Posted 7 years ago
Krystinadown
(1 item)
We discovered this by the dumpster in our apartment complex. I am very interested in learning more about this machine and learning to use it. If I understand right it was made November 1938. I've wanted a machine for years but could never afford one. The machine seems to work at least some. When I treadle it, it turns the rope/wheel and does movement with the sewing area.
Yay, it's another backfill! };-)
Serial number AF097988 was one of a block of 35,000 serial numbers alotted to the Elizabethport factory. The model 15 into the bed of which that serial number was stamped likely rolled off of the assembly line some time between November 21 1938 (the allotment date of its block), and April 12, 1939 (the allotment date of the next block of serial numbers intended for model 15 sewing machine heads:
*snip*
AF- 091806 126805 15 35000 November 21 1938
AF- 198506 223505 15 25000 April 12 1939
*snip*
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-af-series-serial-numbers.html
*snip*
ELIZABETHPORT
AF series 1935 1938
AF series 1938 1941
*snip*
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_dating_by_serial_number.html
About the model 15:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/15
The specific submodel looks like the 15-86 (spoked hand wheel, and stitch length lever on a rectangular plate):
http://needlebar.org/main/15chart/
One of the interesting features of this particular model 15-86 is that it appears to have the RAF decal set:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/decals/decal06
That's interesting, because this sewing machine head was not made at Singer's Kilbowie factory.
Another interesting feature is the cabinet. I can't figure out exactly what model it is. It's a wooden-legged treadle which indicates that it's some of the newer treadles. That by itself isn't all that unusual.
However, while it's a drop head, the cabinet top doesn't look like a drop leaf. There are no side drawers, but the sole compartment looks deep.
It's almost like somebody cobbled together parts of different cabinets.
Anyway, I couldn't find any free soft copies of a manual for a Singer 15-86, so here's the generic one:
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/ha-1-ib-wgh-instruction-manual.pdf
About the Elizabethport factory:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/elizabethport
https://www.ericwilliamsblog.com/left-behind-in-elizabeth-the-singer-manufacturing-company-part-1/
https://www.ericwilliamsblog.com/left-behind-in-elizabeth-the-singer-manufacturing-company-part-2/