Singer 15-91 or 15-125?
 

Well, I just stepped in it. There was a machine on E-Bay that was titled Singer 15-125 and initial bid was $35.00. I've been looking for a vintage Singer for FMQ, so bid that amount figuring that someone would come along and outbid me (always happens). Well.... I am now the proud owner of *something*. Research tells me this is not a 15-125 as they are supposed to be green. So if someone has time to look at this listing, could you tell me what I might have purchased? :shock:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=110975357325

Not sure whether to laugh or cry at this point.

I think the 125's were a different shape as well. That looks like a 15-91 to me - you can see the 'potted' motor peeking out in one of the pictures. If it's in good shape and survives shipping that's probably a fine deal.

It is a 15-91 and looks to be in good shape. If it arrives in as good of shape you did OK since you got the attachments and extras. You did good!

Definitely a 15-91. When you get it check the wiring thoroughly and it probably won't hurt to give it a good servicing.

Here is a Google page showing pictures of the 15-125.
{ https://www.google.com/search?q=Sing...g&ved=0CC4QsAQ }
It's a greenish modern looking (sorta) machine with a potted motor.

Joe

Hope it gets to you in good condition! I just received two this past week from ebay. A 127 made in 1901 that was completely destroyed and a 1933 singer 15-91 that arrived with the case in about a thousand pieces and the motor with 2 big dents in it. My heart is just broken over the 127. The 15-91 is alright,she sews great,but I paid for the case and machine! I'm about through with ebay and sewing machines!!!

You did good. It looks like a very nice Singer 15-91 machine that they took out of a cabinet. Like some one mentioned, make sure they wrap it well and double box it. You will want to make a box for it to sit in once you have it.

We are through with eBay and sewing machines - far too many breaks. In all but one case for us, though, the seller has worked with us on an appropriate refund. In some cases, the CZ and Willcox & Gibbs, that amounted to a full refund and I'm left trying to piece the machines together.

I have a 15-91 and I think you do, too! I would definitely put it in a cabinet, instead of a base. You will need the extra room for FMQing. I put a 3 x 6 table behind it and a couple of wooden tv trays in front of the left-side leaf and it gives me a huge surface for my quilts. I love it, BTW!

Thank you all for your replies. I thought it was a 15-91 as well. I'm sure I'll be back with lots of questions once I get it. I have a table I was hoping to use by cutting a hole in it and putting a shelf under at the right depth for the machine so I'd have a level sewing area. Does anyone know if it's possible to purchase cases/ bases for this machine? Just in case I don't put it in the table.

I hope it arrives safely! I put men in a tabletop cutout. My DH made cut outs so I can use the cabinet hardware to attach it so it doesn't need a shelf underneath.

It is a 15-91. You will love how quiet it is and the power to sew thicker fabrics, like jeans. I bought one in a cabinet with stool for $100 and wouldn't think of selling it. I is a lovely machine. You can get parts from Sew Classic.com in Ohio at reasonable prices. Jennie at Sew-Classic has one like it and loves it. It is indeed a classic machine. It uses Class 15 bobbins that hold a lot of thread. It has a vertical bobbin and can be used for FMQ too. It is said it can wear out 3 ladies in its lifetime. See what you think. That is a fantastic price also.

You did very well! If your seller packs it well, it should survive the trip home. I have purchased 3 sewing machines off ebay and all arrived safely. You might want to download the correct manual for your machine from the Singer site. Also, I could not use mine just sitting on a table because some of the moving parts hit the table. I put mine in a cabinet. Otherwise it would have had to be in a base that allowed the moving parts to clear.
You will love this machine - it does beautiful FMQ! Let us know how you like it!

She's here! And she is a beauty. Definitely a 15-91, born in Elizabeth, NJ on March 3, 1952. The seller really knew how to package her -- I now have miles of bubble wrap and a very sturdy box for future use. The box didn't even have a dent on it.
Read below the picture for a funny (but typical) small town story.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]378368[/ATTACH]
I received a call earlier this morning from our new substitute postmaster, Tom. "Hi, is breakfast ready?" No says I, but it could be. "You have a large very heavy box here and the "girls" can't lift it, so I thought I'd bring it by, but if breakfast isn't ready I'll come after I have coffee." I told him it was a vintage sewing machine and I was surprised it got here so fast. Fast forward an hour. Telephone rings. It's my friend and handyman, Danny. "At the cafe this morning Tom said you got an old sewing machine -- what kind?" So I tell him. In about another hour, up drives the postmaster, my handyman, his wife, and another friend (who happened to be at the cafe). So WE unpack the sewing machine to find the foot pedal cord has been pulled out of the connection and the ends are really worn. Tom and Danny work on that while the women and I make coffee. Long story short, the machine works fine, is extremely clean, but the wires to the light and foot pedal are worn and not safe. I've ordered new cords and power supply from sew-classic and Danny will be back on the next cold day to work on it. Oh, and since the group left, I've received three other calls asking about the machine. Small towns -- love em or hate em, but there's never a dull moment!

I was wondering how it went. I am so glad the seller knew how to pack your machine. A big congrats. You will really enjoy this solid power house. She also is a great free motion quilting machine. I loved your small town story. I miss small town living.

It's really pretty! I love your small town story. My town used to be small but over the years it has grown more than I like.

She's lovely! I haven't had my 15 very long but she is a is a firm favourite of mine. I really enjoyed your small town story.

Happy sewing!

Clare

You are going to love your new machine! My 15-91 is my favorite machine. Mine is also a 1952, so we must have sisters! You do know you have to give her a name, right?
I love your small town story. I lived in a small town and I miss it. I remember shortly after moving there we had new carpet put down. The roll of carpet stayed on the truck for maybe 45 m.in. before we brought it inside. Next time I went to the bank (no drive through, street parking only, and only 1 teller) everyone was excited because they loved the color carpet I put down in my house! So, in 45 minutes, someone looked at the carpet and got on the phone with "the news"..I had only been in the bank to open an account and maybe two other times. I had no idea anyone really knew who I was or where I lived! No privacy in a small town, but eventually lots of friends!
And when I spoke in front of the phone company "big wigs" about our need to have local telephone service to the nearest big city, I became a local celebrity!

Glad it made it home OK, looks beautiful and it is incredibly strong sewing. As far as Ebay goes...I am so strict with the seller that they nearly live in fear of me. I email before the auction warning that I expect UPS delivery...NEVER USPS because they have earned my distrust and often disgust. Then I email the seller after the auction and demand certain packing procedures ie: the foot pedal is NOT packed without protection and never touches the machine. Also accessories must be wrapped and again does not go near the paint or decals.

Afterall, if we won the auction it is our machine, not theirs and they must exercise due diligence.

With that said, I only order on Ebay as a last resort. I prefer estate sales or CL.

You shouldn't have any problem finding a cabinet for her. The 15-91 fits into just about any Singer cabinet and they are pretty easy to come by. I live in a small town, as well, so I understand that story. You got a beauty. Mine's a 1951 and I LOVE her!