 | ||
| My new baby! A vintage 1938 electric Singer 66. |
 |
| Stitch length selector- the numbers correspond to how many stitches per inch you can get. |
I love that I can take him this machine and he knows exactly what it is, when it was made, and what it needs. From the looks of it she only needs a new belt, the front slide cover for the bobbin area, a thread spool, etc. Some really inexpensive things. The motor runs great! So, we'll see!
I did a little research and here's what I found out:
-Based on the serial number beginning with the letters AE873756 the Singer website says this machine was made in 1938! (75 years old)
- It's a Singer 66-18. The "18" signifies that it is the electrical version of the Singer 66 which was also made as a treadle machine.
- It has a black crinkle finish which is an industrial type finish. It is very hard and is baked on the machine. This black crinkle finish is also referred to as the Godzilla finish.
- This machine does NOT have a back tack (back stitching) feature and definitely no zig-zag. Just a straight stitch. From the looks of it the Singer 66s made in 1940 and beyond had the back stitching functionality.
- The foot pedal as shown in the picture below looks like it's just hanging and the cord is not long enough to reach the floor. The reason is that the foot pedal was set up on the right side inside the cabinet and was used by pushing the foot pedal knob in with your knee.
 | ||
| Singer 66-18 in what seems to be the original cabinet with pedal hanging. |
I know I'm not the only one who collects sewing machines! How about you? Do you have a vintage machine in your collection?
Congratulations! It is beautiful. I have a vintage sewing machine and have learned sew :) much over the last year....I dont have a 66 yet, but I am on the look out. Most of my machines with cabinets are under $20. I have them all up and running - the best straight stitch ever! Even the treadle, so I am able to sew when the power goes....here is my collection...http://createquiltsew.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/vintage-sewing-machines/ Best, love your site!!!!
ReplyDeleteI learned to sew on a White machine of that era. Back then it wasn't a vintage machine, just a little bit old. That "foot pedal" should be a knee lever. It is possible that the foot pedal is not original to the machine. Or the machine is not original to that cabinet. Ask the repairman.
ReplyDeleteI have the same sewing table. Any ways that's awesome
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting. I have one vintage machine that is in storage at the moment. It is teal green. I don't know much about it but love the look of it.
ReplyDeleteI have a beautiful green Singer 185J. It is gorgeous! I need to get a new slide plate for it. I heard it is common to find old Singers with the plate missing because many of them slide on a little different than usual and many cannot get them back on. There is a Yahoo group for vintage Singer owners that has a lot of info on troubleshooting problems and refurbishing. Congratulations on your new machine. I love it! Awesome deal!
ReplyDeleteGORJUSS!! Really so gorgeous! I used to own an antique store many years ago and one like this in working order would sell for 3 times the asking price. I know you will enjoy this for a long time as they were made so well back then!
ReplyDeleteMy great grandmother used to be a seamstress for a living and she worked on a treadle machine. My grandmother would push the mechanism for her mother so she would not tire. What a joy for you to have this machine. Please demo with a video when you get it back-what a steal.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! That is an AMAZING find!!! My Mom grew up with one of those I beleive. She always had DAD rig the Foot peddles of her newer Sewing machine to the side of the tables to use her knee.
ReplyDeleteOK, I had an old NEC all metal blue machine and sold it for $25. I had forwards, backwards, and I think that was it. I traded on a Viking Lily 535. WOW...I am still learning about that machine! I can sew thru anything, and even I have sewn thru clover plastic pins, so be aware of fingers! Please explain the enthusiasm over these relics? Maybe I will understand?? I remember the treadles and these machines and in the 40's newer machines came out with options and these oddities were dropped like hot cakes! Good Luck, and I am glad you are so pleased with your find! I too live in your area, so I can appreciate a good repair shop. Thanks
ReplyDeleteLooking at this machine brought back a lot of great memories from my grandmother :-)! Love, love it. Looking for one myself and the price is a winner! Have fun :-D!
ReplyDelete