I learnt to sew on my Mum’s singer sewing machine that she bought when she was first married in 1961. She updated to a more modern machine in the 1980’s and we no longer have her old Singer. I recently spotted this Vintage Singer 99K Machine on Gumtree and it reminded me of my Mum’s machine. I love the sturdiness of Singers – cast iron and beautifully housed in a walnut case.
I looked up the serial number and this beauty was made in February 1951. The gold decals and intricate detailing on the machine is wonderful. This particular model is electric and is operated by a knee lever.
I was thrilled to discover that the machine is in perfect working order and even came equipped with the original accessories box. It was in the care of the daughter in law of the original owner and it has been very well loved and cared for over the years.
This gorgeous Singer 99K will take pride of place in my sewing room.
I love the little key to lock the cover in place.
History of Singer Sewing Machines:
The Singer sewing machine is not just a relic of the past; it’s a testament to ingenuity and the timeless nature of quality craftsmanship. The story of the Singer sewing machine begins in 1851, with Isaac M. Singer and lawyer Edward C. Clark. This dynamic duo laid the foundation for what would become one of the most significant inventions of the 19th century, revolutionizing the way we create and mend clothing.
Singer’s machines were not only functional but also beautifully designed, becoming a staple in households worldwide. By 1860, Singer was the largest manufacturer of sewing machines globally, thanks to its innovative designs like the “vibrating shuttle” and the introduction of installment payment plans, making the machines accessible to a broader audience.
Collecting vintage Singer sewing machines isn’t just about owning a piece of history. It’s about the benefits that come with it. These machines are known for their durability, often outlasting their modern counterparts. They’re also a sustainable choice, as they can be used for decades with minimal maintenance. Moreover, they offer a connection to the past, a chance to own a piece of the rich heritage of sewing and craftsmanship.
Remember, each vintage Singer sewing machine carries its own history and stories, making them not just tools, but treasures.
Check out some of our other Vintage Haberdashery collection. Do you love to collect vintage sewing items?
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That is gorgeous — where did you find the serial number? I’ve got one that looks a lot like yours, but way more beat-up. 🙂
The serial number is below the gold label.
I’ve no key how can I open the lid
with a small screwdriver , turn 90 % clockwise to open
You can use a small straight edge screw driver.
I open mine with a flat screw driver or scissors
Love this post of vintage Singer Sewing machine I still have my mother’s . This is the first one with the knee leaver that I came across.
Mine has that as well. The hours of sewing she had done on her Singer over the years was unbelievable she was a dressmaker.
Thanks for sharing your photos and history of the machine.
So love this .what a story it could tell
I think I have 1964 model. But no foot pedal or key to open box. Would love to know if it works.
You can use the opener of a bully beef tin to open the machine. It looks the same as on photo.
I received one and I opened the case with a small screwdriver. 1924 99. Had it cleaned and oiled and ordered a knee lever on ebay( fit perfect) sews like a champ.
Wow, just discovered this post.
I was a singer dealer from 1953 for 45 more years. Your machine is a 99k13, in a 195 base and cover (no reverse). Remember it well.
Hellllo, oh my goodness, we have the same machine, do you by chance still know anyone who ho would be interested in buying it ? Or anyone else who i could ask ?
Thank you for your help.
Regards Babs
koala249@msn.com
Hi Wally!
I have a “hand- driven” type of this with a serial number of 1053447.
What do you think, how old can it be?
Greetings from Hungary.
Szabi
Hi Szabi,
I am not sure if anyone else has replied but I just checked a list of dates of Singer sewing machines and the number you give would put it at 1873.
I’m not sure if I can post a screenshot of the page or the website here.
Hi , I have 1857 hand driven , I don’t know how much is worth
I have a treadle bread basket Singer. Serial number is S125976. Can you tell me how old it is?
We have a Precision Super Deluxe sewing machine looks like a singer no markings to indicate it is. Would be nice to find an instruction booklet
I have a singer model 99 machine in great shape box good. Motor good. Converter is disconnected all manuals original box needles and all extra parts
How can you check for the reverse? Most people selling don’t necessarily know about the reverse button.
Hi. I have a similar model and I can’t find what year it is. Perhaps you could help me figure that out?
The model is AD090782
Oh my goodness!!!! This is exactly the same model Singer as my Mum had and I learnt on. She bought it in 1950. The knee speed control and case are the same. It was so heavy I can remember her waiting for Dad to lift it for her when she’s was pregnant. She sewed beautifully and made all our clothes with it but eventually traded it for a Bernina. Thankyou for the memory
I have one and its in a singer table to. I wish i knew the value of it. The only thing its missing the belt.
Hello and Merry Christmas!!!
I need one machine like this, old model, electric, metalic, not plastic. Are refurbished? How much costs? Thanks.
Just foud one like new in a swapmarked. It got an electrical foot pedal. I love it!
I have a machine similar to this but it needs rewiring. Also it doesn’t have a foot control or a knee lever. Intrested in finding out how to get parts.
I just got given a 99k from my partner. No reverse and electric. I dont know much about them as I started on a bigger machine.
Your machine is in beautiful condition.
My mother taught me to sew on an identical machine which I still have. She trained as a dressmaker in Melbourne in the 1930s. I have just found a chart that gives all the model numbers and their dates. My mother’s has an EC prefix and is dated 1939.
When we lived in the Adelaide Hills in the 1950s a bush fire came very close to the house. The only thing my mother took from the house was the sewing machine and a wedding dress she was making at the time.
We just acquired this exact same machine . I tried looking up info by serial number , says no match found . I did find on one site where is said this serial number what made in 1935 . Trying to find info on how to thread the machine .
I have a 1956 singer model 15-125. Serial number is AM620646. Can anyone tell me about it. Value? It’s in excellent condition. Has all attachments. Has manual. It’s the table machine. Machine hidden inside table. Tan woo. Light green machine. Even has a matching green sewing chair I guess u would call it. Lift cushion storage underneath. Its beautiful. Please help can send pics.
I have a 99 k and it’s my fa favorite machine.its runs smoothly and fast. I would not trade it for another
I have a singer was left I dont know anything about sewing machines how they work or if the need a pedal could do with some help here as want to sell them.
I personally own a 1937 hand crank sewing machine I bought from a customer. I love it!!
I bought a 1950 model years ago in a garage sale. $15. Love it! A couple years ago I bought an 1899 Singer treadle in it’s original cabinet with all the attachments in a wooden box. It works perfectly except I can’t treadle. Gave up trying to learn.
I think the trick to treadling is put right foot forward and left a little back. It has been so long ago that I don’t remember how I learned as a child. Try again with no thread in needle, don’t try to go fast but you will get there if you want to learn as bad as I did when I was 5 or 6. I thought to be able to sew like my mother did would just be a real “cats meow”. At that time I did not know that my grandmother was a great seamstress and sewed for the public before 1900. Good luck with your treadling.
Hi, I’ve just bought a singer 99k hand cranked made in 1911, it’s gorgeous and sews beautifully and I also have my grandma’s 1949 99k with the electric motor, they’re fantastic machines
I need this sewing machine. How can I get it?
I find these machines amazing and started my sewing journey on a singer treadle machine in the early 1970’s. It was all my parents could afford and I didn’t tell anyone in school about it, as most got electric models for home economics projects. I’d love to have that machine today. My husband and I collect vintage machines and have 9 at present. We like to rescue them and give them a home. If you haven’t already, read the book The Sewing Machine by Natalie Fergie. A wonderful story about several families with connections to the Singer factory in Clydebank, Scotland.