About this objectAgenoria sewing machine. This Agenoria sewing machine has a bit of a complex business history. The Franklin Sewing Machine Co. which created this machine, was established in March 1868 by Arthur Maxfield, Isaac Cole and Charles Fowkes after a previous partnership dissolved. This specific machine was produced in 1869.
Franklin Sewing Machine Co. lasted until November 1872. Isaac Cole moved to Edinburgh forming Cole & Co and in 1873 Maxfield & Co. entered into an agreement to supply Agenoria machines to this firm and some Maxfield machines have Cole & Co. stamped on the stitch plate. Isaac Cole was made bankrupt in 1880.
Charles Fowkes continued to produce sewing machines at the Franklin Works until 1873 under the name Charles Fowkes & Co. using the crossed needles and bobbin Trade Mark of the old Franklin Sewing Machine Co.
Joseph Harris purchased the Franklin Works by December 1873 and later renamed them the Imperial Works producing Agenoria machines under the name the Imperial Sewing Machine Co. which he had formed with John Judson in April 1873. The machines were retailed through Harris's premises at Oriel House, 41 Bull Lane, Birmingham. By April 1878 the Royal Sewing Machine Co. Ltd. was advertising that it had purchased the business of Joseph Harris.
MakerFranklin Sewing Machine Co.
Maker RoleMaker
Date Made1869
Period19th Century (1801-1900)
Place MadeUnited Kingdom, England, West Midlands, Birmingham
