How to determine the year of manufacture of a Singer sewing machine by serial number?

Singer sewing machines have long been classics. And this is justifiable, since they are associated exclusively with a high-quality and reliable household item. Models of this particular brand have always been considered a profitable investment. They were then expensive, which means: to have such a sewing machine was considered prestigious even then.

After so many years, many cars have maintained a decent appearance, and some even performance. Moreover, despite the venerable age of each model, knowing its serial number, you can find out the year and place of manufacture. Having this information makes it even more valuable.

The founder of the sewing machine factory is Isaac Singer (Isaac Singer). He patented the Singer brand, which received worldwide fame and recognition. Since the sewing device was already invented before, the inventor only improved it a little:

• shuttle placed in a horizontal position;
• a special board appeared to maintain tissue;
• added a leg to the needle holder;
• connected the car to the foot drive pedal.

The first factory for the manufacture of branded sewing machines began operating in 1851. Initially, the plant was located in New York State, and then moved to Tennessee, where it has been successfully operating to this day. Over time, production began to expand, Singer factories began to operate in Europe.

At the beginning of the last century, a plant was also built in Russia, since the delivery of finished products from America was unprofitable. It is for this reason that a plant was built in Podolsk. As it turned out, this solution was economically viable for the following reasons:

• the proximity of the railway contributed to the uninterrupted supply of products;
• Japan, China, Turkey and the countries of Persia were willing to buy Russian-made sewing machines;
• sales of finished products ranked second after the main plant in the United States.

After the nationalization of 1918, the plant changed its name, but this did not particularly affect the design and configuration of the machines. Consumers really liked this model. Over time, the appearance of the sewing units, of course, has undergone changes - they have new additional functions. At the moment, Podolsky Mechanical Plant has stopped production, although in 1994 it was purchased by a company that owns the Singer brand.

Each machine assembled at the Singer plant is a masterpiece. Not in the sense that it is made from exclusive, unparalleled parts, but a share of uniqueness in each of them was present. Among modern models such can not be found. Current sewing machines, the case of which is made of plastic, are lighter and more functional, but they all look the same.

The heyday of the production of the Singer factory fell just at the time when the modernist style entered the world fashion. Therefore, it was noticeably reflected on products of that time. Each of the models was decorated with branded monograms, the name of the brand and a unique serial number were necessarily present.

Ancient sewing machines of a famous manufacturer have high value exclusively as antiques. Factors affecting the formation of the value of the machine:

• model refers to the anniversary issue;
• appearance, general condition and safety of the drawing;
• functionality and equipment - the design in working condition has the greatest value;
• serial number availability with the possibility of determining the year of manufacture.

Surely everyone remembers the hype that arose around Singer sewing machines in the early 2000s. At that time, everyone began to search through grandmother's closets and attics in search of old, rare models. The reason for this was the rumors and speculation that were popular among the people, as well as the thirst for profit of not quite respectable people. The most popular versions were as follows.

• Gold case. This myth is based on the fact that immediately after the revolution, the nobles who immigrated to Europe smelted gold jewelry or objects and gave an ingot the outlines of a sewing machine. This was followed by painting and applying all the markings of the Singer factory.
• Inside there is platinum. This metal is not only durable, but also expensive. If it were used in production, this would significantly affect the cost of models.
• Some elements of the product contain red mercury. This is generally a fantastic story, since many do not know if it actually exists and what it is for.
• Lucky number. This legend says that the manufacturer promised to give $ 1 million to the owner of the machine with a certain serial number. It was rumored that such a model was allegedly produced at the end of the 19th century and bought by someone in Russia.

To find the personal number of the sewing machine, a visual inspection will be sufficient.Usually it is located on a separate metal plate in the front part on a cast iron base and in a specific place. But there are exceptions, since each plant had its own specifics for applying license plates. Possible location options:

• on the back on a cast-iron case;
• on the rotary wheel of the foot machine.

If you carefully look at the design from all sides, number will be found.

In Russia, the Podolsk Mechanical Plant produced the most common model of sewing machines in the Soviet Union - 16K33 with foot drive. It was not always possible to find a serial number on them, but the year of manufacture should have been required. You can detect it:

• below under a branded monogram;
• inside the emblem;
• in the product passport.

The first Singer plant began operations in 1851. However, it was the first registers of sewing machine numbers that were lost until 1870. Only their total number is known - 611,000. Currently, serial numbers of models manufactured since 1871 are widely available.

Singer sewing machines with digital code produced more than 16 million copies. The numbers using letters are many times smaller, but also quite a lot.

Knowing the letters of the serial number, you can determine the place of manufacture of the model, and the numbers will tell you about the date of this event. Letter designations in license plates appeared to get rid of confusion among manufacturers.

You can find reliable information about any model of interest by going to the company's official website. It stores information about all ever made copies of sewing machines. Convenient site navigation allows you to quickly break through the necessary data, they are presented in the table. The telephone numbers of service centers are also indicated there, where they are also always ready to help their customers.

Many argue, arguing that the authenticity of the sewing machine can be determined by its name, or rather, by the first letter. The original name is written exactly by Singer, because the letter “C” in German sounds like “Z”.

A guarantee of the authenticity of a famous brand is the presence of a plate with an embossed serial number. At the same time, it can consist of both their single digits and be combined with letters.

Only an experienced antiques expert can determine the authenticity and verify the value of a Singer hand or foot sewing machine. therefore both before buying and before selling such products it is better to consult with several specialists.

Next, watch a video review of the 1897 Singer sewing machine.