First and foremost if you aquire a vintage Singer you can go to the Singer website and look up the serial number (if your machine happens to have one). When I looked up my serial number I found out that my machine is a Model number 66. There are several sub numbers after the primary model number and after a little research I found out that mine is a 66-16. She does need a little repair but after DH looked it over, he thinks he can do it. It does run, the light works. The cabinet is in rough shape but can probably be fixed too. We are not sure that the cabinet was original with the machine and if we can't fix it they are relatively cheap to buy. This machine is HEAVY! The body is made out of cast iron!! The gold gilding on it is in mint condition too. It really is a beautiful machine!
Here is a little bit of what I have found on it's history:
The 66 was one of the most expensive sewing machines on the market in its time but it was a workhorse, sewing nearly any fabric. It used a smooth, oscillating hook that utilized a simple threading technique. Experienced seamstresses and sewing machine aficionados to this day agree that this machine had a perfect stitch. It was produced in three formats:
- Hand
- Treadle
- Electric
Singer has a website set up for you to look up your Singer machine. Mine was made in 1953 in Elizabethport New Jersey. Serial number is AL637317.
So there you have it. I was hoping it was a 201, preported to be the BEST sewing machine ever made, but I think she is beautiful in her own right. I may keep looking for a 201 and I would love a Featherweight 221. Did you know a Featherweight is made out of aluminum? That's why it is so light! If anyone has one they need to re-home, just let me know!
I hope you have enjoyed this little bit of Singer history! I have to go and sew now so I can post some photos for you all later! ~XOP~
9 comments:
My mother's Singer sewing machine (1930s) weighed a TON... the only thing heavier was the cabinet! My youngest sister has it now and it still works like a charm.
Sew Many Ways posted today about a wood restorer that worked wonders on her dining table. Here's the URL: http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/04/revitalize-wood-table.html
I wish I had know someone else looking for a Featherweight when I got mine; I had a choice between two and they were both in great condition. It's great your husband is interested and capable of working on you little Singer!
Ohh you lucky lady I have always wanted one of these...and from what I hear they sew like a dream... and how lucky your hubby is a willing fixer upper
It really is a lovely machine! I want one in a treadle, lol. I'd LOVE to have a featherweight - someday I'll find one!
I had a good feeling about this...I'm sure you won't be sorry about the purchase... I can't wait to see pictures! My brain just seems to get out of "parked gear" when it sees pictures.
hugZ,
annie
I know how excited you must be. I found a Featherweight in an antique/junque mall and got it for $50. I spent that much again to get it cleaned and working but it is in perfect condition and I love it. Have fun with your new lady.
A Featherweight is on my wish list, too...I'll keep on looking! Good luck to all!
It's great that Singer keeps all this great information on their site.
Crispy
Looks similar to my mothers machine I learned to sew on. It was electric, have no idea what happened to it, just know she no longer has it. Bummer.
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