Our neighborhood has a group for giving away unwanted items called Buy Nothing. Daughter and hubby found a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine and brought it home. The plan was to clean it up before telling me about it.

When I recently found out about the machine I took some pictures and did a bit of research. These pictures are before the cleanup.

Researching this Machine

Obviously, this is a Singer Sewing Machine.

At first glance I immediately knew it was a model 15 because of the position of the tension discs. The Tension is located on the left side faceplate.

Then looking at the rear of the machine I saw the motor and the belt. This identified the machine is a Model 15-90 which has a belt and not a 15-91 which has a potted motor and no belt.

On the right side of the front pedestal there is a tag which identifies that the model is 15J. I was not sure what the J stands for.

The International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society (ISMACS) has a Singer Sewing Machine Serial Database. Once you have the serial number you are able to locate information such as the approximate date/year it was made, the model number and the factory which manufactured it.

Just below the Model tag there is a tag with the Serial Number JD144378. I checked the ISMACS Serial Number Database and there are no serial numbers starting with JD.

I did find a chart on the ISMACS web site that identified the first two digits that were used by different factories. From that chart I have learned that models with serial numbers beginning with JD were manufactured at the St. Johns factory in Canada between 1954 and 1961.

Further research shows that the Singer factory was located in. Quebec, Canada, from about 1906-1986.

The decals are in very good shape. The overall condition of the finish seems remarkably nice but does have quite a bit of pin scratches on the bobbin cover as well as the clear coat in front. This machine has definitely been used.

This machine did not come with any of its attachments but did have one bobbin and the bobbin case.

It also has the one basic low shank  pressure foot along with a seam guide.

About the Model 15 Machine

Singer Class 15  Sewing Machines feature a low shank and oscillating hooks. They use Class 15 bobbins and 15×1 needles. 

Other Vintage Singers that are Low Shank include 66, 99, 201 and the Featherweight 221. But from what I can tell the Class 15 Bobbin is for the Model 15s.

It has an adjustable stitch length with a stitch lock dial and reverse stitch.

Cabinet 72

ISMACS website is full of information. It has one page that references the machine models and all the cabinets they fit in.  Under Model 15 there were a number of cabinets. After looking at them I’m sure this is a Cabinet No. 72.

Cabinet No. 72 is finished in walnut of selected grain and is strongly constructed with an appealing simplicity of design. The center drawer provides ample space for sewing supplies and attachments

This cabinet has the foot controller mounted on the right side interior of the cabinet which makes it operate by a knee leaver.

The wood/veneer on this cabinet is not exactly bad, but definitely is in a bit of a rough shape. I don’t think we’ll do a full refinish. After all it is an old machine & cabinet and that’s part of it’s charm. I’ll be happy with a refresh and be sure it doesn’t get any worse.

Looking Ahead

First the electrical wiring must be checked, repaired or replaced as needed and the cabinet needs attention. Then the machine needs a spa day.

I’ll need to get some things. The Singer Featherweight Shop has some replacement bobbins. I think there are LED lightbulbs to replace the original. The belt and rubber bobbin winder tire will probably need new. I may want to find a few pressure feet but can make due with the one on the machine. I have a few from my other VSSMs which may work. As we go along, I may think of a few other things.

Looking forward to when it’s cleaned, oiled/greased and ready to sew. Will try to take pictures along the way.

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Hope you are making progress on whatever you are stitching this week!

Happy Stitching!

Quilt Mouse