Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I Have No Excuse

1950 Singer 201-2

Commissioned June 13, 1950

Serial Number AJ704083

13037 of 25000


Every time I find myself rescuing another vintage sewing machine, I always say… “I can justify this one because it’s so…unique, or well designed, or an antique, or has a great cabinet, or it will be orphaned, or I don't have one like this, or, or, or something!”


Well today the justifying excuse was “It’s a Singer 201! - renowned among Singer enthusists as the best Singer Machine ever produced!” This little baby even had the little potted motor on the back, an AJ serial number with an Elizabeth, New Jersey linage, and a birthdate of 1950. No attachments, but I only paid $25.


I clearly have a problem. I don’t know where I’ll put this one. I don’t need another Straight Stitcher!!!! I can’t justify the sewing I do on the ones I already have, much less another one. This one also came in a cabinet - something else I don’t need. All the same, I feel so blessed to be the new owner of this sweet treasure.

Monday, April 25, 2011

1908 Singer 66 w/ Lotus Decals

Another buy at the Auction House, but this time, it's an Antique - the first in my collection of otherwise vintage sewing machines. 1908 Singer 66 w/ Lotus Decals

Commissioned #4553 of 15000

August 11, 1908

Elizabeth, NJ

Paid $30

I'm not holding my breath on how valuable it is - after all, it is not museum piece - but for 103 years old, I think she's holding up pretty well. She was obviously used extensively before being retired to a barn or basement. Her bed decals are rather worn, but face looks pretty good.

This model still bears the rear mounting presser foot bar. She didn't come with any feet other than the straight stitch foot, and it appears her Westinghouse motor was added to "electrolize" her at some later date. What is still intact is her spoked wheel and I'm considering making her a handcrank.
Her portable cabinet is really old, though, I'm not sure if it is an original. It would require some work to get it in shape, also.
For now, she has to be cleaned up, so I'll post photos of her complete redo.

Singer 99

Why do I have this attraction to sewing machines that no one else wants? The only reason I can give is "They are so cute!", and they sew like a dream!



1927 Singer 99

Commissioned 3494 of 15,000

August 29, 1927

Elizabeth, NJ

Serial Number AB793120



Here is my latest rescue from the auction house. A Singer 99 Straight Stitch Sewing Machine that no one else wanted. I paid all of $5.00 (Plus 10 % buyers premium and 6% MD State Sales Tax!) What a great buy! The first Singer 99 I was offered would have cost me $40!!!


This little sweetie has been cleaned up, although I'm not sure why there appears to be a film on the paint. She has had a kerosene bath, a good oiling, the motor reinstalled and the decreped controller/plug assembly rewired.


It needs a place in the basement so I can use her. She doesn't have a reverse lever, but she is precious. I can't wait to give her a workout!