With known examples possibly only in single figures, the McQuin lockstitch sewing machine can easily be described as very rare.
The recent discovery of a new variant has added a little to this model's story.
Marketed by Charles McQuin of Icknield St., Birmingham, UK. during the 1870's, this attractive cast iron lockstitch machine is well sought-after by the dedicated enthusiast.
The newly unearthed model would appear to be a slightly later variant than previously known examples. This can be observed by noting the semi-enclosure of the bottom drive shaft. The practical need to enclose moving parts seems obvious today, but during the nineteenth century this process took several decades to be fully implemented.

Top photo shows the previously only known model featuring both top and bottom drive shafts completely exposed.

Middle and bottom photos show the newly-discovered variant incorporating a new casting which offered some protection to the fabric being worked.

G.D.
August 1999.