Chris that machine is not a 15, look at the tension. It looks like a 99 to me, but with the wrong bobbin assembly! Let us know when you know!

Nancy

Miriam, The feed dogs do drop via a lever on the bed underneath the bobbin winding mechanism.
to all, I agree the bobbin holder looks different than others I've seen.

Nancy, I agree it is not a 15 but it's like they somehow married a 99 and a 15 together with some features from each.

Am thinking of emailing the ISMACS digest along with pictures about this to see if some from across the pond have more information about this machine. It may be that someone over there has one or has the information.

Maybe Muv knows something.

I just came back on the forum. Life has been in the way. This Singer being discussed was made in Germany in the early 1954-55. It should be a model 215. It's stitch forming mechanism (bobbin and hook) are of the class 15 design, even though the tension is not on the side like most class 15s of that era. I would call it a 15. This model was not sold in the USA.

Cathy

Cathy; Thank you. I have never heard of a 215 before. Is it a rare machine? I ask because this was gifted to me and I don't want to take advantage of the giftor.
Wanted to add: Do you have one or have you ever sewed on one?

I owe my $5 Singer 404 an apology. I have been using it at church and commenting that it isn't as strong as the 301 on thick seams. Today I discovered I have piecing with the feed dogs down. Duh! It is a good little machine after all.

SA's pricing is strange. $9.99 for a 50s Japanese clone in a pretty light color - the only thing I didn't like was the left dedicated needle. It sewed well. $29.99 for a light green and cream Kenmore whose flywheel only turned a few inches in either direction. If I were in the market, I wouldn't pay more for the one that doesn't work.

Chris,

I don't think I'd call it rare, just not real common. That model was probably only made for a few years and not sold here in the states. Not I don't have one. And I don't remember ever sewing or working on one.

Cathy

Cathy I hope you get back on your feet soon. I've really missed you around here. I keep meaning to say something and never do.

Thanks again for the information on the machine. I will let the giftor know its uncommon in the States and let them decide where to go from there. Either way, I will clean him up and get him sewing again. I have several projects, not quilts, waiting in the wings that he can handle ~ provided he's all clean.
Seconding the wishes for your recovery and rejoining us on the site.

Hi Cathy, Glad you are on the mend. Welcome back
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