Figure 118. — Sewing machini oj about 1856 with inscription "Howard & 

 Davis Makers. Boston. Mass. Robinson & Roper Pat. Dec. 10, 1850, Aug. 15, 

 1854"; the drive wheel and the circular stitching plate of this machine are 

 missing. (Smithsonian photo 48440 C.) 



Figures 117 and 118. — Robinson and Roper sewing 

 machines, 1855-1856. This is one of the few machines pro- 

 ducing a backstitch or half backstitch to realize any com- 

 mercial success. Manufactured a very short time by Howard 

 & Davis, it was a short-thread machine, based on the 

 Frederick Robinson patent of December 10, 1850, and the 

 Samuel Roper patent of August 15. 1854. Roper produced 

 additional improvements for which he received a patent on 



November 4, 185b. In the Scientifii American, November 1, 

 1856, the new machine was discussed: "Robinson & Roper 

 exhibit their new improved sewing machines, which appear 

 to operate with great success. Two needles are employed, 

 the points of which are furnished with hooks that alternatel) 

 catch the thread and form the stitch. The finest kind of 

 cotton thread or silk can be used. The work appears well 

 done. Price $100." 



109 



