Who Makes the Norleigh Diamond Sewing Machine?

The Norleigh Diamond sewing machine, manufactured by the Shapleigh Hardware Company, is considered an antique.

If you own a Norleigh Diamond sewing machine, it is probably old. You may have a difficult time learning where the machine came from, since the Norleigh Diamond is an uncommon model that is no longer in production. In fact, if your sewing machine is an authentic Norleigh Diamond, it is most likely an antique, since this particular model was only manufactured until the 1960s.

Identification

Since the Norleigh Diamond is such an old brand name, the sewing machine is most likely a treadle machine, which is a non-electric sewing machine operated by a foot pump (or treadle). The machine is likely to be enclosed in or connected to a wooden cabinet.

Manufacturer: The Shapleigh Company

The Norleigh Diamond brand name was marketed by the Shapleigh Hardware Company, based in Saint Louis, Mo. The company was founded by Augustus F. Shapleigh, a prominent businessman who migrated from the East Coast to Saint Louis, to take advantage of thriving industrialization and business opportunities.

Types

The Shapleigh Hardware Company specialized in production of knives, razors and cutlery, among other products, such as sewing machines. The Shapleigh company's trademark was the "Diamond Edge;" most of the company's items were manufactured under this name. The Norleigh Diamond was one of the several spin-offs of this trademark. Other brand names include Mound City, Diamond Brand, Jersey, Panama, Ice Diamond, Bluebelle, Sageware, Black Jack, Red Raven, King Nitro, Sahara, Black Prince, Blue Diamond, Rugby, Triumph, Defiance, Black Wonder, Double Diamons, Mascot, Bull Dog, Ozark, Columbia, Longwear, Mizzou and Bridges.

Time Frame

Since the Norleigh Diamond sewing machine was manufactured by the Shapleigh Hardware Company, its manufacture date could range anywhere from 1843 (opening year of the company) to 1960, when the company began to cease production of hardware items.

History

The Shapleigh Hardware Company was founded in 1843. Its opening year inventory totaled $20,000. The first catalog was published in 1853. In 1864, the Diamond's Edge trademark was established. After Augustus Shapleigh retired in 1900, the company was reorganized and renamed the Norvell-Shapleigh Hardware Company. After changing names and ownership several times, the company closed in the mid-1960s. The Diamond Edge logo is now owned by Val-Test Company.

References

• The Hardware Companies Kollectors Klub
• Sewing Machine Sale211
• Antique Quilt Dating