What Sub-Model is my 1906 Singer 15K?
 

I posted quite some time ago about my treadle and received much information that I am grateful for. I find the sub categories of these machines to be quite confusing. Would this be a 15K-30? There serial number is S722420.

My confusion comes from the placement of the bobbin winder. Another forum I frequent, Needlebar, of which I know many of you are members offered an in site resource of Model 15 comparisons and I have spent WAY too much time pouring over that link. I think I am just too new and too green to really understand what I am looking for in distinguishing the differences between these machines. I have looked on ISMACS and just as the Needlebar chart, the 15k30 seems most appropriate but I am just looking for confirmation. The bobbin winder looks lower to me but maybe I am wrong? I thought the 15 - 11 was also a possibility but was that model not made at Kilbowie?

Response from Needlebar...this is a 15K - 30 :) I probably look like a real dope but I'm a happy girl, at least I have confirmation!

I like that treadle base. It would make a perfect set up for a on-site craft market treadle machine. Simple and lighter in weight than the regular ones.

Joe

Me too!!! I do like the fact that there is so much to learn about these old machines!

Hey what a good idea! ;) I really love this treadle, it is my favorite old sewing machine to sew on.

There is SO much to learn isn't there? I began collecting with absolutely no intention of collecting. It is definitely addictive! I have more sewing machines than I will EVER need to sew on. ;)

I love your base! I've never seen one with the fold out on it. That is just too perfect for FMQing! I love my 15 for that! It's such a cool little machine.

Thank you! I really love this machine too. I haven't used it yet for FM'ing, but I can tell you that the drop leaf is GREAT if for nothing else, so I have an excuse to keep this machine in my little teeny tiny house! ;)

Pretty sure it's a 15k26 I have it's sister. They are pretty rare with that low bobbin winder infact I am trying to find a replacement bobbin winder assembly for mine

My best one for travel has pressed steel legs. Sorry, no pics handy.

I am all sorts of confused now. This thread has been inactive since before I joined QB. I'm surprised I did not find it when I was researching for my 15K. I know the opening poster's machine is not a 15K-30 (improper) or 15K30 (proper), because according to https://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollec...es/image30.htm the 15K30 is for light manufacturing and has wheel feed and roller presser foot.

I thought that the machine that I have was probably a 15k26 or similar. I was basing that pretty much on the parts list that can be found in several places on the web such as https://web.archive.org/web/20190727.../IPpartCharts/ and title includes 15K3_4_24_to_27_70_to_73_80_to_85 according to that parts list, which is undated, all the bobbin winders are attached to the belt guard. So back to the 1907 Kilbowie catalog at the Smithsonian website the domestic machines start on https://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollec...es/image27.htm and have the bobbin winder on the pillar.

The only thing I know for sure is that my machine is a 15K (by the serial number) and the bobbin winder is on the belt guard cover. I have also determined that it is a K designation because stitch length is down to increase the stitch length, whereas the US 15s of that era the stitch length is the opposite direction to increase the stitch length.

I have seen a couple of advertisements that are for the 15K26 and since they are just drawings, neither has a bobbin winder shown at all. One such advertisement is https://images-cdn.bridgemanimages.c...75/4110528.jpg

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)