Originally Posted by
ThayerRags
Let me add a little to that Charlee.
The early 66-1 machines were treadle-only. It wasn’t until around 1914 that the casting was changed to include a “hand crank boss” for attachment of the common Singer Hand Crank being mounted on other portable models dating back years earlier. That made the 66-3 possible, and then all machines made could go out either as a 66-1 in a treadle or a 66-3 portable with a hand crank. This attachment boss is normally called a “motor boss” now that we’re well past electrification days, and with the motor brackets having been designed to attach on the same fitting.
The hand wheel and bobbin winder was also upgraded at that time, since the early bobbin winders were driven by the treadle belt, which was not possible on a portable machine. The later bobbin winder was outfitted with a rubber “tire” and was driven on the shoulder of the hand wheel. An obvious difference between the two models is the hand wheel spoke count. Early ones have 6 spokes and the later ones have 9 spokes.
The presser bar change (from back clamp to side clamp) occurred sometime around 1923 as far as I can tell. The Red Eye decal is reported to have been used up until 1925, so it’s probable that some Red Eye machines came out originally with side-mount presser feet, although many earlier models were retro-fitted with side-mount bars by sewing machine shops, especially during the time when electrification was taking place, to take advantage of a larger selection of attachments.
In this photo, the one on the left is a 1912 model, and the one on the right is a 1923 model.
CD in Oklahoma
Wonderful information for those of us still shopping around. Thank you.