Posted 2 years ago
Nicki629
(3 items)
I inherited this sewing machine from my grandmother many years ago. I'm looking for more information about it now. I know very little about it but it's been well kept and I believe it still works! I've found some similar models but none like this one yet. I know it's a singer sewing machine series k43--- but I'm not sure what that means
Hi, Nicki629. :-)
What I can tell is that this is a vibrating shuttle sewing machine (because of the trapezoidal access panel, the circular needle plate and the split slide plates):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Singer.Model27.IdentificationGuide.jpg
It also appears to have a low mounted bobbin winder, so that probably means that it's either a model 27 or 28.
If the serial number begins with "K43," (I can't readl that serial number at all), then we have two possible serial number blocks:
*snip*
K- 12401 43000 27 30600 January 16 1902
K- 394001 434000 27 40000 August 15 1902
*snip*
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-k-series-serial-numbers.html
FYI, none of the serial number blocks destined for model 28 machines had the right ranges, so your machine is a model 27 (the model 28 is just a three quarters size model 27).
The allotment dates for both of those blocks are in 1902, so we can pin it down to a single year.
About Singer's family of vibrating shuttle machines:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/28
Your face plate looks like "Scrolls" (Simanco 8210):
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/gallery_faceplates
I couldn't find your decal set in any of the major collections:
http://needlebar.org/nbwiki/index.php/Singer_Machine_Decoration
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/gallery_decals
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/decals/domestic-decals.html
Your treadle cabinet looks like Cabinet Table No. 5:
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/5-6_cab.html
Here is a manual for Singer model 27:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1250568/Singer-27.html
All of the K serial number machines save those annotated in the notes as "Montreal" were made at the Elizabethport factory. About that 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/
In case I'm forgetting something, here is my collection of vintage sewing machine links:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/285089-help-for-vintage-sewing-machines
However, it's a lot to sift through, so if you have questions, you can just ask them here in a comment.
Hi again, Nicki629. :-)
In looking at this machine more closely, I began to notice some peculiarities.
One is that the sewing machine head casting has a rather angular quality. Compare yours with this other Singer model 27 serial number K464168 from 1902:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/12395-1902-singer-model-k464-168-and-accessories
That casting has a smooth, rounded shape, which was quite typical of Singers from that era. I don't think I've ever seen a Singer model 27 sewing machine head casting that's angular like yours.
Then there's the cabinet table. Compare yours with this Singer Cabinet Table No. 5:
Aside from the ornamentation on the center drawer looking a bit different, the drawer itself has very straight lines and is of the tip-out variety.
Yours doesn't look like a tip-out. Does it swing out from one side on a pivot point?
Also, the hinges that attach the sewing machine head to the cabinet look loose.
Finally, the treadle irons are interesting. Not all Singer treadle irons have the company name in the middle, but the general shape of them doesn't look typical for Singer. Does the Singer name or logo appear anywhere on the irons?
It's a puzzling machine and I'd like to see more pictures of it, such as a clear picture of the undercarriage and one of the back side. While you're at it, a picture of the full front of the machine would be nice.
You could make another post and I'd link them to each other in their comments sections.
Hello,maybe that's a Standard treadle frame,very similar too mine.
Hi, toadofthecape. :-)
You're quite right. It doesn't look like you've posted your Standard treadle, but here are a couple that have been posted on CW S&T over the years:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/267987-what-year-model-stardard-machine-is-this
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/277837-sewing-machine
While I'm at it, I see that I failed to post a link for the Singer treadle I described the other day ( >8-0 ), so I'll do it now:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/163463-this-was-going-to-get-thrown-out
It does seem possible that the vintage sewing machine head in this post might have been installed in its current cabinet some time after it left the factory.
Although the wood immediately surrounding the head is a good match for the rest of the cabinet, those hinge pins tilted at an odd angle suggest at the very least that the sewing machine head has been removed from the cabinet at some point.
One more little odd detail is the front slide plate which doesn't seem to match the rear slide plate.
The rear one does look like a Singer, because it has the typical 'finger nail' style indentation, e.g.:
https://www.bonanza.com/items/like/446209738/Singer-27-Front-Slide-Plate-8297-Good-Working-Condition
However, not only is the front slide plate shinier, it's pierced with an elliptical hole, e.g.:
https://www.amazon.com/Front-Plates-Singer-Sewing-Machine/dp/B07VBJ9N69/ref=asc_df_B07VBJ9N69/
It's not at all unusual for slide plates to get replaced and sometimes replaced with slide plates of a different manufacture.
However, what I keep coming back to is the peculiar angularity of the horizontal arm on the sewing machine head casting. That's why I'd like to see a picture of the underside.
It's probably too much to hope that we'd see an elaborately embossed manufacturer's name like on this 1888 Singer model 15:
https://d33wubrfki0l68.cloudfront.net/e55ad0774d2eb51fa0813940a456db9c03d20c38/89bb1/images/15k-05-360x240.jpg
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/15
It's possible that there is nothing, like this 1906 Singer model 27 (serial number H559870):
https://images.bonanzastatic.com/afu/images/5813/797d/7e4c_10500138015/__57.jpg
https://www.bonanza.com/items/like/1077745559/singer-sewing-machine-1900s-
Nicki629, I'd still like to see some more pictures of your grandmother's sewing machine.
Some suggestions for the new pictures:
1. One clear, unobstructed picture of the full front side of the machine including the treadle cabinet
2. One clear, unobstructed picture of the full back side of the machine including the treadle cabinet
3. One clear, unobstructed picture of the sewing machine head underside
4. One clear closeup picture of the serial number
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/309283-1902-1906-singer-sewing-machine
Thanks for all the information! It's been a lot to sort through. I apologise for the quality of the pictures, the lighting in that room is not the best. Here's a link to a few new pics as requested.
To answer some of the questions
Yes, it does actually work. The belt would need to be tightened but it's completely functional
The drawer on the front does pull out, not tip open
I'm sure there were other questions that I'm forgetting, I don't mind being asked again.
The pictures do not do justice. I've cleaned up the old lady and the details are amazing. I wish I could add more than 4 photos