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SINGER SEWING MACHINES
Improved Family and Model 15
Improved Family Oscillating Shuttle
The Singer Company started production of the Improved Family machine in 1879, it was, at the time, a major step forward in having an oscillating shuttle and high arm. It was designed for domestic and light manufacturing use. Manufactured mainly as a treadle machine with various types of cabinet work some hand crank machines were also produced.
Although it is the forerunner of the Model 15 its mechanism is different and the bobbin smaller.
DATING: The date of commissioning for Singer sewing machines is available online go to Singer Machine Serial Numbers.
On this model the Serial Number is located at the back of the pillar on the bed of the machine.
Model 15
In 1895 a mechanically and cosmetically improved version of the Improved Family - the Model 15, was introduced and although further improvements have been made the Singer 15 was still being produced in 1997. The Model 15 was made as a hand crank, treadle and an electric machine. An industrial version - the Model 16 was also made.
DATING: The date of commissioning for Singer sewing machines is available online go to Singer Machine Serial Numbers.
On this model the Serial Number is located on the bed of the machine at the base of the pillar.
Improved Family Serial No. 6610407
Manufactured in 1885 this is an example of the unusual hand version of the Improved Family machine. Note how the hand crank assembly is attached to the belt guard, this style of fixing was apparently only used on machines made at Singer's Kilbowie factory.
The second spool pin used for bobbin winding is located on the wooden base to the rear of the machine. This seems to have been specific to the hand versions of the Improved Family machine, on most treadle versions it is mounted on the bed of the machine in front of the pillar.
This machine is in poor condition with most of the decals worn away through use. The slide & needle plates are nickel plated the remaining bright work is bare metal.
Improved Family Serial No.12405283
This Improved Family machine was commissioned in 1894 and has had a chequered history starting life as a treadle, in the 1960's it was converted to electric with plywood base and case. At some point someone had the idea to convert it to a hand machine and went to the trouble of making an aluminmum casting to mount a later handcrank.
The bobbin winder is mounted on the belt guard and the second spool pin on the front bed at the base of the pillar.
The rear view shows the full length back plate and location of the serial number
It has beautiful flower decals (apple blossom?) which are worn on the front edge but otherwise in great condition for a machine over 125 years old. The bobbin cover appears never to have been nickel plated and shows evidence of rust.
Model 15 Serial No. J476338
This Model 15 machine has the Sphinx decals and was commissioned in 1904.
The coffin cover has the hasp type catch without a lock and the accessory compartment is in the lid, Singer 12 style. Note the low set bobbin winder.
Follow this link to a FREE copy of the
Singer Model 15 Manual.
Model 15 Serial No. F9375230
This Model 15 was commissioned between January and June 1920 but has at some point been refurbished with a new base and hinged bobbin plate but it is missing its hand crank, balance wheel, belt guard and bobbin winder.
It has almost identical Sphinx decals as the one above although there is a slight change to the decal at the base of the pillar and on the top of the arm.
Interestingly the machine has a black face plate and rear inspection cover which appears to be the original factory finish.
Model 15 Serial No. Y543777
This Model 15 machine was commissioned in May 1922 and has a bentwood case and the accessory compartment with metal lid is in the base. It has an improved bobbin winder which is mounted high on the shoulder.
At some point it has been electrified with a none standard motor & light.
