Singer sewing machines have a long and rich history, dating as far back as 1851. These beautiful machines have evolved over the years but are still standing the test of time. Some of the older models are highly sought after by collectors and sewing enthusiasts. If you’ve nabbed one of these beautiful bargains at a local market, it’s worth identifying the age and model of your machine. You might have picked up a rare antique.
Whether you want to pick up one of your own older models because you love the history, aesthetic or nostalgia of the piece, they’re easily still found on the market if you know what you’re looking for. So, how old is my Singer sewing machine? To identify when a model was made, you need to first find the Singer sewing machine serial number. It’s near the on/off switch on newer machines, and on the front panel or on a small plate on older machines.
Once you’ve found the number, match it to the date in our chart to discover the age of your machine.
Why do Singer Sewing Machines have Serial Numbers?
Singers have always been marked with serial numbers ever since production began. Each number is corresponding to a model from a certain date, and even location. All Singer sewing machines up until 1900 have no letter prefix, and came from all around the world. The Singer company eventually managed their production from all their factories to match up with the serial number flow.
How to choose a valuable model
The first thing to look for if you’re after a collector’s Singer machine, is the age of the item. Over 100 years old is considered an antique, and younger than that is ‘vintage’. By matching the serial number to the corresponding date, you can determine the exact age of the machine.
Quality also plays an important part in the value of the model. As expected, high quality, functioning machines are more sought after than damaged ones and tend to be a better option. Machines that don’t function at all may not be worth collecting. However, if you find a damaged machine that can be repaired, it may still be a worthwhile purchase.
From a collector’s viewpoint, there are a select amount which are valuable enough to be classed as real collectors’ items. This includes any of the machines that come with their own table, blacksides which have a black instead of polished finish, and the vintage 221 and 222 Featherweight models. These rare models can fetch around £500 or even more, if they’re in perfect working order.
The History of Singer Sewing Machines
The Singer brand is synonymous with being the best in the business. After opening a local factory in Glasgow, in 1867, the machines were flying off the shelves. Popularity only grew and factories opened worldwide. By World War 2, the Singers were actually producing guns and bullets as a priority to sewing machines. They only continued making those in their spare time. Isaac Singer was the founder of the company, and the first to create treadle powered, belt powdered and eventually electricity powered sewing machines. Isaac Singer boasts a unique story, and was a pioneer of the sewing industry. Funnily enough, with an ‘enthusiastic’ approach to women, Isaac even hired female demonstrators to disprove that women were too incompetent to work a machine. This enthusiastic approach to women continued into his private life, where he had a total of 24 children!
Designs Throughout The Years
Singer treadle sewing machines are one of the most popular Singer antiques. They are still found in auctions and antique dealers today. These older machines were made of heavy duty components and replaceable parts. So they are still used, and are incredibly long-lasting. A treadle sewing machine is powered by a foot pedal, and runs mechanically by the user pushing back and forth on the pedal. A reliable, eco-friendly machine, many sewers still prefer to use this type of model today.
The design has naturally changed over the years with advances in technology. Electric motors and bolt-on lights were introduced to the machines in 1921. The treadle tables gradually faded away to chunky box bottoms in the 1930s. Use of new materials throughout the 20th century made the design sleeker and lighter, and allowed for new functions to be introduced.
Today’s Singers
Today’s machine can cost from as little as £85 up to £1300, depending on the functions and type of machine. But why is Singer so popular? It’s not only due to the rich history, but the fact that they cater to all sewing needs. Singer has a reputation for creating innovative machines. They were the first to ever introduce electric, zigzag and electronic machines which were targeted to the home sewing market. Offering affordable machines with a multitude of features which are readily available, made them likely the most popular brand out there.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, want an electronic or a mechanical machine, work with embroidery or patchwork, there’s something for everyone. Every model has a unique range of useful functions such as automatic needle threaders and even LCD screens, which is part of what makes the brand the go-to for sewers.
How old is your new (old) Singer sewing machine? Don’t forget to match your serial number to our chart and discover its age!
Explore over hundred materials with your very own fabric swatch pack, perfect to work with your Singer. Understand the texture, strength and finish of each of the fabrics by taking a hands on approach.
Hello i just inherited a miniature singer sewing machine for dolls ‘a singer for the girls – teaches them to make clothes for their dolls’. It has all the fully functioning parts and it’s original paper packets, metal needles and box. Whats the beat way to get this dated? I’m looking to sell this item, so any tips on sellers would be great. I’m from Melbourne, Australia
It’s good to hear that
I need the antique machine for sewing heavy materials, if possible we can connect and do the transaction because I need one for use
I’m based in Africa Kenya eldoret city
Hi.
My deceased mother-in-law’s Singer has a serial number not give in your chart. Can you help date it. Serial number is Y6239357. We have had it for sentimental value for over 20 years. On inspection it looks in good working order. Dusty but otherwise still with hallmarks of many years of use. The few bobbins still have different coloured cotton wound on and there is a vintage Singer oil bottle on one of the side draws. While I have forgotten what my Grand mother showed me when I was a boy, this new inspection bring back many memories. She was a machinist in Collingwood at turn of the century of 1900.
Hope you can help,
Bjm
1925 Elizabethport
1922
Hi, I’m trying to find the age of a machine I’m considering purchasing. The number on the front plate is Y756156 but it looks like an antique, beautifully maintained black with gold scrollwork. It’s a manual machine with a treadle.
Trying to find age of singer treadle sewing machine serial no.K1042777. Anyone have any idea? thank you…
Hi, I have just bought a Singer 99. The number on the underside is K 9772859. I can’t find it on any lists. It is in poor condition so before I spend a lot of time and money I would like to know more about it. Regards
Hi… i bought a singer 432g .. for unknown reasons.my pedal controller disappeared… i am looking for the correct pedal controller… and is there an available manual for it? Thanks for your time.
Am Nixon Mutali from Kenya and new on these platform need you guys to help me to know more about sewing machines
Thanks alot
Hi I have a Singer sewing machine Serial Number is ED 699740 and has a Knee control as well as a lead. I was wondering if you could help me fine out about it. thank you Sharon
Hi I’m just inquiring about my Aunts Singer serial number EE675325 it’s Book says it’s a Singer B.B.K. Electric Motors with knee control family sewing Machine can you give me a price.. perfect condition
My 1890 singer treadle is missing the bobbin holder and plate. Am I able to get a replacement. My children bought this for my birtbirthday. I am so thrilled, but would love to be able to use it.
Iam located in the Melbourne area.
My name is Belinda. I have an old singer treadle sewing. The serial no is 15137467. What is it worth? Thanks
I’ve got aserila no EC 128938 which does not appear in the summary page.
Am I reading it incorrectly ??
I bought a cabinet and the lady did not even k is the machine Ames’s in it
Serial no ABO99934
Trying to get an age
Please respond
I bought a cabinet and the lady did not even k is the machine Ames’s in it
Serial no ABO99934
Trying to get an age
Please respond
I was given 2 old singer machines model nos. EF517422 and 15K.
They are both in working order would like to know roughly the year and value .
1949
My friend has a Simaco Singer 4511
How old is this machine please
Hi ..
My mother passed recently and she bequeathed her Singer sewing machine .
The serial number is EJ 439300 0r EJ43930 .
Why is it not in official list /
Cheers Greg .
It would be 1953 as it falls in the range from EH-787883 to EJ-449138
My Serial no. EJ43900 does not appear in the official list ? why is that ?
Greg K
i have a pfaff sewing machine made in england 200-250 volts .5 amp 50 watt number ac284050dc cant find it on your charts pfaff 30 it weighs 17.5 kg i have had this i am in my 70s and my mother had it before me could u please help me thanking you
Looking for information on: serial number “C2928348” anything will help
I have looked at your Chart and cannot find mine
It is marked
EB 508832
Could you please tell me how old it is ?
Many Thanks ?
Pls help me sell my singer sewing machine
I have a singer sewing machine serial number ah397264
Can you still get parts and is it a collectible model
I couldn’t find out anything yet with the serial no
Looking for value of singer 95-1. G4517916. All parts intact
I have a new home machine in a cabinet the motor runs backwards and it still works i know that singer bought new home it also has the emblem of world fair exposition of things to come from 1890’s can you tell me what it may be worth
I have a old singer sewing machine serial NO FH124771which I cannot find how old it is in the above listings .Is
there other sites where I could find the age of this machine thanks
I have a Singer treadle built in 1911. Can you give me an estimate of its value?
My machine number does not seem to be listed can you help please with year Anne price please. Serial is. EG887898.
Thanking you in advance Phil
I have a black Singer sewing machine. According to the serial number it was made in1924.
It has an electric motor attached and is in working order.
Would anyone be interested in buying this?
Help! The serial number on my Singer cast iron sewing machine isn`t on the list! The number is K854450….. I have looked several times and the number is very pronounced on machine so I know it`s the right number.
I have an old portable Singer Zig Zag machine with serial number 8307967 as best as it can be read, can’t see a letter before the number unless worn off totally. Any idea of its age? It does work!
I’ve had my Singer for years. It’s the old style electric. The serial number doesn’t see to correlate with the list, it’s K9363999.
How old would this one be?
Buon giorno, 20 anni fa o ricevuto in dono dalla nonna di mia mogli una macchina da cucire ” Preziosa ” prodotta dalla ditta ” NAEHMASCHINEN FABRIK ” ( la ricerca mi dice SINGER ) . Penso sia molto vecchia per questo motivo; la nonna me la regalò aveva 99 anni e dal suo racconto ho capito che era di sua nonna, la nonna era nata nel 1900 le famiglie allora avevano molti figli lei era la sesta di 12, calcolando 30 anni per generazione si arriva al 1840 ( plausibile ), ora ho visionato la macchina, ho trovato un numero di serie n° 27622 che mi riporta all’anno 1863 però nella lista Singer, il tutto è plausibile ? In attesa ringrazio anticipatamente Distinti saluti alfredo
Looking to know how old & what the collectors / buyers price is on my Singer past down to me
Serial number K9337521
Hi I have got a Singer sewing machine ,That has got the lotus flower on it ,Serial number is F7139693 plus help on the age and what it might be worth .
The machine is is very good condition..
My Singer sewing machine Model no 9124N027811123 I would like a copy of sewing machine instructions Email address sanyajuu@westnet.com.au Thank you
Hello I have an old Singer sewing machine the serial numbers 6117175and 1486375 just wondering if you could tell me the year that it was built thank you Daryl Collins 0401 628 669
I have a Singer treadle sewing machine made in Great Britain in excellent condition and perfect sewing order serial number is Y997882. Wondering what age it is