Posted 3 years ago
Mondavarious
(1 item)
I have recently been given this machine. It works, less the broken leather strap. Some preliminary googling makes me think this is a 28k as the serial is S1787297 but I can't find any examples with a foot pedal. I have never owned one before so before I try and show it a little TLC does anyone have an idea what I have on my hand here? Many thanks.
Hi, Mondavarious. :-)
You're on the right track with your information about that serial number being associated with a Singer model 28K.
Per the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society (ISMACS) Singer serial number tables, serial number "S1787297" would have been in this block of 220,000 serial numbers (1592090 through 1812089) allotted January through June 1907:
S- 1592090 1812089 28K 220000 JAN.-JUNE 1907
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-s-series-serial-numbers.html
That it belongs to the VS1, VS2, VS3, 27, 28, 127 and 128 family of Singer sewing machines is born out by the trapezoidal access panel, the circular needle plate, and the dual slide plates:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Singer.Model27.IdentificationGuide.jpg
More information about that family of machines:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/28
The "K" in the model number simply means that it was made at Singer's Kilbowie factory. About the Kilbowie factory:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/kilbowie
Your decal set is called "Victorian":
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/decals/domestics/victorian.html
Here's a manual for the model 28:
https://archive.org/details/singer-28-user-manual-en
It's true that the model 28, as a three-quarters size machine, was more commonly available as a hand-crank or electrical in a portable case, but it was also available in a treadle cabinet (per Wikipedia, that would have been a model 28-8).
Scroll down to see another "coffin top" cover like yours:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/gallery_cases
Your treadle table with the extension leaf is similar to this (although yours doesn't appear to have any drawers at all):
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/extlf_cab.html
You mentioned a "broken leather strap. I suspect that you're talking about the leather belt. Those do wear out, but fortunately, modern replacements are available:
https://www.vintagesingerparts.com/collections/singer-models-28-and-128/products/treadle-sewing-machine-leather-belt-3-16-x-72-part-p60013
Here is some guidance on replacing and adjusting the new one, courtesy of vintage sewing machine expert Mel:
https://www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/2017/03/replacing-treadle-sewing-machine-belts.html
Thank you very much, that's about as comprehensive a response as I could have asked for!
Mondavarious, You're very welcome. :-)
I'm not actually a vintage sewing machine expert, but in the process of trying to help people who bring their machines here looking for information or other help over the last couple of years, I've collected more than a few links. You might want to browse them if you discover that you have more questions:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/285089-vintage-sewing-machine-help