mystery Singer
 

My DH recently went to a collectible market and found a Singer that is obviously a treadle but without the cabinet, just the head. The plate reads 4879341 483341. It was in great shape, with shuttle and bobbin. It has oval obalone decorations on the base and the belt cover is decorated with obalone flowers and dots of ablone as well. I have only found one missing abalone piece missing. He paid $5 and figured the shuttle and bobbin was worth that even if the machine was not useful. Can anyone give me any information on this machine?

why yes, yes we can...

according to ISMACS
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mach...l-numbers.html

your machine was made in 1881

There are only a few models made at that time.
New Family (also known as 12 or 12K)
Improved Family
Medium (also known as the 13 or 13K)

Being that it's MOP, most likely a 12. Is the Improved Family the early 15? if so and it's got a bullet shuttle, then it won't be that one either. If it's got a round bobbin, then it's the IF.

It has a bullet type shuttle. What is MOP? And would a pic help any?

Pics always help!

Mother Of Pearl

and MOP is extremely desirable. You have done really really well :thumbup:

"oval obalone" = Mother of Pearl. I assumed you misspelled Abalone.

Bullet type shuttle is long and shaped like a bullet, a "boat" is similar but is open along the long side (like a canoe) instead of on the short, flat end.

We love pictures - especially those in the MOP ownership group. I bought one recently, but won't be picking it up for about 10 days (can't wait to see it in person!).

Mine is not in great shape, but has a neat cabinet and is from 1868 (if the seller is correct) so a bit earlier than yours.

You don't have it yet Cathy? Well that explains the lack of pictures. Thought you were just keeping her to yourself ;)

Nope, she's still near St. Louis. DH and I are going down there not this weekend, but the next.

Besides, not sharing pictures isn't something I'm accused of doing LOL!!

Mystery Singer Pics
 

Finally found the time to get a few pics of the Singer the hubs bought. This is exactly how it came home - no cleaning yet:-) I think he did well considering he had no idea what he was buying. Thanks to everyone for all your help.