Wheeler And Wilson Serial Number Chart
Abele Beardsley
Wheeler and Wilson Serial Number Chart
Wheeler and Wilson was one of the first and most successful sewing machine companies in the United States. Founded in 1851 by Allen B. Wilson and Nathaniel Wheeler, the company produced a variety of machines, including the famous No. 8, which was widely used in factories and homes. Wheeler and Wilson machines are known for their curved needle, rotary hook, and glass tension discs.
If you own a Wheeler and Wilson sewing machine, you might be curious about its age and history. One way to find out more about your machine is to look at its serial number. The serial number is usually stamped on the front or back of the machine, or on a metal plate attached to it. The serial number can tell you when your machine was made, and sometimes what model it is.
However, dating Wheeler and Wilson machines is not always straightforward. The company changed its numbering system several times, and some records have been lost or destroyed over the years. Therefore, you need to be careful when using serial numbers to date your machine. Here are some tips and resources to help you.
Before 1876: The First Series of Serial Numbers
The earliest Wheeler and Wilson machines did not have model numbers, but were simply numbered in sequence from 0 to about 1.2 million. These machines were made from 1851 to 1876, and include the No. 1 to No. 7 models. The No. 1 was a small hand-cranked machine, while the No. 7 was a large industrial machine. The most popular models were the No. 3 and No. 4, which were medium-sized machines for domestic use.
To date your machine from this period, you can use the following chart, which is based on the research of Grace Rogers Cooper and Fiddlebase. The chart shows the approximate year of manufacture for each range of serial numbers. However, keep in mind that these dates are only estimates, and there may be some variations or errors.
After 1876: The Second Series of Serial Numbers
In 1876, Wheeler and Wilson introduced a new model, the No.8, which was a major improvement over the previous machines. The No.8 had a longer arm, a larger bobbin, and a more elegant design. It was also the first machine to have a reverse stitch lever. The No.8 was so successful that it became the standard model for Wheeler and Wilson until the company was bought by Singer in
1905.
With the introduction of the No.8, Wheeler and Wilson also started a new series of serial numbers, beginning from A1. These serial numbers were used for all models made after
1876, including the No.9, No.10, No.11, No.12, and No.15. However, unlike the first series of serial numbers, the records of the second series are not available. Therefore,
it is impossible to date these machines precisely by their serial numbers. The best you can do is to estimate the date based on the model number and the physical characteristics of your machine.
Here are some clues to help you identify the model and date of your machine from this period:
- The No.8 was made from 1876 to 1887. It had a curved needle, a rotary hook, a glass tension disc, and a reverse stitch lever. It also had a distinctive oval-shaped base with four legs. The serial number was stamped on the front of the machine, below the stitch plate.
- The No.9 was made from 1888 to 1905 and beyond. It was similar to the No.8, but had a straight needle, a vibrating shuttle, and a metal tension disc. It also had a rectangular base with two legs. The serial number was stamped on the back of the machine, above the shuttle carrier.
- The No.10 was made from 1882 to 1899. It was a smaller version of the No.8, designed for light work and portability. It had a curved needle, a rotary hook, a glass tension disc, and a reverse stitch lever. It also had a wooden base with a handle and a cover. The serial number was stamped on the front of the machine, below the stitch plate.
- The No.11 was made from 1892 to 1905 and beyond. It was similar to the No.10, but had a straight needle, a vibrating shuttle, and a metal tension disc. It also had a wooden base with a handle and a cover. The serial number was stamped on the back of the machine, above the shuttle carrier.
- The No.12 was made from 1887 to 1905. It was a large industrial machine, designed for heavy work and high speed. It had a curved needle, a rotary hook, a glass tension disc, and a reverse stitch lever. It also had a cast iron base with four legs and two treadles. The serial number was stamped on the front of the machine, below the stitch plate.
- The No.15 was made from 1892 to 1905 and beyond. It was similar to the No.12, but had a straight needle, a vibrating shuttle, and a metal tension disc. It also had a cast iron base with four legs and two treadles. The serial number was stamped on the back of the machine, above the shuttle carrier.
For more information and pictures of these models, you can visit these websites: [Fiddlebase], [SIL], [ISMACS], and [Quiltingboard].
Conclusion
Wheeler and Wilson sewing machines are valuable pieces of history and craftsmanship. They represent the innovation and excellence of one of the leading sewing machine companies in America. By looking at their serial numbers, you can learn more about their age and origin. However, you should also be aware of the limitations and uncertainties of using serial numbers to date your machines.
Always check other sources and compare your findings with other experts and collectors.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us.
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