These transportable enclosures, sometimes constructed of skinny, laminated wooden that was steamed and bent right into a rounded type, housed and guarded Singer stitching machines throughout a interval spanning the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. A hinged lid offered entry to the machine, whereas the case itself typically integrated a carrying deal with and generally even a small compartment for equipment. They have been often adorned with ornamental steel {hardware} and the Singer brand. An instance will be seen in quite a few museum collections and vintage retailers.
Offering safe storage and portability for these then-revolutionary machines, these circumstances contributed considerably to the widespread adoption of dwelling stitching. Their sturdy development protected delicate mechanisms from injury throughout transport, permitting customers to simply transfer their machines between places. Moreover, the circumstances themselves turned symbolic of domesticity and the burgeoning function of know-how within the dwelling. Their distinctive aesthetic contributed to their desirability and mirrored the craftsmanship of the period. This preservation has allowed fashionable collectors to understand not simply the machines themselves, but in addition the ingenuity and artistry of their protecting containers.