Before this, only factories and companies owned sewing machines. This made sewing machines affordable to the average person. What did he do that was so different? He launched the first popular installment payment plan for his machines. But it was his business model that made the company a success. Singer did design and patent excellent modifications to the accepted design. Instead, he made modifications to a patented design invented by a man named Elias Howe. Contrary to popular thought, he did not invent the first domestic sewing machine. Yes, a cylinder bed:Ĭreate an account or login in order to post a comment.By Paolo Monti CC BY-SA 4.0 History of Singer Sewing Machinesįirst sold in 1850 and still popular today, Singer sewing machines have a long and quite lively history. I seem to recall that I had at least one Nehru-inspired garment made by my mother. TallCakes, The OP might be a flyover, but might also be overwhelmed by family and estate issues. Looks like the main difference in 319 and 320 is that 320 is a cylinder arm. I know nothing about sewing machines (my mom was a seamstress and made thnings for all us kids she stiched me a couple of neru jackets back in the day). Thought maybe the 319 was maybe the sellers lot but looks like you're correct on that being the model number. Those are stitch levers, and I believe they're only found on Singer models 319 and 320.
The "BAK 8-12" is a reference to the motor of course, but that "319" on the end is very likely the model number of the sewing machine.Ī couple of the photographs reveal a set of levers on top of the sewing machine head near the balance wheel that are somewhat reminiscent of keys on a typewriter. TallCakes, those links of yours were interesting choices.īoth of them have the slightly garbled title "VINTAGE RARE ANTIQUE SINGER SEWING MACHINE BAK 8-12 with Bulk Lot Parts 319" Here is what the underside might look like: Depending on the model, there might be a base held on by a single nut that has to be removed in order to see the underside: :-)Īlyson-allen65, Here is more guidance on examining a 1950s/1960s vintage Singer. I look forward to seeing more pictures of your machine so that I can help you. Here is some guidance on taking pictures of vintage sewing machines for posting here: Here is an example of a Singer sewing machine where the owner mistook the model number of the motor (like yours, a BAK 8-12) for the model of the overall machine, but an experienced eye can tell from the included picture of the stitch length regulator panel that it's actually a Singer model 185K: In fact, if you could also add a clear picture of the entire front of the machine, I could probably tell you the model number, as that information is on the front of more modern Singer sewing machines. If you could take a clear picture of the entire underside of the machine, and add it to your post, I might be able to read it, and tell you a lot more about the machine.
SINGER SEWING MACHINE MODELS SERIAL NUMBER
It also means that the serial number for the sewing machine itself is probably located somewhere on the underside of the chassis or body of the machine. Judging from what I can see, the body of your Singer sewing machine is painted beige, which would mean that it's probably a relatively modern machine (late 1950s or newer vintage). Unfortunately, the serial number in your picture (K9854431) pertains strictly to the motor and not the sewing machine itself. The users here at Collectors Weekly Show & Tell can certainly help you identify the model and approximate age of your machine.
I'm sorry to read about your mother's passing.