1937 Singer 99
 

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]

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.

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.

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

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.

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]

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

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.

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

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.

Not affiliated with off-site links

"Don't lift by the handle" is an oft repeated phrase. Sometimes the nuts that hold it on are about ready to drop. Rarely but sometimes the wood is actually weak enough to let go. Key slots can be just a slit, a triangle or a square.

But as Janey said, a little screwdriver can usually get it open. I also use my awl blade on my Swiss army knife sometimes. Our traveling machines have tags on each on telling us what key to use .

I think you might find you like the 99, Bkay. I've have several and I very much enjoy quilt piecing on them. They are more "substantial" than a Featherweight, sew as well as a 66 or 201, and are more portable. I really like my 99s.

Is the top off yet? I don't think bent wood cases were ever meant to be carried by the handle on top, certainly not longer distances. On each side of the base there is a cut out space for for hands to lift it. With a bit of effort you can get the lock open with a small size crochet pin, hook, screw driver, something like that. The correct keys can be found on the web, ebay, Helen Howes', etc. The side with the lock lifts right up when it's open (sort of hooks that slide and release the grip), the other side has a fixed metal bit you insert the according lid part into and move it a notch to the side. My 99K has a key with simanco number 96507, it's a 1934 bentwood model like yours.

She says it's a small screwdriver. I tried it, but didn't have much luck (I was afraid to push it too far).

bkay

If I remember correctly, you can go all the way through. It should be a size between the tension screwdriver and the "large" screwdriver in width. It sometimes helps to go in the diagonal. If it is too small it won't catch the corners. Also if you have an old fork that you can bend all but one tines out of the way and use the remaining one to open it. I had one the guys I work with actually cut three off, I still need to cut the handle off so it will fit on a key ring. https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...ml#post8188529 I work in a sheet metal shop, so the tools needed are there.

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

Some of my 99 cases don't have the carved out areas on the ends. Yes the screwdriver can go in quite a ways.