Figure 102. — Improved Common Sensi sewing 

 machine of about 1870. This machine is so very 



similar to the New England machines in its feed, 

 threading, looping mechanism, and in its general 

 design, that it is sometimes mistaken for the earlier 

 New England machines (see figs. 112 and 113). 



Dating from the early 1870s, the Improved 

 Common Sense machine is about 10 inches in 

 width, two inches larger than the New England 

 machine. The spool holder is similar to Folsom's 

 patented design, but is less refined. A page from an 

 advertising brochure of the period verifies the 

 name of the machine, but does not identify the 

 manufacturer. 



There are no patent dates or identifying names 

 or numbers on the machine illustrated. Although 

 the Empire Co. also produced a machine of this 

 style, their models are marked with their name and 

 with Ketchum's patent date, April 23, 1863. Of 

 the several styles of machine using the Raymond 

 looper. this type seems to account for the largest 

 volume manufactured, as evidenced by the pro- 

 portionately higher number of examples still 

 extant. (Smithsonian photo 48328-E.) 



1 igure 103. — Johnson sewing machine, 1857. Another of the all-but-forgotten manufacturers 

 of the 1850s was Emery. Houghton & Co., who constructed the AT. Johnson machines. 

 Examination of existing machines indicates that they were manufactured in 1856 and 1857, 

 and possibly a little longer. This one from 1857 bears the serial number 624, so we know that 

 several hundred were manufactured. The head is ornately attractive, slightly reminiscent of 

 Wheeler & Wilson models, and of standard size. (Smithsonian photo 48329-B.) 



96 



