What type of 15
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#1
09-07-2015I see a lot of posts saying someone has found a Singer Class 15/clone and wondered how to tell what type it is. I see 15-90, 15-91, 15-96, 15-97, 15-86, 15-87, 15-88, 15-30....etc. How do you tell do you tell the difference other than a its class 15? Also what makes the machine a "K" or any other letter?
#2
crocee,
First the dash number is a variation. A good example is the 15-91 is the old black machine style with the potted motor.
Some dash numbers do not indicate any differences in the machine, but indicate that it was in a treadle or a HC or a knee bar case.
For a good read up on machines go to ISMACS { http://www.ismacs.net/home.html } and go to the Singer sections. There is tons of info on manufacturing codes ( the letter K for instance ) and other things.
As for the clones, they are not true clones. They are based on the Singer model 15s with modifications and updates.
Joe
First the dash number is a variation. A good example is the 15-91 is the old black machine style with the potted motor.
Some dash numbers do not indicate any differences in the machine, but indicate that it was in a treadle or a HC or a knee bar case.
For a good read up on machines go to ISMACS { http://www.ismacs.net/home.html } and go to the Singer sections. There is tons of info on manufacturing codes ( the letter K for instance ) and other things.
As for the clones, they are not true clones. They are based on the Singer model 15s with modifications and updates.
Joe
#3
Cari-in-Oly , 09-14-2014 11:08 AM
Banned
To add to what Joe told you, a 15 class machine is one that takes the 15 class bobbins and bobbin case. They also have the upper tension assembly on the left end of the machine instead of on the front. So a 15 class clone is a Japanese straight stitch machine that looks like that.
The letters denote where the machine was built.
Cari
The letters denote where the machine was built.
Cari
#4
Can anyone show a picture designating the differences in the dash numbers? I understand the portable/treadle/HC/electric but are there any physical differences I should be looking at? Like is the 15-91 the only one that has a potted motor?
#5
Cari-in-Oly , 09-14-2014 12:36 PM
Banned
There are a few models that have the pot motor, but I think there's only one other 15 that has it. 101, 201-2, 1200( a 201-2 with a foot operated presser foot lift in a factory table), 15-91, 15-125(a 15-91 in a new dress) and some 191s. This may not be a complete list. The 15-125 is green so it's obvious. How the machine is powered is what designates the different 15s.
Cari
Cari
#7
A few tidbits on the 15
The class 15 was made 1890-1957 "K" simply designates Kilibowe - where it was made. When Singer moved to the Anderson plant, they started putting A after machines, most with no letter were made at Elisabethport. J is Canada, G is Germany - and I think there are more. Early on it was mostly "nothing" for US and K for UK. However this was not always put on the machine . . .
The early 15 type was made 1895 to 1933, The most notable feature is the LACK of reverse, instead there is a small knob for the stitch width. Came in assorted decal patterns. There were variations, and Singer also used the -XX to designate options, sometimes they weren't much of a difference. A lot of 15-xx machines are industrial - part of what leads to confusion on sellers claiming Singer 15's are industrial - because many are. And some look the same except they used heavier components underneath.
Notice the knob on the pillar - this is a 1935 model (K made) BTW - this one has a 1 o'clock bobbin case finger
ISMACS site has a good list of all the models and variations - some I have no idea, one has "Long beak shuttle, some don't have drop feed.
This is another 15 of that type, but much older (the one on the right). The one on the left is a 115 - they are the same on the top side.
Though this isn't the best picture to show it, this one also has the 1 o'clock case finger.
It also shows the significant difference between a 115 and 15
The other group is the 15-88, 89, 90, 91 group - and it has the reverse and stitch length lever. The -XX denotes the power source. The first three are the same machine, the last has the potted motor so the frame is a bit different. The Treadle/hand crank versions have a spoked handwheel while the 90 has a solid wheel as the spokes are not needed. However you can easily put a motor on an 88/89 with no problems. This model has an 11 o'clock bobbin case finger.
the left is a 15-90 and the right is an early 15-91 with the silver plate. That was only used for a limited time at the start of production of this type machine, then they all switched to the black plate.
This is a 15-75, updated frame but basically the same machine as the 15-90
The class 15 was made 1890-1957 "K" simply designates Kilibowe - where it was made. When Singer moved to the Anderson plant, they started putting A after machines, most with no letter were made at Elisabethport. J is Canada, G is Germany - and I think there are more. Early on it was mostly "nothing" for US and K for UK. However this was not always put on the machine . . .
The early 15 type was made 1895 to 1933, The most notable feature is the LACK of reverse, instead there is a small knob for the stitch width. Came in assorted decal patterns. There were variations, and Singer also used the -XX to designate options, sometimes they weren't much of a difference. A lot of 15-xx machines are industrial - part of what leads to confusion on sellers claiming Singer 15's are industrial - because many are. And some look the same except they used heavier components underneath.
Notice the knob on the pillar - this is a 1935 model (K made) BTW - this one has a 1 o'clock bobbin case finger
ISMACS site has a good list of all the models and variations - some I have no idea, one has "Long beak shuttle, some don't have drop feed.
This is another 15 of that type, but much older (the one on the right). The one on the left is a 115 - they are the same on the top side.
Though this isn't the best picture to show it, this one also has the 1 o'clock case finger.
It also shows the significant difference between a 115 and 15
The other group is the 15-88, 89, 90, 91 group - and it has the reverse and stitch length lever. The -XX denotes the power source. The first three are the same machine, the last has the potted motor so the frame is a bit different. The Treadle/hand crank versions have a spoked handwheel while the 90 has a solid wheel as the spokes are not needed. However you can easily put a motor on an 88/89 with no problems. This model has an 11 o'clock bobbin case finger.
the left is a 15-90 and the right is an early 15-91 with the silver plate. That was only used for a limited time at the start of production of this type machine, then they all switched to the black plate.
This is a 15-75, updated frame but basically the same machine as the 15-90
