There was no single inventor of the sewing machine. In the 19th, various inventors and companies contributed different mechanisms and components while competing against each other in an emerging market. This song, composed by F. Hyde, references the commercial “battle” between companies like Remington, Singer, Howe, Succor, Weed, and Willcox & Gibbs. The song and sheet music were published shortly after Remington released a new sewing machine in June 1874.
"The Battle of the Sewing Machines"
- Description
- "The Battle of the Sewing Machines" was composed and arranged by F. Hyde for the piano, and was published in 1874 by Wm. A. Pond & Co. of 547 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. The lithograph by R. Teller of 120 Wooster St., N.Y., N.Y., illustrates a "battle" of sewing machines. The Remington "army" is marching towards the fleeing Singer, Howe, Succor, Weed, and Willcox & Gibbs sewing machines. The soldiers are riding the Remington treadle machines like horses and are carrying Remington rifles. The Remington No. 2 sewing machine had just come out to market in June 1874. The family treadle machine with a drop-leaf table and two drawers would have cost $75.00.
- On the top left of the sheet music, a woman is pictured sewing on a Remington machine in the Remington office at Madison Square, New York. In the right box is featured the Remington Works of Ilion, N.Y. The music consists of 11 pages, with such subtitles as: "Howe the battle began"; "Advent of all the best machines"; "Song of the Sewing Machine Man: 'How Can I Leave Thee'"; "Triumph of the Remington Sewing Machine," and "Home Sweet Home."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- referenced
- Remington Sewing Machine Company
- composer
- Hyde, F.
- publisher
- William A. Pond & Co.
- lithographer
- Teller, R.
- Date made
- 1874
- Physical Description
- paper (overall material)
- lithograph (overall production method/technique)
- ink (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 10 1/2 in x 13 1/2 in; 26.67 cm x 34.29 cm
- Object Name
- sheet music
- Object Type
- Sheet Music
