Posted 3 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
I think I'm gonna like my new neighbors...in initial introductions/welcomes while they're still very much in process of 'moving in', this interesting SINGER machine apparently became their (then) newest example joining two others. (and then #4 came out of the back of their SUV a week later...?!!) They even seem to enjoy my outdoor collection of rusty junk, road signs, and blinkielights -- reacting enthusiastically when I was unloading my recent truckful of RxR crossing parts and (carefully?!) sharing my plan to build my own crossing signal setup on the patio out back.
But anyways. I'm guessing (without actual knowledge) this machine is some variety of reproduction. Its cabinet is obviously made of MDF with 'simulated wood veneer' and it lacks the typical serial number plate on its bed -- also, its mechanical parts underneath are all made with the word "SINGER" marked on them instead of serial or part numbers, albeit in the same places I believe those markings should be. That UPC barcode label is also *way wrong* for an old machine unless it is spurious, I have no idea about its decal set.
SO, since we all have a resident SINGER (++) sewing machine expert here at CW S&T (HI, keramikos!) I volunteered to snap a couple pics and put them up, to see what any of y'all would think about it. Any fun tidbits that result will be gladly shared, including whether or not my guesswork about it could be accurate -- who knows, could I possibly actually be *learning something* by hanging around in here so much??? <LOLOL> ;-) :-) :-) :-)
AnythingObscure, More like the resident information junkie. };-)
So, an interesting variation on the Singer clone. The maker went to quite a bit of trouble to emulate/simulate a Singer model 15, sans serial number. Conspicuous by its absence is the little bronze color serial number cartouche that would normally be in front of the pillar on the machine bed.
'Nostalgia' Singer model 15 machines are not unheard of. Not sure if this one is one of these:
*snip*
From the mid 1970’s what are often referred to as ‘Nostalgia’ model 15’s were made in Taiwan and then later in China. These were made to the same design as earlier machines with the traditional black cast iron bodies and with the RAF or Sphinx decals etc. They were even supplied in the old style bentwood cases or treadle tables.
The machines built at the Singer factory in Taiwan were identified by the model No. 15NL. The Chinese made 15CH179 is a current model being sold into various African and Asian countries. Although these machine look like the originals, there are subtle differences and they have a poor reputation of being lower quality machines that tend to be very noisy in use.
*snip*
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/15
FYI, if I'm reading that bar code right, "1596028195 turned up nothing. I'd be interested whether anything can be discerned in that boss underneath the bar code sticker. That actually looks like prime real estate for a serial number.
I can't quite make out the name in the "MADE BY" string in the middle of the underside.
All in all, interesting.
So, are you going to show your new neighbors your surprise Singer (the one with the Singer 403A installed in the deluxe Cabinet Table No. 5)?:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/298201-singer-sewing-machine-surprise
Whoops, I see I'm falling down on the job. };-)
Yes, you're right, that decal set would essentially be what's known as the Sphinx AKA Memphis. It indeed was used on Singer model 15 machines, and is available to this day as replacement sets:
https://www.singerdecals.com/search.php?search_query=sphinx
The cabinet they're imitating is Cabinet Table No. 2, Plain with Five Drawers:
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/cabinet_table_no_2-3.html
And the missing serial number cartouche could even be legitimate-looking, as the Singer model 15-110 didn't have it:
*snip*
The 15K110 introduced dropping feed dogs, which were operated by a switch located around the bobbin winding spool pin on the front corner of the bed. On these models the serial number is located on the underside of the bed instead of the previous position by the spool pin.
*snip*
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/15
AnythingObscure, I see I already linked your 'surprise' machine on this post, but here they are again (it's the Singer 403A retroactively installed in Singer's most elaborate cabinet):
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/298201-singer-sewing-machine-surprise
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/298468-my-singer-model-403-a-dimensions-numbers