I found this at an antique store over the weekend. The Perfect Pinker Model 1000. This vintage sewing tool cuts through fabric leaving a beautiful pinked edge.
It works like scissors, but instead of using traditional scissor blades it uses a smooth rolling wheel that the pinking blade pushes against. Fabric is placed between the wheel and pinker blade. While using short scissor like motions the fabric will self-feed.
Manufactured by the Metropolitan Cutlery Company, the Perfect Pinker is also stamped with Crane Brand, A Florian Product and has two cranes facing each other. Patent number 2174222 was issued in 1939.
The instruction booklet says Metropolitan Cutlery Company was established in 1835 in New York, NY. The booklet also serves as an advertisement for other Met Co products such as cuticle nippers, nail files, clipper, tweezers, manicure scissors, dressmaking scissors, and hair cutting shears.
They measure approx. 7" L x 3"W x 1” thick. They are fairly hefty in weight. My research indicates they may have been manufactured in the 1950’s which makes sense with the black enamel paint. Aside from a couple scratches, the paint is in great condition and very shiny. Both the original box and instruction manual are in great condition also.
The inventor, Berkeley Julian Florian, was an inventor and manufacturer. He also held patents for folding scissors, folding wheelbarrow, and two-headed hammer. Berkeley was born in New York City, lived in Plantsville, CT (where the Perfect Pinkers were manufactured) and Florida. He also was a builder in CT and developed Forian Isles in Dania Beach, FL. He passed away in September 30, 2004 at the age of 98.
Except during WWII, the pinkers were manufactured by the family until 2007. In 2013, Overall Manufacturing received the rights to manufacture, repair and sell the Florian Rotary Pinkers. They cost over $100 new, with shipping.
When I saw this in a locked case at the antique store, I knew I had to add it to my vintage sewing collection. Only $4.50! Not only is it a cool tool, it works great so I can use it when I need a pinked edge. I have to say it works much better than the more modern pinking shears I own.
Until next time,
Well those are really neat. I have never seen anything like these before.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful find! My mother-in-law gave me her pinking shears but they need a good sharpening now. Such a clean edge these give you!
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