Researching Machine Model Number
Singer sewing machines have been around for more than a hundred years, with their company founded in 1851. Since that time, there have been countless models of Singer sewing machines produced. If you find an old Singer machine and want to know the model number, it’s good to do some research first.
Look At The Machine
The first step in determining the model number for an old Singer sewing machine is to just look at it. Most machine models have tags or markers that contain the model number that you can see without opening anything. Check the area around the sewing machine, such as the area around the bobbin winder near the needle or on the underside of the machine near the foot pedal.
Dating The Machine
Finding the model number can help you understand the age of the sewing machine, especially when you compare the model number against reference guides and other materials from Singer. Some vintage Singer sewing machines have the date of manufacture written on the bottom along with a model number. Singer tells customers to ‘look for the serial number’ which is usually located beside the machine’s motor — underneath the sewing machine’s arm, in front of the right hand side cabinet panel, or on the motor bracket.
Online Identification Resources
There are many online Singer model number identification resources. One of the most popular is the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society (ISMACS). They provide a detailed website of Singer model number information, with photos, descriptions, dating information and helpful tips. The Singer website also offers the SewingManuals.com website, which includes a “products” section of Singer-brand materials and model number information.
Singer For Support
Singer still provides support for its products and will assist you in finding and identifying the model number. They offer free help through its customer service line, first by providing detailed information regarding the model number as well as date of manufacture and other pertinent details.
Second-Hand Stores
There are various used-goods stores and other similar establishments that carry vintage and antique sew machines. Vintage machines may appear in these stores from time to time, and the staff may be able to tell you the model number. Second-hand stores also sell older sewing machine parts and accessories.
Social Media Groups
Another great resource for finding model numbers is social media. There are many social media groups that specialize in selling vintage and antique Singer machines. you can join one of these groups and ask any questions you may have if the model number is not readily available.
Collector Markets
Various collector markets and antique shops often sell older accessories and parts for Singer machines. You should maybe check their online markets or call vintage collectible shops to ask if they would know the model number.
Parts & Accessories
At times, it can be impossible to identify a model number from an old Singer sewing machine. However, you may have success in finding the model number by looking for its related parts and accessories. Parts such as needles, bobbins, and other frequently-purchased items will often have the model number printed in small text somewhere on the packaging.
Expert Evaluator
Finally, if all else fails and you still can’t find the model number, then you may want to consult an antique or vintage sewing machine expert to help you. Many of these experts will be able to not only tell you the model number of the sewing machine, but they could possibly also tell you the value of the machine, as well as its general characteristics.
Purchasing Online
When purchasing parts or accessories for an old Singer sewing machine, you should know the model number. Knowing the machine model can help you to purchase the right parts and avoid buying parts that might not be compatible with your machine. For example, if you’re getting a replacement needle, the machine model number will help you to identify the correct needle size for your machine.
Spare Parts
If you’re restoring an old Singer sewing machine, it’s possible that you need to purchase spare parts for it. In order to identify the correct part for your particular Singer model, you will need to know the model number of the machine to make sure that you purchase the correct part.
Finding Manuals
Singer also provides manuals for its machines, but for you to get access to the correct one for your particular machine, you need to know the model number. Knowing the model number will enable you to track down the appropriate manual to help you with maintenance, repair, and other sewing-related tasks on your machine.
Identifying Models
Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can research and identify the model number on an old Singer sewing machine. You can locate and search online resources, check the machine itself, or contact Singer customer service. Other options include consulting with a vintage sewing machine specialist or looking for related parts and accessories. In any case, it’s important to properly identify the model number of an old Singer sewing machine in order to find the correct parts, accessories, and even model manuals.
