New Defender

Sewing machine, New Defender model

Identification

Manufacturer: A. G. Mason Manufacturing Company

Model: New Defender

Serial Number: 5080261

Estimated Date: According to The Sewing Machine: Its Invention and Development by Grace Rogers Cooper: "A. G. Mason had been a general agent in Cleveland for the Davis Sewing Machine Company until 1903 when he began to manufacture sewing machines under his own name. He concentrated on building up sewing-machine departments in large retail stores. He gave particular attention in his manufacture of sewing machines to producing medium-priced, high-quality machines sold under special names chosen by the retail dealer. A. G. Mason died in 1916, and the company became a subsidiary of the Domestic Sewing Machine Company."

In the manual for family machines manufactured by A. G. Mason, it is suggested that serial numbers beyond 5,000,000 occur after 1903. As this machine is 80,000 after this start date, it may be prudent to estimate a 1903–1905 date of manufacture.

Vintage Sewing Machines Blog: White, Mason & Jones
This blog post discusses the history and branding of A. G. Mason's Defender sewing machines, including their relationship to White and Jones, and provides additional context and images of similar models.

Country of Manufacture: Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America

Quantity Allotted: Specific production numbers for the A.G. Mason Manufacturing Company are not publicly documented.

Provenance and History

Information about this machine's history and provenance is being documented.

Condition and Evidence of Use

Information about this machine's condition and evidence of use is being documented.

Current Status

Status: In care

Location: The Sewing Machine Orphanage, Devon, Alberta

Resources and References

Price list page from the original A. G. Mason Family Sewing Machine manual, showing period pricing and options.
Source: A. G. Mason Family Sewing Machine Manual, courtesy of ISMACS (International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society).
ISMACS: A. G. Mason Manufacturing Company Overview
A detailed history and overview of the A. G. Mason Manufacturing Company, the maker of the New Defender sewing machine. This page includes company background, model information, and historical context. Sourced from ISMACS (International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society).
A. G. Mason Family Sewing Machine Manual (PDF, black & white)
A scanned copy of the original instruction manual for the A. G. Mason Family sewing machine. This manual includes setup, operation, and maintenance instructions for Mason machines. Source: ISMACS (International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society).