Pictured here are two of the best-selling examples. One is a Canadian sewing machine dated to the 1880s which uses a single thread to make a twisted loop stitch. It is stamped Victoria SM Toronto CW and was probably manufactured or sold by Gates and Company, whose business is listed at the same address.
Koenig’s example easily outstripped its Can$200-300 guide to sell for Can$2750 (£1590) at the May 9 auction.
Grover Baker & Co American sewing machine, Can$2500 (£1445) at Miller & Miller.
Another best-seller was a two-stitch machine produced by Grover Baker & Co of Boston, a firm in operation from the 1850s to 1875. This model, which is dated to the 1860s, is an early example of the first portable sewing machine and is one of less than 200 examples known. It realised Can$2500 (£1445), five times the pre-sale estimate.
£1 = Can$1.73
