The Division of Textiles at the National Museum of American History has a
collection of historic sewing machines and photographs of many of them. I
suggest you call Barbara Suit at (202) 357-1889 or write to her c/o
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. I don't *think* she is on
Bitnet/Internet.
 
National Museum of African Art          (202) 357-4600 ext. 240
Smithsonian Institution                     FAX  (202) 357-4879
Washington, D.C. 20560                     [log in to unmask]