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- Old Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number
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- 1920 Singer Sewing Machine
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Although they are often found at garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales with very low price tags, there are several models of antique Singer sewing machines that are highly sought after by collectors. These beautiful pieces of sewing history are popular with antiques collectors and sewing enthusiasts alike.
Identifying Antique Singer Sewing Machines
Because of the many technological changes Singer introduced over the years, examining the serial number on any Singer will reveal the time period in which the machine was produced. To identify and date your sewing machine, look up the serial number on a chart like the free one in this article.
- Antique Singer Sewing Machine Value
- History of Treadle Sewing Machines
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Singer Sewing Machine Company: A Brief History
In the early 1850s, Isaac Merritt Singer inventing the first really practical sewing machine of the times. Instead of a circular shuttle movement and a horizontally angled needle, the Singer machine used a straight needle that worked vertically. This made it comparatively easy to use and inexpensive to produce, and 'Singer' rapidly became a household name in sewing.
Over the following decades, Singer continued developing his improved sewing machine to include the following features:
- A traverse shuttle
- An eye-pointed straight needle
- A presser foot
- An overhanging arm
- A support table
- A slot for a roughened feed wheel
- Gear operation
- Lock stitching
Surging Popularity
By 1863, the Singer Manufacturing Company held 22 patents and sold 20,000 sewing machines yearly. Within eight years, the yearly sales reached 180,000 sewing machines, which included their New Family machines released for sale in 1865.
Introduction of Electric Motors
As the leader of the sewing machine industry, the Singer Company introduced the first practical sewing machine powered by an electrical motor in 1889. Within two years, commercial sewing machines were being sold powered by electric motors. By this time, the company also was producing commercial zigzag sewing machines.
Important Singer Sewing Machines
Singer sewing machines were constantly improved and updated. Since the first machines were produced in the 1950s, thousands were sold to eager consumers. The beautiful cabinets, well-made machines, and practical improvements made Singer sewing machines a must for the average household. In fact, the quality of these early machines is so good that there are still many Singer treadle sewing machines in use today.
1851
Old Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number
The first Singer sewing machine was patented in 1851. It was the first rigid-arm model and included a table to support the cloth. A vertical presser foot kept the cloth in place during the upstroke of the needle. Most importantly, the machine was the first to have a foot pedal instead of a hand crank. These first machines were designed to be set up on the packing crate that they were shipped in.
1856
The Turtleback was the first machine designed for home use. It had a rocking treadle and a driving wheel.
1859
The Letter A machine improved upon the Turtleback. The foot treadle was wider and easier to use.
1865
The New Family machine was released in 1865. This machine had a lockstitch and an adjustable feed. It was black with a gold scroll design on the machine.
1867
Singer made a modification to the New Family machine with its 'Medium' sewing machine, released in 1867. It had more room under the arm, which made it easier for the seamstress to manipulate large amounts of fabric.
1908
The Singer Class 66 model was a treadle machine. Later Class 66 models had a motor and numbered tension dial added. The 66 is easily identified by the 'red eye' decals decorating it.
1921
Singer introduced the model 99 electric sewing machine. It was the first portable electric machine and included a bolted on electric light so that the work was easier to see.
1933
The Featherweight, model 221, was introduced at the Chicago World's Fair. This beautiful machine was black with a scrollwork faceplate and gold decals. It included a chrome-rimmed handwheel and a stitch regulator plate. If you can find one in its original case and with the accessories, it will be worth more than just the machine.
1939
In 1939 Singer introduced the 201 and 201K. These are considered by many collectors to be the best machines that Singer ever produced. The machines sewed seams smoothly, with little vibration
1941-1947
The Singer Blackside was manufactured during the years of World War II. It was called Blackside because all of the parts, including the cover over the light bulb, were painted black.
1949
The Model 95 was introduced in 1949. This machine could produce 4,000 stitches in 60 seconds.
Singer Serial Numbers Identification
1949
The 301 was the first slant shank and needle machine. It had a vertical, side-loading rotary hook and an aluminum body. While it was similar to the 201, there were some differences as well. The feed dogs drop and it had a marked needle throat plate.
1952
Singer introduced the 206 model. It was the first domestic zigzag sewing machine.
Old Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number Look Up
Where to Buy Antique Singers
Because of their popularity and durability, finding antique Singers is relatively easy. If you're looking for a specific model, you may need to do some extra searching. Depending on the model and condition, Singer sewing machine values can vary dramatically from about $50 to upwards of $500.
Some of the best sources for finding a vintage Singer machine include the following:
- Estate sales
- Auctions
- Flea markets
- Classified ads
1920 Singer Sewing Machine
Using Antique Singer Sewing Machines
Many of even the oldest Singer sewing machines are still in use because they were made to last. Unlike machines of today, these old machine were made of heavy duty materials and easily replaced parts. If the instruction manual is missing, you can often get another at the Singer website.
Sewing Machine Serial Number Database
Whether you treasure antique Singer sewing machines because they bring back nostalgic memories of years past, are historically significant, or simply beautify your home, you're not alone. Each one, regardless of its commonness or rarity, held a valued place in a home of yesteryear.