Florence Sewing Machine

FLORENCE SEW MACHINE

My mother in law gave us this antique sewing machine. I didn't know much about it when she offered it to me, but we also have a roll top desk that she gave my husband some time ago so I decided to go ahead and take it. The first time she showed it to me, she also showed me the historical papers and the orginal manual. At the moment she can not remember where she put them. I do have the information off of the top of the sewing machine, and I have done some online comparison. The North Hampton Historical Society is who published the historical papers on the machine. The last date stamped on the top is July 18, 1863 which would put it at civil war time. The number stamped that others were calling a serial number was 19809. The closest I could get to a price comparison was a purchase on ebay of $120 dollars. It seems a little low, but maybe a collector would pay more. With the historical papers even a little more. It looks as if you threaded it, it would work. I have not tried it. It has really pretty little gold leaves on it, lots of art just for a sewing machine. The foot peddle is designed to place both feet and move at the same time in rythem. It was made in America. Leander W. Langdon started producing them in October 1855. In a little town called Florence Mass., however Florence no longer exists. Florence machines were popular and it was the 6th largest manufacturer in the country, but then when singer introduced purchasing on credit, Florence only excepted cash. They took a turn for the worst. My mother in laws brother purchased it, but she is not sure where. He died in a construction accident and left it to her. I could not trace any other history on this particular machine.