This book-sewing machine was manufactured in Hartford by the company Smyth. The company was founded in 1882, shortly after its founder, David McConnell Smyth received his first patent. The No. 3 model of the Smyth book sewing machine was the company’s first resounding success. It sped up book production and became one of the most popular book-sewing machines in the industry. The No. 12 model, which we have here at the Museum, went on the market in 1928. It was distinctive from earlier models because it uses straight needles instead of curved ones, which sped up the process of binding a book even more.