Sew Gem 215

Sew Gem 215
This machine model was one of the last truly American sewing machines produced. Also manufactured in a light green color. It was manufactured by Gellman Manufacturing Company of Rock Island, Ill, being the invention of Charles H Petskeyes who took out six patents for the machine's loop taker, rotary hook mechanism, low cost simplified stitch length regulator with reverse from 1949 to 1955. Warren Hanson's thread guide patent was granted in 1954.

Sincere's History of the Sewing Machine said the machine showed a lack of anything different, yet the authors were not to know that Petskeyes' patents were later cited in patents by Borletti, Pfaff, Singer, Electrolux, Necchi, Strobel and Bernina.

The rotary hook movement is on the right of the needle and the machine is driven by a chain. Perhaps the idea for this came from Petskeyes' earlier patent for a Pusher Conveyer (see diagram), for Gellman Manufacturing were heavily involved in paper wrapping and handling means for bread wrapping machines (known as Producer Synchromatic Wrapper & Slicer). In 1961 the company was involved in a court case involving supplying their bread machines to the government.

Previously the company, under the leadership of Israel C Gellman, became known for adjustable wrenches, often known as Polly wrenches.