bkay

I went to the auction preview to see the Bernina 503 and the portable "66" that I wanted for the case. Only it wasn't a 66, it was a 99. It was a beautiful machine, with elaborate, fully intact decals. I looked up the serial number and it was made in 1937.

I've never been interested in the 66s or 99s until now. Does this machine not have a reverse? My photo is terrible. The lighting was bad, as was my ability to hold my phone still, but you can still tell what a beautiful machine this is.

Is there any real downside to this machine?

bkay
[ATTACH=CONFIG]620388[/ATTACH]

leonf

You are correct. There is no reverse on that design of a 99.

Your machine used to have a rheostat in the base under the balance wheel operated by a steel shaft that entered through the hole in the right side of the base. Many were converted to conventional foot pedals.

That Case will not fit your 15 since it is shorter.

All that said, I love my 99s. I love the 3/4 size since they travel easier than my 66s.

lynnie

A beautifil machine. I got one a few months back. it is a 99K and made in 1954. I paid $20 for it. The man was going to cut it in half to make book ends!!!! I love it, i justr need to learn how to wind a bobbin and how to thread it. good luck with your new little girl.

bkay

I didn't buy it yet. The online auction starts at 1:00 today.

It didn't have a foot pedal...

What could that mean?

bkay

Mickey2

The 3/4 size was and still largely is what made it popular. It's easy to underestimate a 99, it sews just about anything like the full size models. My 99 runs lighter than my 201s for some reason. It sews fine, and when cleaned, oiled and sorted out it's a smooth running machine. The decals looks very nice, and probably will shine up very well. It's easy to clean, oil and thread. There's no reverse on the old 99s or 66, they have a stitch length turn knob. Later version have a stitch length lever with back tack.

leonf

It could mean that it will go really cheap becasue it doesn't have a way to power it. Power cards and controllers can be had for less than $25.00 I think. If I had it, I'd change out the handwheel for a spoked one and hand crank it.[ATTACH=CONFIG]620391[/ATTACH]

Brandonsnana

Did you look in cover? The knee control for my 99 hooks into the cover.

leonf

If there is a knee control, maybe you could sell it and get the machine for free, since "yours" doesn't have the innards to use the knee bar.

bkay

Well, I got it. Not so sure I really wanted it. They had the bad side of the case turned away from the photo and I didn't examine it when I went to the preview.

Anyway, I have it and I can't get the top off to see the machine. How do you get it off if you don't have the key? I don't think it's actually locked, as they said not to lift it by the handle.

bkay

OurWorkbench

I had one that part of the key was broken in the lock. I'm not sure how they got the case off, but there were holes in the top around both ends of the handle.

scroll down to see how to use a screwdriver to open it. https://oldsingersewingmachineblog.c...nd-how-not-to/

a you tube - (I'm not sure what tool that person is using. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO586bhUfto


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

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