Kenmore model 38 - need info
 

I have found (not bought yet) a Kenmore machine and I believe it is a model 38. Is anyone familiar with these? If so, do you know where the serial number would be stamped on it? If you've used one of these machines, what did you think of it? I'm not having much luck finding info on the net so would appreciate any help, info that you have to offer. Thanks a bunch.

Is it a Kenmore 385? They made quite a few of those. Look under the front for the number.

I know what you mean. I have a 48 and a 58 and can't find anything about them online. I do have the manual for the 48. The serial number is in the front. If it's in a cabinet, just lift it up and there it is.

I had to look up a picture of the 385. Nope, that's not what I am looking at. This one is much older. Info I have found so far indicates late 30's for production dates but that's about all I've found. The machine is not running very good but it does run. I am trying to check on some parts and see if I want to invest the time and money to fix it up. I don't really need it but I like it and it just seems to keep calling to me. LOL.

I have done everything but turn the machine inside out looking for a number and still haven't found it. It is in a cabinet. The light is kind of dim in the store so I am going back with a flashlight and maybe something is engraved in the metal and just not showing up in the bad lighting.

can you post a picture? All kenmores were made by somebody else.

I found a picture online when I googled kenmore 38. I'll try to find it again. It was mixed in with a lot of other photos. This one was made by White -

I'm not at all surprised it was made by White - those old machines are so easy to work on.

The number will be something like 117.XXXXX, 148.XXXXX, 158.XXXXX, 516.XXXXX or 385.XXXXX

The numbers before the period in the number can tell you who made the machine and the model number can be the first two, three, four or five numbers after the period. All of my Kenmores have little plates on the front underside with the model number stamped on them, but I only have 158 and 516 machines.