I have an old portable Singer machine that is in a brown & beige case with latches on the side. The handle is marked Singer. The machine is all black no decorative markings and the number that is on a little plate at the front left side reads AM057452. There are some other numbers on the back that read
CAT BZ 15-8
SS AU 52-30-24
Mfg. Elizabethport, NJ

Does anyone know what I have or direct me to a site to find out. I went to one site but the number I have wasn't there..thanks for any help.

Frankie

Your machine looks to be a Singer model 99 produced in 1955.

Here is the link
http://www.singerco.com/pdf/SINGER_AM_nos.pdf

You just need to click on the AM Series link to get to your machine`s serial number.

According to Singers web sight you have a Modle 99, made in 1955. http://www.singerco.com/support/serial_2letter.html

http://www.singerco.com/support/serial_2letter.html

It says it's a class 99 manufactured in 1955.

It would be a good idea to match the look of your machine to photos online. Look for photos of the model 99 (can use Google and "images" option to find them) and see if they match your machine. I think there are some errors in the serial # listings for Singer.

Well, you were a world of help. Thanks so much, I did not know where to find the info. God bless, happy easter!

Another great clue, I will check for the look, thanks very much!!

It's a 99. I think that's a 3/4 size machine like my 128. It's a nice machine. Does it have a bobbin or a shuttle?

It's missing the bobbin holder, that's my reason for wanting to know what I have. I want to get it cleaned and replace that missing part.

Mine has the look of the 99/128, but the plate on the left side of the foot is like a half circle, and the ones I have looked at online have a rectangle shape plate, strange.
Do you think maybe the difference is with the date mfg?

I just did a quick Google images, and it seems to me that the half circle was typical of hand crank machines. Many hand cranks were later "electrified" by adding a motor and taking off the hand crank. You may have one of those.

I took these w/my iPhone, hopefully they might help with the identity. I hope I'm not being a PIA & I hope I did the attachments correctly. I'm eating purple peeps, lots of energy.

I found a step by step visual guide to identifying different classes of Singer sewing machines here: http://www.sandman-collectibles.com/...r-machines.htm

I love looking at everyone's machines!! What a treasure you have and being your Mom's is the best!!! :D
Hope you have years of happy sewing with Tootsie!!

Unfortunately, that site does not help. I was at it before but mine just does not fit the templates they post. Maybe my machine is just a figment of my imagination! Is it a full moon?? This is just a little frustating. I certainly do appreciate all your kind assistance though.

There is a 1934 singer 99 pictured on google in their pictures that looks just like yours. The picture may be copyrighted and wouldn't c&p.

I've used Singer.com and then go to sewing machine history. Found both of my old machine numbers there, also some have manuals available, too.

I would try in the Vintage Sewing machine thread. There are people there who restore older machines too. I bet someone there can help you.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1.htm

I'll give that try Irish, thanks very much. I'll keep this group posted. I'm on a mission now. :))

For several years after the war they were producing Singer knockoffs. It was an all black machine name left blank so whoever wholesaling the machine could put their own company name on it. I have been looking for one with the name PARSONS on it. The machines were excellent quality, never wore out. I still have one given to me as a wedding present in 1955. Actually forgot about it. They are perfect for a new sewer because they are nearly indestructible.

i have a machine like this. all in tact. my mother had one (my sister, who does not sew, has it) i wanted one because i made my wedding gown on that machine 39 years ago. i love it and use it once in a while. i hope you get yours restored and are able to use it. happy easter

That 99 is a wonderful machine, stitches beautifully. Well worth the effort to get the parts and enjoy it.

Contact lostn51, Billy, on this board. He is very knowledgeable about all the old machines. Whatever it is, it looks really good.

I would like to have one of these in my collection, too - mostly because being 3/4 size, it has the "cute" factor. ;)

But, it's also a great sewing machine with that perfect straight stitch. :)

Replacement parts are cheap and easy to find: I buy everything I need from shop.sew-classic.com or from a couple of eBay sellers.

There are free manuals for it on the web, but if you can't find one, p-mail me your email address and I will send you a pdf.

There's a ton of free info and instruction on the web about cleaning and maintaining these old machines - you don't ever have to pay a repairman for a clean, oil, adjust (COA) if you are interested in doing it yourself. Tools For Self-Reliance has about the best manual around for refurbing this machine and several others: http://www.tfsr.org/publications/tec...achine_manual/ (it's in many parts, lots of good pictures and clear directions)

Have fun! It's a cutie! :)

Great resources! Have a glorious day, many thanks!!
Frankie

Yes, there is a wonderful Yahoo group for vintage Singer machines. You can search on Yahoo for "Vintage Singers" and it should come up, and you have to join.

[email protected]

I have a machine similar to this in the same case! Only mine is a 66 with a crackle finish paint job! She's beautiful! My husband bought her for me and inside the case is stamped Where a lady about 15 miles from me bought it in 1956! I use it all the time my husband only had to oil it and it works like a dream!

Oh my gosh....what memories the photos brought. This is the same machine my mother had when I was a child and she made all my dresses on it. Later I used it to make clothes on. How I wish she had kept it. It got damaged in a move and the insurance paid her out. She bought new machine and was never happy with it. Hope you fix her up and keep it. It you decide to sell, let me know first.

Hi
About 40 years ago, my sister worked down the port in Elizabeth, NJ for the Singer Sewing Machine Co
NormaBeth

I love my little 99. If you do the google seach using "Images" at the top, you may see one like yours, then look at that website for more info. Can you post a picture of the needle plate area?

Your picture seems to show a typical 99 slide-plate on the left, should be the typical square style...saw them on ebay for $9-$12 + shipping.

I think so, looks like someone put tape on for a0 5/8 in. seam. I'm really anxious to get it spruced up.

I just purchased a 99K a few weeks ago, at the "Red Barn".. and they gave me some yarn,(free) for my work for the NICU at our local hospital, and 2 local nursing homes..... I haven't checked it out completely yet, but it was a bargain at $6.00 YES ! I have a collection of machines,(I like my 'toys'..) as well as a pleating machine,(for smocking) Husquevarna for 'fancy work'.. a serger....knitting machine... best of all , is the Singer 319W that I purchased in 1957.. (even has 'cams' for fancy work..) Diana O. Question....who will get my 'goodies' when I gone? I'm 81 now !