Circular hosiery loom

This loom, offered by Buxtorf, was designed for exhibition rather than industrial use (looms at the time were secured to factory ceilings rather than mounted on brackets). It reveals the sophistication of machine manufacturers in Troyes, the capital of the undergarment industry in the late 19th century. An electrical automatic disengagement device and a twin-wheel system allowed the operator to vary the fabric's textures and stitches. The loom gave knit jersey characteristics that rivalled the finest woollen cloth on the market. The fabric was used to make not just undergarments but also apparel for horse-riding, rowing, cycling, boxing and other sports that were growing in popularity at the time.