Singer Advertising Card – Issued as a Souvenir of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois
Color chromolithograph trading card (not a postcard) of a couple from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in “native” Sinhalese costume, posing next to a Singer sewing machine. Part of a “Costumes of All Nations,” set created as a souvenir at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
Creation Date: 1892
Creator Name: J. Ollmann Lith Co.
Copyright: Singer Manufacturing Company 1850-1975
Text on back: “CEYLON, This is a picturesque island in the Indian Ocean, separated from Peninsular India by the Gulf of Manaar. It is 271 miles long by 137 wide, is a Crown colony of Great Britain and entirely independent of British India. Its capital city is Colombo. The dominant race is the Singhalese, who are genuine Buddhists and very tenacious of their castes. There are also many natives of Arabic descent, besides the Portugese [Portuguese], Dutch and English. Our photo, taken on the spot, represents the Singer Manufacturing Company’s employees in their national costume, The Company have offices in all the principal cities, and sell a large number of machines.” One of four cards not included in the set at PH 2359.
The correct spelling – S E W I N G .
Thanks Nelson.
Wonderful colours used on this image.
Two sewing machines : one for the woman and one for the man ( !?). What does it mean ? 19°century Singhalese were more modern than 21° century westerners ?
The most amazing thing is that my family still owns a Singer machine like that.
I have that same postcard and 18 others from around the world. Do you know who buys them?