Sunday I was to an auction. There were several old sewing machines there, but one really caught my attention. It was a Singer machine in a wooden case shaped like a mailbox. I couldn't stay for the auction but really wanted it, so had someone bid on it for me. Guess What??? I got it for 40.00.
I need to pick it up on Tues. or Wednesday. I will post pictures when I get it. But, I am wondering if anyone knows anything about these machines? How old etc? Is it an antique or did I get skunked? Any thoughts let me know.

Good for you. I have a friend who says "Even if I don't use it, it's worth having." :lol:

One thing you can do is look online for the date it was made. All you need is the seriel number.

My Mother had a machine like that. The machine was heavy metal and black, the case looked looked wood and domed like a mail box. Hers was from the 1930's or possiable early 1940's. It is long gone but I wish I had it. It was a real work horse. Look forward to a photo. My BIL repairs machines , he might know the age.

How exciting for you :mrgreen: Can't wait to see pics

Purists will tell you that an item has to be 100 years old to be considered an antique. HOWEVER, no matter how old, the machine, as long as it's not a repro, is collectible, and you got a bargin, providing all the parts are there and it works! :)

Congrats! Can't wait to see the pictures, and Gail is right, get the serial number and go to the Singer website to find out the age and model of the machine. :)

What a great deal!!! :D:D:D

Singer made several machines that had the Bentwood case. (The wooden dome case.) I don't remember when they moved from that case to the more modern cases. I own one machine that has it on it.) Usually the old singers in those cases are straight stitch. Some have reverse and some don't have reverse.
Here is a link to a site that might be of help in figuring out what model your machine is... http://www.sandman-collectibles.com/...r-machines.htm

The machines are made of all medal parts and if kept lubed and oiled, they will last for years and years.
There is a Singer Vintage group on yahoo that is great about helping to find out about your machine and telling you where to find parts. Make sure to use their search function first so that you're not asking questions that have been asked and answered a thousand times already. If you have a chance, just go back and read many of the informative posts. Here is the link... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagesingers/

There is also another web page with directions on how to restore old sewing machines.... http://www.treadleon.net/
just scroll down to the restoring link.

Have fun! and depending on the machine itself, $40 is a good price.

What a great thing to drape a small quilt over!

I just read what I wrote, it is too late to edit it but I meant to say metal instead of medal. (lol...the machines aren't made of medals)
;-)

This is what I wrote: "The machines are made of all medal parts and if kept lubed and oiled, they will last for years and years. "

Just a note that might be of interest for owners of the Featherweight 221. I was just on a website where you could buy the service manuals that are reproductions . The cost was $21. If any of you would like a copy to print out, PM me and I will gladly scan my manual and let you download for free. My manual is the original. Save that cost and use it for more fabric!

LUCKY YOU!! :thumbup: I am so excited for you & can hardly wait to see your pictures!! You are going to be so thrilled with this machine!!
:D :D :D :D

I am so excited for you. I can't wait to see your new baby.

I have several of these and they vary in age but all mine are in great shape and still sew too! You got a great deal! Please allow me to welcome the new member of your family! Hee Hee if you want to pm me with the serial number when you get it home i can tell you about it.lol, Julie

Ok here is the picture before . I plan on cleaning it up a bit. Anybody know anything about these machines.

I am in the process of looking into it for you and hope to find something soon. It looks alot like some of the ones i have and i will have to look up their numbers. This is a picture of the one i'm sewing on right now it is from 1956 and it is a model 66, but yours is older than this one.

I think the manual said model 99-3 or 99-4

Does it have a regular bobbin or is it a shuttle?

It has a regular bobbin that lays flat in the machine when I open it up.

Looking at your pictures, your machine looks like it has a flat face plate and that it is a smaller version of the model 66. That means that it is probably a model 99 or a variation of the model 99.
The model 99 is a great little machine. I have been looking for one to buy so that I could make it into a handcrank.

Before you use your machine, make sure to check out or have someone else check out the wiring. Because of the age of the machine, you may need to change the wiring so that you don't get shocked.

congrats

If you can locate the serial number, go to this site to find your machine:

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

Also, there's a Yahoo group for vintage Singers where you'll probably be able to get a lot of help.

Her is what I found out hope it helps you: It was made in 1911 in Podolsk, Russia You can try to go to http://www.needlbar.org/ and try to ask what it is worth. I am also including the only 99 manual i can find I hope this is the one you need sorry for the wait!

Needlebar won't do valuations....there are too many variables.

The better bet to get an idea of what they sell for now is to go to ebay, do a search for "Singer+99" and then on the left panel, click on completed listings.

:) Nice find!

wow, cute old machine, thanks for sharing!