Posted 3 days ago
NickM
(40 items)
Picked up this singer recently. The serial number indicated a model 15. I am looking for the bobbin cover plate and already got one wrong part. Is there more complete info on the model no. Maybe asubmodel 15? I want to make it complete.
Hi, NickM. :-)
Cool vintage sewing machine.
I'm not sure what source you consulted to decode the serial number; however, your Singer isn't a model 15, it's a model 99, so that's why the slide plate didn't fit.
Here are the pertinent serial number blocks in the AB serial number table:
AB- 789626 804625 99 15000 August 29 1927
AB- 913626 928625 99 15000 November 7 1927
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-ab-series-serial-numbers.html
Serial number AB792359 was one of a block of 15,000 consecutive serial numbers (AB789626 through AB804625) allocated August 29, 1927 to a particular Singer factory (in this case, Elizabethport), and intended to be stamped into the beds of model 99 sewing machine heads.
Yours probably rolled off of the assembly line some time between August 29 and November 7, 1927 (the latter date being when the next block of numbers intended for model 99 sewing machine heads was allocated).
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_dating_by_serial_number.html
About the model 99:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/99k
The sub-model is probably the 99-13 or later (I spy a hole for the knee lever in the wooden base on the right-hand side).
Here's a user manual for the 99-13:
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-portable-electric-sewing-machine-manual-99-13.pdf
Your decal pattern is called Filigree:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/decals/decal04
About the Elizabethport factory:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/elizabethport
Here's a parts list for the Singer 99-31, in which the slide plate is called the "32569ZB Oscillating Hook Slide" (the ZB suffix on the SIMANCO part number means "Polished, Nickel Plated, Buffed, and Chromium Plated"):
https://www.supsew.com/download/Singer/Singer%2099-31.pdf
This reputable outfit sells a modern replacement slide plate for the 99:
https://www.vintagesingerparts.com/products/bobbin-cover-slide-plate-part-32569-fits-singer-model-66-99-185-192-285
It's not like the original, but it will fit.
If you want to hold out for an original, you'll need to scrounge around the Internet. Just remember the correct, basic SIMANCO part number: 32569
Here's a handy tool to tuck away, because it will identify quite a few domestic Singer models:
https://www.sandman-collectibles.com/id-singer-machines.htm
And just for grins, here is a circa 1934 documentary filmed at Singer's Kilbowie factory:
https://movingimage.nls.uk/film/1592
I think I've covered it, but if you have any more questions, just ask them here in a comment on your post.
Hi again, NickM. :-)
I was tired and in too much of a hurry yesterday.
I found a parts list for the 99-13 (actually a price list, but please understand that the prices seen in it are merely historical curiosities), which I think is more appropriate for your machine:
https://www.universalsewing.com/assets/site/docs/parts-lists/qi5ss0qj.pdf
It isn't searchable like the PDF files from Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC, but that business doesn't seem to have a parts/price list for the 99-13.
The parts list for the 99-31 shows a lever-style stitch length mechanism, and a foot controller.
The one for the 99-13 shows the thumb screw stitch length mechanism, and a knee controller.
The slide plate for the bobbin compartment (called in the parts lists "Oscillating Hook Slide") is the same for all submodels of the model 99 (SIMANCO 32569); however, you might need something else for your machine, so I think the 99-13 parts/price list is more appropriate.
Thanks for the wealth of information
Now I can obtain the direct part to complete this project. I do have the one controller. I have to get used to that option but it looks like a plan!
NickM, You're welcome. :-)
I did some more noodling around the Net and found a couple of etsy vendors selling what look like original slide and throat/needle plate sets:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1760852885/throat-needle-plate-and-bobbin-slide
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1821604937/vintage-graduated-throat-plate-and-slide
In case you were wondering why the slide plate was missing from your machine, it's actually a very common problem with vintage sewing machines, and a common reason is that the owner/operator has trouble reinstalling it, gets frustrated, and just quits.
Here's some advice on reinstalling a slide plate on a Singer 66/99:
https://oldsingersewingmachineblog.com/2011/09/01/singer-66-and-singer-99-slide-plate-how-to-remove-and-replace-it/
As to the knee controller, if you find that you just hate it, it probably can be converted to a foot controller if you're handy:
https://oldsingersewingmachineblog.com/category/knee-lever-machines/
https://sewsitall.blogspot.com/2012/03/use-it-or-lose-it-singer-99-13.html
https://www.homesteadingtoday.com/threads/knee-control-to-pedal-conversion.477229/
https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/can-i-change-knee-pedal-foot-pedal-t244609.html
If you try it, but run into trouble you can always consult the VSM wonks at this forum:
https://www.victoriansweatshop.com/
I'm a member myself, but I wouldn't dare to advise anybody on a project that involves rewiring anything.
I'm largely an information ferret. };-)
Good luck. :-)