The Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine Company was a sewing machine company founded in 1853 by Allen B. Wilson and Nathaniel Wheeler, who were both inventors and businessmen. The company was based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and produced various models of sewing machines using Wilson’s patented rotary hook and four-motion feed mechanisms. The company was one of the largest and most successful sewing machine manufacturers in the world, competing with Singer and Howe. The company also diversified into other products, such as automobiles, bicycles, typewriters, and appliances. The company was acquired by Singer in 1905 and its sewing machines were phased out by 1913¹².
Some interesting facts about the Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine Company are:
- The company’s original name was Warren, Wheeler & Woodruff, but it changed to Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Co. in 1853 after Wilson became the president¹².
- The company’s logo featured a globe with the words “Wheeler & Wilson’s Sewing Machines” and a star with the letter “W” on it¹.
- The company’s machines were praised for their simplicity, durability, and elegance and won several awards at international exhibitions².
- The company’s machines were used by famous people, such as Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, Abraham Lincoln, and Mark Twain¹².
Source: Conversation with Bing, 10/08/2023
(1) Wheeler & Wilson – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheeler_%26_Wilson.
(2) Wheeler and Wilson Antique Sewing Machines – singersewinginfo.co.uk. https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/antiques/wheelerwilson.