Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Value (Identification & Price Guides)

When someone mentions a home sewing machine, most people immediately think of Singer. Indeed, many Americans saw their grandmothers use this machine type when they were children. Even though the first Singer sewing machine appeared in 1851, it is still present on the market worldwide.

This article aims to help you determine the Antique Singer sewing machine identification and price guide before buying one. Be aware that these collectibles’ value depends on various factors, so you should decide which model it is and carefully check its current state before buying one.

Antique Singer Sewing Machine History

In 1850, Isaac Merritt Singer founded I.M. Singer and Co. He didn’t invent the first sewing machine, but the original design was invented and created by Elias Howe. However, Singer upgraded the already existing model and made it durable, precise, and high-quality.

The primary difference between all sewing machines existing at that time and the advanced Singer machine’s model is in a flat needle the new model offered. Its advantage is that it worked vertically instead of horizontally, unlike the one Howe originally envisioned. With this change, the machines became easier to make and use.

Singer was a wise businessman, so he was the first to devise a popular installment payment plan for his sewing machines. Only companies and factories had owned these machines until that moment, but his idea made them affordable to average Americans.

Crucial features

Over the years, Singer’s company added various helpful functions to sewing machines, such as:

• A treadle
• A support table
• A presser foot
• A traverse shuttle
• Lock stitching
• Gear operation
• Roughened feed wheel slot

In addition, the company continued to work on the development of portable and affordable models and likewise used door-to-door sales.

However, Isaac Singer’s private life filled with scandals forced him to retire from the company in the 1860s. His death in 1875 didn’t affect the future company’s success.

I.M. Singer and Co. first became Singer Manufacturing Company, only to eventually change its name to Singer Company in 1963. To this day, this name is synonymous with quality sewing machines.

 

Antique Singer Sewing Machine Most Popular Models

Although the Singer company today produces modern sewing machines, some of their antique models are still popular in numerous households. The primary reasons for these models’ popularity are probably the high quality and ease of use.

Today it can be a problem for you to find a complete list of all sewing machine models made by Singer. Yet, the undeniable fact is that every model manufactured before 1900 is considered antique. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular antique pieces.

1. Patent model, No. 8,294, 1851

This Singer sewing machine patented in 1851 was the first model this company ever produced. It came with a foot pedal, a table supporting sewing clothing, and a packing crate.

Singer sewing machine per year
Production year	Model
1856 to 1859	Turtleback
1859 to 1865	Letter A Family
1865 to 1902	New Family or Fiddle base
1880 to 1890	Industrial Flying Dutchman
1895 to 1957	Class 15
1906 to 1908	9W1, 9W2, 9W3, 9W4, 9W5
1909 to 1913	9W7, 9W8, 9W9, 9W10
1912 to 1941	127 Class
1920 to 1937	101 Class
1933 to 1960	201 Class Featherweight
1935 to 1964	201 Class
1947 to 1957	221 K
1954	306
1956 to 1962	320 K
1957 to 1960	401 A
1958 to 1960	401 Slant-o-Matic
1968 to 1970	221 K7
1974	160 M

2. Singer Turtleback model

This machine was the first constructed model in 1856 to be used exclusively at home. Its construction had a vibrating overhanging shaft that served to actuate the needle, driving wheel, a rocking treadle, and a piston shuttle.

The pedal with the drive wheel moved the mechanism using a leather belt. This model was certainly not the best made, but most sewists appreciated its possibilities. It is pretty rare nowadays and one of the favorites among collectors, so you can expect it to be pricy.

3. Singer Letter A Family model

Letter A Family model was constructed in 1859 from high-quality metal. This long-lasting and improved machine model with a broader foot treadle immediately gained exceptional popularity. Since most of them were in use for decades, it is pretty challenging to find one in working order on the current market.

4. Singer New Family (Fiddle Base) model

The New Family sewing machine with an adjustable feed and a lockstitch appeared on the market in 1865. It was black with an attractive gold scroll. After its renaming to the Singer Model 12, its production continued for 40 years.

A few things set this efficient and durable sewing machine model apart from the others. It was among the first lock stitch machine and capable of sewing through multiple fabrics.

It was the first high-volume mass-produced sewing machine on the American market. Many families bought this model despite the high price, making it available on the current market. Believe it or not, you can effortlessly find some in excellent condition despite their age.

5. Singer Medium model

In 1867, Singer modified the New Family model and created a Medium sewing machine. He added additional space under the arm, making manipulating with large fabric amounts more effortless.

6. Industrial Flying Dutchman model

The Industrial Flying Dutchman was a highly popular small machine for industrial production in the 1880s. It was narrowly specialized with a primary function to trim and finish the edges while sewing. 

7. Singer Class 15 model

The Singer 15 is essentially an improved and mechanically more advanced Family model. This sewing machine production began in 1895, and the primary manufacturer’s goal was to offer customers an entirely new appearance.

The new model went through a few crucial mechanical changes, facilitating sewing. Most admirers agree that the Singer 15 is one of the most successful models. It experienced several improvements during more than 100 years of production.

 

Antique Singer Sewing Machine Identification

Since Singer produced a significant number of sewing machines and many different models over the years, you always need to check the mark to identify which one you have.

By 1900, the Singer Company produced nearly 17 million machines. Each had a number indicating the production year. Checking it is an excellent way to ensure that your sewing machine is antique because only those manufactured before 1900 can be in this group.

Antique Singer machines’ serial marks
Marks	Year
1 to 100	1850
101 to 900	1851
901 to 1,711	1852
1,712 to 2,521	1853
2,522 to 3,400	1854
3,401 to 4,283	1855
4,284 to 6,847	1856
6,848 to 10,477	1857
10,478 to 14,071	1858
14,702 to 25,024	1859
25,025 to 43,000	1860
43,001 to 61,000	1861
61,001 to 79,396	1862
79,397 to 99,426	1863
99,427 to 123,058	1864
123,059 to 149,399	1865
149,400 to 180,360	1866
180,361 to 223,414	1867
223,415 to 283,044	1868
283,045 to 369,826	1869
369,827 to 497,660	1870
497,661 to 913,999	1871
914,000 to 963,999	1872
964,000 to 1,349,999	1873
1,350,000 to 1,914,999	1874
1,915,000 to 2,034,999	1875
2,035,000 to 2,154,999	1876
2,155,000 to 2,764,999	1877
2,765,000 to 2,924,999	1878
2,925,000 to 3,679,999	1879
3,680,000 to 3,939,999	1880
3,940,000 to 4,889,999	1881
4,890,000 to 5,483,999	1882
5,494,000 to 6,004,999	1883
6,005,000 to 6,524,999	1884
6,525,000 to 7,046,499	1885
7,046,500 to 7,471,599	1886
7,471,600 to 7,918,999	1887
7,919,000 to 8,615,499	1888
8,615,500 to 9,436,999	1889
9,437,000 to 9,809,999	1890
9,810,000 to 10,629,999	1891
10,630,000 to 11,338,999	1892
11,339,000 to 11,913,499	1893
11,913,500 to 12,475,499	1894
12,475,500 to 13,387,999	1895
13,388,000 to 14,047,999	1896
14,048,000 to 14,919,999	1897
14,920,000 to 15,811,499	1898
15,811,500 to 16,831,099	1899

The company used different combinations of serial numbers for various sewing machines over the years. All antique models produced until 1900 had only numbers.

After that year, letters appeared next to the numbers in the serial marks. You can find a mark in different places, depending on the model and manufacturing year. The most common include:

• On the bearing or throat of the machine
• Under the machine
• On the model’s right side
• On the model’s front or side

This information can help you determine your machine model and age and thus its current value. However, you should be prepared that sometimes this number is not visible due to the models’ age. In such a case, you can try to determine the machine model and age using its technical characteristics and appearance.

 

Antique Singer Sewing Machine Price Guide

As you can guess, not every sewing machine’s old model has a high value. In most cases, their rarity primarily affects the price. Since the company practiced mass production and produced millions of sewing machines, only a few models are rare. The next thing to consider is their condition.

Antique and vintage Singer sewing machine price range
Model	Price
Turtleback	$500 to $1,500
Fiddle Base	Approximately $2,000
99K	$50 to $130
128	$50 to $120
15	$65 to $200
201	$60 to $200
301	$80 to $200
401	$75 to $225
500	$150 to $280

Antique Singer sewing machine condition

As with other antiques, the Singer sewing machine’s condition significantly affects its value. Always take a good look at your model or ask a professional to assess which of the following categories it belongs to.

Excellent – This sewing machine shows slight signs of use, including minor scratches, but the metal construction and color are well-preserved and shiny. The crucial things are visible serial marks and undamaged stickers that are all in number. Only a model with all these features can get the highest grade.

Very good – This assessment indicates that the machine was handled with care, so its appearance is still attractive and its functions well preserved. You can see needle marks and a few more noticeable scratches on it, but all parts are present, and there are no rust traces.

Fair – A machine in this condition shows significant signs of wear. You can notice the damaged color and visible rust traces. Even though some accessories necessary for its operation are missing, it is still functional and suitable for restoration.

Poor – This sewing machine’s condition indicates it is significantly damaged and is no longer in operation. It is probably not suitable for repair, but you can use it for parts.

Antique Singer sewing machine value

Your machine value can be affected by several factors.

Historical value – An antique Singer machine can have historical significance if it originates from the early period of the sewing machine’s development. In that case, the only relevant factor is whether its production year is in the middle of the 1800s.

Singer Featherweight sewing machine price range
Model	Price
221	$200 to $600
222K	$800 to $1,300

Collectible value – Your machine can also have a collectible value that depends on collectors’ interests. Some collect only historically valuable machines or those from a particular manufacturer. However, you can find collectors interested in the decorative look of your model and make a deal accordingly.

Sentimental value – Sometimes, you should consider sentimental Singer sewing machine value. It can be invaluable to you if it has been in your family for generations, so you should think twice before selling it. If it belonged to your grandmother or another favorite family member, you might regret such a step in the future.

 

Places to look for antique sewing machine

If you are looking for one antique Singer sewing machine, the best places to look for it are:

• Estate sales
• Flea markets
• Classified ads at sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
• Auctions
• Antique stores

Generally, the standard mass-produced models’ price ranges from $0 to $500. In most cases, it depends on each machine’s condition and where you decide to buy one.

For instance, one Singer sewing machine from 1890 was sold for only $19, while others often reached hundred dollars. As you can see, the production year couldn’t guarantee a high price, but numerous other factors determined it.

 

Summary

Durable and high-quality Singer sewing machines still have an enviable reputation in a very competitive market. Therefore, it is not surprising to find an antique model older than a century that is still in use.