Posted 4 years ago
bbroom74
(1 item)
Found in my parents loft , believed to be 1945 by the serial number. Not sure what to do with it. Any advice. Don't think it works.
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Hi, bbroom74. :-)
I suspect that you're right on the mark with that 1945 vintage. The serial number looks like "ED361325," which would put in this block of serial numbers:
*snip*
ED- 360252 365251 99K 5000 August 1 1945
*snip*
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-ed-series-serial-numbers.html
You didn't provide a picture of the front of the machine which would have made it easier to verify whether it is indeed a model 99K, but we'll go with that for now.
About the model 99:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/99k
The "K" in the model name simply means that it was made at Singer's Kilbowie factory:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/kilbowie
The decal set is interesting because of that central 'starburst' pattern, but it looks like it could be a variation on "Filigree":
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/decals/decal04
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/decals/domestics/filigree.html
A manual for the model 99:
http://needlebar.org/main/sident/99.pdf
Sorry, I can't really advise you on what to do with your machine. Those old cast iron sewing machines were built to last, and sometimes all they need is a good cleaning and lubrication.
I'm out of time at the moment, but here are some vintage sewing machine resources for you:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/285089-vintage-sewing-machine-help
Now that I have a bit more time: it looks as though the slide plate is missing. Modern replacements for that are available:
https://www.vintagesingerparts.com/collections/singer-model-99-parts/products/singer-bobbin-cover-part-32569-fits-model-66-66-1-66-16-99-99k-185-192-285
They have bobbins as well:
https://www.vintagesingerparts.com/collections/singer-model-99-parts/products/10-metal-bobbins-class-66-singer-part-172222
If you want to attempt cleaning and lubricating your vintage sewing machine, here is some good, basic advice:
https://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachineshop/cleaningmachines/cleaningmachines.html
FYI, it looks as though your machine is a hand-crank, and those are experiencing a renewal of interest, because they don't need electricity to work.
Some detailed help on cleaning a Singer model 99, including a caveat about the felt lubrication wick:
https://mermaidsden.com/blog/2016/07/21/vintage-99k-singer-sewing-machine-1922-cleaning-restoring-adding-hand-crank