developed his estate in Wellesley, MA., into a popular recreation center visited by vast number of people from Boston.
Original Inscription: On plate: No 217054 Grover and Baker S.M.Co. U.S.A. Patent Enter Nov. 12, 1850, Feb.11, 1851, June 22,1852, Feb.22, 1853,
Dec. 19, 1854, Jan.16, 1856 Oct. 5, 1858, Oct. 12, 1888, Feb. 5, 1861 Howe's Patent Sept. 10, 1846
