• Identifying Singer Sewing Machine Models

To find out when your machine was built, call Singer toll-free at 1-800-474-6437 or visit the Singer Machine Serial Numbers: One Letter Prefix or Two Letter Prefix page. Have the machine's serial number handy. You can find it stamped on the right side of the machine. Singer can use this information to tell you the year your machine was produced.

Singer Sewing Machine Company: A Brief HistoryIn 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 stitchingSurging PopularityBy 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 MotorsAs 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 MachinesSinger 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. 1851The 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 were designed to be set up on the packing crate that they were shipped in. 1856The was the first machine designed for home use.

It had a rocking treadle and a driving wheel. 1859machine improved upon the Turtleback. The foot treadle was wider and easier to use. 1865machine was released in 1865. This machine had a lockstitch and an adjustable feed. It was black with a gold scroll design on the machine. 1867Singer 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. 1908The 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. 1921Singer 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. 1933The 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.

1939In 1939 Singer introduced the. These are considered by many collectors to be the best machines that Singer ever produced. The machines sewed seams smoothly, with little vibration 1941-1947The 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. 1949The Model 95 was introduced in 1949.

This machine could produce 4,000 stitches in 60 seconds. 1949The 301 was the first slant shank and needle machine. It had a vertical, side-loading rotary hook and an aluminum body.

Identifying Singer Sewing Machine Models

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. 1952Singer introduced the 206 model. It was the first domestic zigzag sewing machine.

Where to Buy Antique SingersBecause 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, 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 adsUsing Antique Singer Sewing MachinesMany 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 is missing, you can often get another at theWhether 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.