Muller 12, 1910s - Sewing machine - Cast iron

This Art Nouveau Muller 12 sewing machine has been left as found and is for decoration, restoration, or parts. Two gears are broken. They are still partly present, so they can still be reproduced. See photos. The machine was made around 1900.

Dimensions: 28 x 16 cm x 23 cm high. The machine does not run. The cast iron is very solid.

The Muller 12 is a remarkable model of cast-iron toy sewing machine, produced by the German company F.W. Müller. The company, founded in Berlin in 1868, became from about 1888 a productive maker of toy sewing machines and remained active until the late 1970s.

History and features
Manufacturer: The company, founded by Friedrich Wilhelm Müller, initially produced parts for sewing machines before switching to complete toy sewing machines. It became one of the largest and longest-running manufacturers of toy sewing machines in the world.

The Model 12: The Muller 12, often regarded as the company’s largest toy model, is made of heavy cast iron. Although marketed as a toy to help children develop household skills, the dimensions and construction were robust enough for some users to consider it suitable for actual, small-scale sewing work.

Design and function: Like many other models from the company, the Muller 12 typically uses a chain stitch mechanism with a single thread. These machines were produced for export on a large scale, with more than 80% of the company’s production sold outside Germany.

Collectible value: Today these machines are highly valued by collectors, not only as toy sewing machines but also as pieces of social history that reflect the era’s emphasis on domestic instruction for children.