Namely, for those with a letter prefix.įor the sewing machines manufactured from 1851 to 1899, there is no list with serial numbers that can be matched with the model numbers, unfortunately. This will work just fine for all post-1900 Singer sewing machines.
If that is the case, refer to the ISMACS database, and use your machine’s serial number to find out its model number. However, many old Singer sewing machines do not have such a plate with the model number. Note that some model numbers can be up to four digits long and sometimes are hyphenated (e.g. T he model number is located on a small plate on the front of the machine (for machines manufactured before 1960). Hopefully, you can find it on the machine. There is one more piece of information you need to know in order to identify your Singer properly. So, now you know how old your sewing machine is. The collectors of antique Singer sewing machines generally agree that this data is correct. Therefore, if you cannot find the serial number of your Singer sewing machine in the ISMACS database, refer to the list below.įigure 1: Singer sewing machine serial numbers 1851 – 1870 “ The Invention Of the Sewing Machine” by Grace Rogers Cooper, Smithsonian Institution, 1968). Luckily, there has been some research done on this matter (e.g. This is because the original serial number logbooks for the time period from 1851 to 1870 were lost.
However, if your sewing machine was manufactured prior to 1871, you will not find the serial number in this database. Now, go to the ISMACS (International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society) Singer sewing machine serial number database, and match it with the serial number on your sewing machine.
If that is the case, use the larger of the two numbers. Note, there can be two serial numbers on your Singer. Secondly, the smaller the serial number the older your machine is (this applies to machines produced before 1900). For all post-1900 machines, there is a one or two-letter prefix before the serial number. First of all, if the serial number consists of numbers only, it means that your Singer was made before 1900. When you locate the serial number of your machine (up to 8 digits), you will immediately be able to find out a few things about it. On the front or side – for machines manufactured starting from the 1960s.
Underneath the machine – for electric machines. On the right hand side of the machine – for treadle/electric machines. On the throat plate or bed of the machine – for treadle/hand crank machines. According to Singer, serial numbers are located as follows: This will reveal the year your Singer was manufactured.
How to Identify Your Old Singer Sewing Machine?įind the serial number of your machine. But first of all, you need to identify it. The two most important aspects that affect the value of an antique sewing machine are its rarity and condition. One of these general rules is that just because it is old does not mean it is desired and collectible. However, there are some general rules that can be applied. If you want to know the exact value of your Singer, it is best of all to evaluate each machine on a case by case basis. Obviously, we won’t be able to discuss them all here. After that, the number of models reaches thousands. In the first hundred years, Singer made approximately 200 different sewing machine models. The history of Singer sewing machines dates back to 1851. Due to the long and rich history, these machines are becoming increasingly popular among collectors and sewing machine enthusiasts.
Singer 99 Variations Setting up a Singer 99K to Sew How to Thread a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s Amazing 1928 Singer 99K-13 (Step up from Featherweight.?) - Introduction and Tutorial PURCHASING SERIES #8: Singer 99: All the Power of a Full Size But With 25 % Less Weight! How to adjust thread tension on a lock-stitch sewing machine Singer 99: How to Wind and Thread Sewing Machine Demonstration | Sewing Machine Showcase 1930 Singer 101-4 Sewing Machine Demonstration What's the difference between a Singer 99, Singer 99K and a Spartan? Also, an Impromptu Contest!! This is "Cute" a Singer Model 99K - "Small but Terrible" I Bought My First Antique Sewing Machine | Unboxing Singer 99-13 Solving Singer Sewing Machine Tensioner Issues 1941 vintage Singer 201 sewing machine converted to a hand crank CLEANING SERIES #1: How to properly clean the painted finishes on a vintage sewing machine.Whether you have inherited an antique Singer sewing machine or want to buy one for your collection, you might wonder how much it is worth.