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Lot #221
Isaac M. Singer

The rare sewing machine innovator

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Description

The rare sewing machine innovator

American inventor, actor, and entrepreneur (1811–1875) known for his important improvements to the sewing machine, who founded the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Exceedingly rare LS signed “I. M. Singer,” one page, 4.75 x 8, personal Oldway letterhead, July 15, 1873. Letter to the directors of the Singer Manufacturing Company in New York. In full: “Please pay my brother John V. Singer one hundred dollars ($100) or whatever more is necessary to pay his passage comfortably to New Orleans and his expenses while in New York.” Light toning and office notations to the top, a couple dings to left edge, and a few brushes to the signature, otherwise fine condition. Singer established his sewing machine firm in 1851 under the name I. M. Singer & Co., and the immediate success of his innovative device made him extremely wealthy. Unfaithful to his wife, Singer had as many as two dozen children with several different women, including a second family that he housed in a Fifth Avenue mansion. When his second wife had him arrested for bigamy in 1862, he fled from the embarrassment and left for Europe. He commissioned the Oldway Mansion in Paignton, Devon, England, where he lived out his days in decadence. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #444 - Ended January 14, 2015





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $500.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.