If you are a home sewer, it is most likely that you are well aware of the name Singer, or you may have seen your mother or grandmother using an old Singer sewing machine when you were younger.
In case you are willing to know more about this well-known brand, there are a lot of things to learn about the Singer Sewing Machine Antique, its models, value, and history.
This article will let you know more about how the brand, Singer, got its start; the name and production year of some of its models, and how much you may have to pay for purchasing a Singer Sewing Machine Antique.
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History Of Singer Sewing Machines
Singer sewing machines were first sold in 1850. I.M. Singer and Co. were founded by Isaac Merritt Singer in 1850.
Rather than inventing the first domestic sewing machine, he developed modifications to a design that was already patented. Singer designed and patented amazing modifications to the accepted design.
Singer marketed the requirement of sewing machines in every home, along with making the machine affordable for the average person by launching an installment payment plan for the machines.
The business model of the company was helpful to reach success.
They constantly developed more accessible and portable sewing machine models.
Over the years, I.M, Singer and Co. turned into Singer Manufacturing company and ultimately, the Singer Company. The company was able to dominate the sewing market all around the world for a century, from its beginning in 1851 up until the 1950s.
In the early 20th century, greater innovations in sewing machine design were noticed, which also include the invention of the very first electric-powered domestic sewing machine.
In 1934, at the Chicago World Fair, the Featherweight 221 model which had aluminum parts experienced massive sales.
After World War 2, the increased competition from both the European and Japanese manufacturers caused Singer to lose its top position in the market.
However, Singer remained one of the most popular sewing machine manufacturing companies, even today.
Models Of Singer Sewing Machine
Here is a list of some popular models of Singer sewing machines –
| Singer Sewing Machine Model Name | Production Year |
|---|---|
| Turtleback | 1856-59 |
| ‘Letter A’ Family | 1859-65 |
| ‘New Family’ or ‘Fiddlebase’ | 1865-1902 |
| Industrial Flying Dutchman | 1880-1890 |
| Class 15 | 1895-1957 |
| 9W1, 9W2, 9W3, 9W4, 9W5 | 1906-1908 |
| 9W7, 9W8, 9W9, 9W10 | 1909-1913 |
| Class 127 | 1912-1941 |
| Class 101 | 1920-1937 |
| Class 221 ‘Featherweight’ | 1933-1960 |
| Class 201 | 1935-1964 |
| 221K | 1947-1957 |
| 306 | 1954 |
| 320K | 1956-1962 |
| 401 ‘Slant-O-Matic’ | 1958-1960 |
| 401-A | 1957-1960 |
| 221K7 | 1968-1970 |
| 160M | 1974 |
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How Old Is My Sewing Machine?
If you want to find out in which year your sewing machine was produced, you will have to look for the model number on the machine. This number should be inscribed on your sewing machine in multiple areas.
Here are some places where the model numbers can generally be found, depending on the year the sewing machine is made –
- Below the handwheel
- Below the stitch length controller
- On the front panel above the needle
- On a small metal plate on the front
After spotting the model number, type the number into the search bar of Singer’s website for finding out the sewing manual and other valuable information. Or, you can Google the number and find out the year of manufacturing. The serial number can also be utilized for this purpose.
Singer Sewing Machine Serial Numbers
Apart from a model number, each Singer sewing machine consists of a serial number. In some cases, these numbers can be found in the same places as the model numbers.
For instance, the old machines are likely to have these numbers inscribed on a metal plate at the front; and for the newer models, the numbers are often placed near the on/off switch or under the machine.
The serial numbers can be utilized as an identifier for determining the model number, the age of the machine, and even it’s worth.
The International sewing Machine Collectors Society issues a database that has all Singer serial numbers. Find the number of your sewing machine in this database and you will be able to know how old the machine is.
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Value of Singer Sewing Machine
Based on the model and its collectibility, a Singer sewing machine can be worth anywhere between 50 USD to 500 USD. In the case of rare collectibles, they can be worth more than 2000 USD.
Generally, the value of a Singer Sewing Machine Antique depends on its production year, condition, and rarity.
Some vintage models can be worth only 50 USD. Machines like Turtleneck, which are more collectible can be sold for more than 1000 USD (occasionally) and 500 USD to 1500 USD in general.
Models which had limited production are often seen to become collector’s items, due to their rarity. It is exactly why the Turtleneck model is valuable in the current antique sewing machine market.
In general, older items value more. A sewing machine produced in 1851 will be more valuable than the one produced in 1980.
Value of Old Singer Sewing Machine in Wood Cabinet
The model number and present condition of an old Singer sewing machine in a wood cabinet significantly affect its value, similar to any other antique sewing machine.
As the sewing machine in wooden cabinets is more likely to be older, its value increases significantly.
Moreover, the condition of the wooden cabinet and the rarity of the sewing machine plays a remarkable role in determining its value. If the sewing machine still runs smoothly, then its value will get higher regardless of its model.
Vintage sewing machines with wooden cabinets can be purchased from eBay at a general price range of 200 USD to 300 USD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where is the serial number of a singer?
In the old machines, the serial numbers can typically be found on the right-hand side on a small metal plate at the front of the machine; and for the newer models, the serial number can be located close to the on/off switch or underneath the machine.
Q2. How much is a Singer Featherweight worth?
A Singer Featherweight sewing machine is generally priced at 400 USD to 600 USD on eBay or in antique stores.
Q3. When did Singer stop making sewing machines?
The Singer did not stop making sewing machines and continued producing different models of sewing machines to date.
Q4. How do you take a sewing machine out of the cabinet?
To take a sewing machine out of its wooden cabinet, follow these steps –
- Lift the sewing machine out of the cabinet and then tilt the machine back.
- You will find two copper hinges located on the underside of the sewing machine.
- Now look carefully and directly above each copper hinge, and you will most likely see individual screws holding the hinges in their place.
- You have to loosen the screws on every hinge. You are not necessarily required to remove the screw completely, as you can just simply loosen them enough so you can lift the machine off the hinges.