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International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society

The purpose of the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society is to foster the collecting of, and research into, sewing machines.

The Florence Sewing Machine Company

  • Original Florence Sewing Machine Patent Drawing

    An original patent drawing of a Florence Machine Head.

  • The Fabulous Florence
  • Founded in 1860, the Florence Sewing Machine Company created some of America's most distinctive and ornate treadle machines, known for their reversible feed and intricate "pierced-leg" designs.
  • Restoration of a Florence Treadle
  • Founded in 1860, the Florence Sewing Machine Company created some of America's most distinctive and ornate treadle machines, known for their reversible feed and intricate "pierced-leg" designs.
  • Florence Sewing Machine Treadle Head
    Florence Sewing Machine Head

    ISMACS News Issue 100:
    the Garry Wacks collection is noted not only for rarity but for condition - this Florence is typical

  • The Florence name lived on into the 20th century as seen here in these badged machines made by White:

  • Ad
  • This vintage advertisement showcases the Florence 'Sit-Easy' Sewing Machine with its ergonomic design, boldly claiming to be "the best sewing machine that money and brains can produce."
  • An 1866 Florence Ad
  • This Harper's 1866 advertisement reveals the early marketing approach of the Florence Sewing Machine Company, focusing on the machine's unique reverse feed capability.
  • Brochure
  • This historical brochure presents Florence's rotary and vibrating shuttle machines, highlighting the company's product range and marketing approach in the late 19th century.
  • Manual
  • This rare page from an original Florence manual provides valuable insights into the proper operation and maintenance of these historic machines.
  • The New Florence Manufacturing Machine
  • The above, in black and white to eliminate color shading in the original scan, and enhance readability.
  • Page 14 only
  • Style 231
  • The Florence Style 231, proudly marketed as "America's Finest Machine," showcases the company's commitment to quality craftsmanship and elegant design.
  • Style 232
  • Style 232 transforms "weary backache into restful pleasure" with its ergonomic design, highlighting the company's focus on user comfort alongside mechanical innovation.
  • Style 426
  • The Style 426 features Florence's innovative vibrating shuttle drop-head mechanism, combining practicality with the company's characteristic attention to detail.
  • Style 716
  • Style 716 offers both lockstitch and chain stitch capabilities with a distinctive drop head and automatic lift, demonstrating Florence's technical versatility.
  • Style 718
  • The Style 718 central needle model with automatic lift represents Florence's advanced engineering, balancing functionality with the elegance expected from the brand.
  • Style 4043
  • Marketed as "a valuable addition to any home," the Style 4043 offered customers choice between rotary or vibrating shuttle technologies in a refined package.
  • Style 4044
  • Style 4044, described as "ornamental as well as useful," exemplifies Florence's dual commitment to beautiful form and practical function.
  • Style 4046
  • The versatile Style 4046 could be equipped with either rotary or vibrating shuttle mechanisms, providing options for customers with different sewing preferences.
  • Style 4047
  • The premium Style 4047 cabinet model represents the pinnacle of Florence's "America's Finest" lineup, combining elegant furniture design with advanced sewing capability.

ISMACS is an organization totally independent of all sewing-machine manufacturers, past or present and is not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in these pages.  Please Note: Do not contact any ISMACS official in an attempt to solicit a valuation - it is not possible other than by hands-on assessment and your request will be ignored.

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