Olde Tyme Stuffe, 26 Lamartine Street, conducted a recent antiques and collectibles auction featuring rdf_Descriptions from Massachusetts estates.

The surprise of the sale was a Thomson sewing machine in good condition. Thomson was believed to be the first company to produce sewing machines for the masses.

“We were told that [the company] purchased the patent from Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine,” said Denise Fanion, the gallery’s general manager and administrator. “One authority we consulted said that these machines were very rare and difficult to find in good condition.”

The sewing machine came to the block with one phone participant and several bidders in attendance vying for the lot. It opened at $500 and climbed to $4,200, plus buyer’s premium.

According to the gallery, the winner was in attendance and was thrilled with his purchase.