Sewing Machine Sperm Oil

Sperm whale oil is very light and fine, and it has a low freezing point. As a result, it was used to lubricate fine machinery such as clocks, watches, and sewing machines from colonial times into the 20th century.

ID Number:

2007.0084.1

Maker:

Donnell Company

Place Made:

St. Louis, Missouri

Material:

glass, cork, paper

Date:

1870-1880

Dimensions:

5 x 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 in.; 12.7 x 4.445 x 3.175 cm

Source:

Gift-Jackson Fund