Posted 4 years ago
Cjstinnett
(1 item)
Is my memory correct that my Grandfather added a Singer motor and light to this machine because the treadle still moves but is not connected to it?
Treadle Singer Sewing Machine | ||
| Singer Sewing Machines116 of 701 |  |  |
Hi, Cjstinnett. Beautiful. :-)
So you recall that your grandfather added a motor to this sewing machine, huh?
Unfortunately, I have no real way of determining whether your machine was originally made as a manual and converted.
While Singer does have a record for the serial number associated with your machine (AA072902), it merely indicates that all of the serial numbers (040701 through 075700) in that 35,000 block of numbers were allocated September 23, 1924 to the Elizabethport factory, and were destined to be stamped into the beds of model 66 machines (no minor model is given, although minor model numbers are occasionally given in the serial number tables):
*snip*
AA- 040701 075700 66 35000 September 23 1924
*snip*
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-aa-series-serial-numbers.html
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_dating_by_serial_number.html
If you look at the chart in the article below about the model 66, and check off the features your machine currently possesses besides the motor (side-clamping presser foot, spoked [balance] wheel, cam bobbin winder, screw stitch length adjuster), I think we could eliminate models 66-1 and 66-3, because both of those came with back-clamping presser feet. Of course, that's something that can also be converted, albeit not all that easily.
I could be a model 66-4, but that came with a motor already installed. It could have been a 66-5, but then it not only would have had to have a motor installed, but the hand crank removed, and been installed in a cabinet. It could have been one of the other minor models, and had the balance wheel changed from from solid to spoked (this strikes me as unlikely):
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/66
If your grandfather converted it, he did a very professional job, even going to the trouble of procuring an official Simanco motor (I can't quite read the model number, but it is Simanco):
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/motors
Perhaps an experienced mechanic or vintage sewing machine enthusiast might be able to determine whether the machine has been modified with a physical inspection of the machine.
Off hand, though, I'd say to trust your memory. :-)
However, let me back up a bit, and ask for clarification on something. Are you saying that the treadle foot mechanism moves automatically when the machine is in use, or just that it moves freely if you press on the foot plate?
Anyway, while I'm at it, let me give you a few more links:
The famous Red Eye decal set (only ever applied to model 66 machines, and only used at U.S. Singer factories):
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/decals/decal10
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/
Your cabinet (Cabinet Table No. 2):
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/cabinet_table_no_2-3.html
Some operator manuals:
(The first link is for the 66-1, but the only real difference is that back-clamping presser foot)
https://archive.org/details/Singer661Manual
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-model-66-sewing-machine-manual.pdf
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-model-66-18-sewing-machine-manual.pdf
Hi again, Cjstinnett. :-)
It does seem fairly intuitive that your machine has been modified in some way, because a motorized sewing machine head doesn't need to be installed in a treadle cabinet.
However, another possibility is that your grandfather had a portable installed into a treadle cabinet.
Why do that? Because at around 30 pounds, a Singer model 66 can indeed be portable, but it isn't exactly enjoyable to lug around.
Perhaps your grandfather converted it from a portable, because a treadle cabinet was available, and your family had the room for it?
Anyway, here is a more comprehensive list of model 66 minor variations (you have to scroll down to get to the model 66 section):
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/classes-1-99.html