Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1993.3.153 |
Object Name |
Machine, Knitting |
Description |
Water powered sock knitting machine. Cast iron frame with iron and steel components. At the rear of the machine is the mechanism to switch the leather drive belt from the idler to the drive pulleys. At the front of the machine is a mechanism, powered by the motion of the machine to take up the sock material as knit and provide constant tension. The knitting head has horizontally bedded main needles and vertical ribbing needles. The needles are latch hook style. No maker's marks are found, rivets which may have held a name plate are visible on the top of the knitting head. There is a patent date of Aug. 2, 1859 on an adjusting lever on the top of the knitting head. |
Credit line |
Collection of the Enfield Shaker Museum |
Date |
ca 1859-1880's |
Dimensions |
H-52 W-24 D-37 inches |
Dimension Details |
Height is to the top of the bobbin spindle, width is measured across the feet at ground level, depth is the back foot to the bar jutting forward at the sock take-up mechanism. |
Material |
Cast iron/Iron/Steel |
Place made |
Manchester, NH |
Lexicon category |
4: T&E For Materials |
Lexicon sub-category |
Textileworking T&E |
Interpretive information |
In 1848 the Church Family Shakers constructed a water-powered mill known as the Hacienda, or the Factory, where it is believed this knitting machine was used. The Hacienda was attached to the Laundry and Dairy buildings and provided power to them. The patent is #24,916 issued to Jonas B. Aiken of Manchester, NH on August 2, 1859. |
Linked documents |
Click here to see the US patenf for this knitting machine. |