Sewing machines were not the only things manufactured by the world-famous Singer Company! They also manufactured some great industrial furniture such as the Singer stool and the Singer chair, a must-have for vintage lovers!
New York, 1851, I.M. Singer & Company is created. Isaac Merritt Singer (1811-1875) is the inventor of the sewing machine. At first, all the items were manufactured in New York, Frederick Gilbert Bourne (1851-1919), head of the firm at the beginning of the 20th century, built up the first worldwide company in spreading the brand all over the world by establishing some customer and distribution services in every countries, and also in building many different factories abroad.
Isaac Merritt Singer had invented the hire-purchase system in order to equip as many women as possible. “Owning a Singer was the ambition of many working women, who would buy them on credit, with a subscription. Many married women hoped to earn some extra money while taking care of their homes”.
The head office was settled down in the Singer Building (built by architect Ernest Flagg), where the World Trade Center was, now Ground Zero. This building was the tallest in the world from 1908 to 1909.
The Singer’s sewing machines success, in Great Britain leads the company to settled down and produce its own sewing machines in Glasgow in 1867.
Buoyed by its success, Singer took the initiative in 1910 by offering textile manufacturers “ready to use” factories and marketing specially adapted furniture: a stool with cast-iron base and original pine timber seat launched the range. In some of them, you can find under the stool the “Clover” drawing (it’s a secret!).
You can determine the real manufacture date according to their different feet.
Then, fifteen years later, fitted with a spring and a backrest, it had become an adjustable chair. Chairs and stools and cutting tables suitable for use with machinery would also be produced over the next half-century.
You can still find some vintage ones as they are very popular. Check what we have in stock today at La Boutique Vintage.
Hello,
In the beginning,I must beg you to forgive my poor English!
I am very interested about Your singer stool,
Currently, I have one, there is the chair, I also want to be able to have a stool and drawing tables.
Want to know some of the details, if you still have an object,
I would like to know more details.Thank you very much!
Best regards
Winni Lee
Hi
I too have Singer stool just like the one pictured above.
You say that the date of manufacturer can be determined by the feet design. So, can you please give a date for this type; three feet rounded.
Regards
Mark
Hello Mark,
Thank you for contacting me about your Singer stool.
For that kind of stool I would say circa 1910-1930.
You really have a nice item!
If one day you want to sell it, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Have a lovely day,
Kind Regards,
Helen
Hello Helen,
Thanks for that date range. It’s older than I thought.
The original seat I recall was possibly marine plywood and has since been replaced by pine. The screw is short by several inches where it was cracked. None the less, its is a classic design and still looks the business.
I’ll let you know first if I decide to part company.
Regards
Mark
I am looking for a stool to go with my 1910 Singer Sewing Machine Table. Does anyone have an idea where I can find one in the United States? I live in Tennessee, and I am not having much luck with the local antique stores or even finding one that is currently for sale. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hello Dereck,
Sorry we are in UK and we don’t know anyone in the US.
Hope you will find your Singer tool (which is by the way a fantastic item!).
Kind Regards,
Helen