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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 1
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 2
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 3
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 4
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 5
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 6
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 7
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 8
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 9
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 10
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 11
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  • Complete & Unrestored 1946-56 Essex Miniature Sewing Machine Mk1, Manual & Case 12
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Description

It looks like a toy and was frequently purchased as such (for girls only, one assumes, since it was the 1940s and 1950s), but the Essex Mk1 is in fact a fully-functioning, all-metal hand-cranked sewing machine - it was designed to be used for proper work, and some were.

Before we look at the machine itself, it's worth briefly looking at the history of the company that made it. Essex Engineering was established by one Horace Kenneth Victor Allen in Wanstead in 1935 as a one-arm bandit repair shop, which also manufactured bespoke replacement parts for the machines. This manufacturing ability made it of use to the war effort and, once the Second World War broke out, it switched to producing gun parts, precision tools and other items required by the British armed forces, which was a lucrative business during that era - and like many other businesses, they looked around for something else to keep the money coming in after the war ended.

Fortunately for them, the patent had recently expired on Singer's very popular 1910 miniature Model 10 sewing machine - so Essex Engineering obtained one, made a few improvements, and in 1946 marketed it as the Essex Mk1. This also proved popular, both as a toy and, thanks to the great shortage of shortages of full-size sewing machines during the rationing years after the War, as an alternative to a "proper" machine. They weren't much cheaper than a full-size machine, however - each Essex Mk1 would have set its new owner back a week's wage, equivalent to around £430 today. The machine remained in production until 1956, gaining an optional electric motor towards the end, before being replaced by the more modern-looking Mk2, which was also a success: in total, some 150,000 were made and it was only when the company found itself no longer able to compete on price with Japanese rivals that production came to a halt. The company then returned to making parts for one-arm bandits and vending machines - and remarkably is still in business, at the same premises in Wanstead, to this day.

There are no casting marks or details to allow an exact date of manufacture to be ascertained for an Essex Mk1 and so 1946 to 1956 is as good as we're going to get for this. Like all Essex Mk1s, it's painted maroon and requires a standard 15x1 needle; it was available with a wooden extension bed which is not included with this one, but it does have the optional extra carry case (in similar condition to the machine - some scuffs, no serious damage) and - a rare survival - its original manual. It's showing some signs of age with little chips here and there in the paintwork and some light scuffs to the bed and wooden base, but it's been very well looked-after and regularly lubricated - there is no wear or corrosion to the cogs and they rotate freely and smoothly, and all moving parts are in full working order. In other words, while it's more than good enough for a display piece, it's also fully usable.

• Machine Dimensions (W x L x H): 22 16.5 x 18cm (8.7 x 6.5 x 7 inches)
• Case Dimensions (W x L x H): 19 x 27 x 21.5cm (7.5 x 10.5 x 8.5 inches)
• Machine Weight: 1.45kg (3.2lb)
• Total Weight: 2.3kg (5lb)

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.

If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.

Donate via Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Profile

We only accept payments made through one of eBay's many approved methods. Please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within two working days.

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.

Domestic Delivery

We aim to dispatch orders within two working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.

We use Hermes to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.

Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which requires a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.

International Delivery

International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.

For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.

Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.

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Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.

Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items, subject to the cost of the chosen return method being reasonable. Please contact us before proceeding if unsure.

About Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Its ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. The aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

Around 4,000 patients are cared for each year at the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. This care supports people to improve their quality of life and fulfil their end of their life choices.

Alongside the care provided by the Inpatient Unit, Living Well services and Hospice at Home teams, patients can access: patient and family support; lymphoedema care; complementary therapy; medical and pain outpatient clinics; and advice from the clinical nurse specialists within the Specialist Palliative Care Home Team. Programmes are practical, holistic and tailored to the individual patient, family member or carer and may also include rehabilitative support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support.

It will cost £10.5 million in 2021/2022 to run services, which are provided free of charge to patients and their loved ones. Contracted services from the NHS are budgeted at £6.98 million, meaning that £3.52 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising activities and trading. The Charity is extremely grateful to the local community for the continual dedication, commitment and generosity they show in supporting towards meeting this target.

© 2017 Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. All rights reserved A registered Charity No 1133354