Vintage motorized salesman store display automaton with changing signs

Norman Tuck wrote to share a video he made of a vintage motorized salesman figure. It belonged to his father who used it as a window display in an appliance store he owned. The figure was distributed by the White Sewing Machine company. He believes it is German made because the paper mache head is made from German newspapers. It probably dates to the 1910s.

Driven by a small electric sewing machine motor turning a worm and screw, the figure moves its eyebrows, mouth, head, and hands. It has a set of signs in the box below which it raises up. A total of five different signs are raised and lowered.

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So, how do sewing machines work anyway? Here's your answer!

Have you ever wondered how a sewing machine works? I know I have. I mean...how on earth does the machine bring a thread through one side of the fabric and out the other, locking it in the process? And how does it do it so fast? When was the sewing machine invented and was it by some guy named "Singer"?

This great mystery will be solved once you watch this video, an episode from the classic TV program, The Secret Life of Machines, hosted by Tim Hunkin. Hunkin is a cartoonist, engineer and -- best of all -- automaton-maker. He's made dozens of large, interactive, mechanical sculptures, simulators, and rides to amaze and amuse. His deep understanding of machines, ability to create cartoons, and playful approach make him one of the best teachers around. In the video, Hunkin uses a 6 foot long sewing needle and four people to slowly sew two large sheets of foam together in the same manner as a sewing machine. You also will learn some interesting history (via cartoons) along the way.

Here's a snippet of a drawing by Tim Hunkin related to sewing machines from his book titled The Rudiments of Wisdom: An A-Z of Random, Peculiar and Fascinating Facts...

You can see the complete drawing here.

Here is where you can see more of The Secret Life of Machines with Tim Hunkin.

[ Thanks Ron! ]

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