For information about the history of the Wellington click on the title above.

Wellington. This machine dates to around 1878, the castings are totally different to later versions of the Wellington. Note particularly the curve out of the bed, the scrolls and raised detail to the arm as well as the tension discs mounted ontop of the arm. The brass face plate is embossed 'The Wellington'. The take up is operated by the needle-bar and the stitch length mechanism is on the bed of the machine at the base of the pillar.

The early form of bobbin winder is driven from the gear wheel but the ornate balance wheel cannot be disengaged for bobbin winding. Sadly there are some parts missing from this example notably the slide plate, stitch length nut, and the handle.

Wellington. Another example of the Wellingtion dating to around 1879 which is in slightly better condition and with no parts missing. Although worn the name Wellington can be made out on the face of the arm as well as Bradbury & Co. Oldham along the top edge of the arm. The centre decal is too worn to identify its original design.

Wellington. Dating to around 1889 this is the improved version of the Wellington which has simplified castings, take-up lever, improved bobbin winder, fast and loose balance wheel and tension discs mounted on the face plate which is now embossed 'Patent Lock Stitch Hand Machine'. The Company's Duke of Wellington Trade Mark is on the bed of the machine, some versions have an illustration of the Bradbury factory or flowers on the bed and the Duke on the base of the shoulder. Attached to the gear cover is a sprung steel lever which holds the bobbin winder in place, if this lever is moved to the right it allows the whole bobbin winder to be swung up to disengage it from the hand crank. The lever then slips beneath to hold the bobbin winder in its new position.

Wellington. This machine is slightly later and was probably made around 1893. It represents the final production version with a nickel plated face plate which folds round the sides. The decals are different from the above machine but again it has the portrait of the Duke of Wellington on the bed of the machine. Both these machines came with shuttles and bobbins.

This web page was created by David & Lin BestŠ2002 - 2007
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INDEX of BRADBURY PHOTOGRAPHS
Click on a Caption

WELLINGTON	A 1 REPAIRING	LETTER 'S' FAMILY No. 1	LETTER 'S' MEDIUM No. 2	HIGH ARM FAMILY	JONES C.S. BADGED BRADBURY
ROTARY SHUTTLE No. 2/B2	SOEZE	MEDIUM V.S.	FAMILY V.S.	SPOOL MACHINE

Bradbury and Co. Chronological History

Bradbury Introduction