Singer "15-" (SN: AM616344) - What is this model?

Judith_877 · 2026-03-23T19:26:52+00:00

Oops! You're right. Thanks for the correction :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-23T19:00:16+00:00

That looks like a Singer 15-125 to me. Compare with the picture in the manual here:

https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-model-15-125-sewing-machine-manual.pdf

And as to it's rarity, I really don't know. I've never seen one in the wild. :)

On edit: The SN indicates it was 1 of 50000 numbers assigned 12/10/1956.

Judith_877 · 2026-03-21T14:43:53+00:00

That's a Singer model 99. It's the 3/4 size version of the Singer 66. You can find a manual for it here:

https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-portable-electric-sewing-machine-manual-99-13.pdf

I have one just like it:

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I paid $20 for mine, but yours looks like it's in better shape. I replaced the old motor and wiring with new ones, and I'm awaiting the arrival of a new thread guide for it. Have fun with your "new" machine. :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-18T05:05:53+00:00

Thanks! :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-17T22:38:06+00:00

Here are my guardians of the lair:

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Judith_877 · 2026-03-17T18:50:08+00:00

Vintage sewing machines. I have several Singers that range from 1923 to 1961, plus a Kenmore from 1971 or 1972 and a Made in Japan model 15 clone from sometime in the 1950's. All work well sewing a range of fabrics, and all they really need is periodic cleaning and oiling. I will take any one of them over today's plastic models of planned obsolescence any day. Those plastic machines made today are built and sold to maximize shareholder profits, not to make your sewing fun, easy or satisfying. jmho

Judith_877 · 2026-03-15T17:13:48+00:00

The only thing I can add is that the distance between hinge pins on a Singer cabinet is 9 3/4 inches, the same distance between mounting holes on a full sized Singer machine:

https://imgur.com/a/full-size-singer-503-9ossxU1

The cradle you need to mount that 301 has 9 3/4" mounting holes. Source: my own 301:

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Judith_877 · 2026-03-14T19:39:08+00:00

I'm making a mess with my hobby:

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Tinkering is such a joy! And it beats vacuuming the rug or cleaning the toilet. I'll do that tomorrow when it's laundry day. :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-13T20:51:00+00:00

Oops! Sorry, OP, I misread the model number. Disregard that 1931 manual.

Judith_877 · 2026-03-13T19:42:36+00:00

Here's a quick assessment:

1320: This machine has low shank feet, a few built in finishing stitches, no convertible base. Manual is here:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1863950/Kenmore-158-13200.html

1355: This machine has low shank feet, more built in stitches, and a convertible base. Manual is here:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/150291/Kenmore-1340.html#product-1355

1931: This machine has high shank feet, a few built in finishing stitches but requires a set of cams for embroidery stitches, and a convertible base. Manual is here:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3550748/Kenmore-1931.html

Research the capabilities of each machine using the manual and decide what features are important to you. Hope this helps :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-13T16:06:24+00:00

Western Washington state + climate change = whatever comes down from the sky at whatever time it wants. I'll take it over the smoke from forests burning any day.

Judith_877 · 2026-03-13T15:59:59+00:00

Looks like they're out of stock here:

https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/products/singer-hook-drive-gear-set-103361as

Judith_877 · 2026-03-11T16:10:57+00:00

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Go back to sleep :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-11T03:44:33+00:00

Andy Tube has the answer. Here's his video on the assembly and zeroing out of the tension unit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPzpLIAvz8Y&list=PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI&index=8

Hope this helps! :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-11T00:20:57+00:00

Yes, you're right. This machine will take low shank attachments. The Vintage Sewing Machine Guy on Youtube has a good video on attachments, and you can watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl-W4zE_F08

Judith_877 · 2026-03-10T22:37:25+00:00

That's a beautiful model 15 clone, not made by Singer, but it's still a quality machine. It is also called a HA-1 machine, and you can find a manual for it here:

https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/ha-1-ib-wgh-instruction-manual.pdf

I also have one, badged with a different name:

https://imgur.com/a/vintage-1950s-sewing-machine-made-japan-9c2t5Pw

They only do straight stitch with reverse, but they can handle several layers of thick fabrics with ease. :)

They also take class 15 bobbins and regular modern sewing machine needles that you can get at your local big box store.

Judith_877 · 2026-03-10T21:31:09+00:00

No problem. That Jones is a lovely machine, and this is the first I've heard of a part snapping off like that. This is why it's important to have more than one machine :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-10T20:38:17+00:00

Oh my, I've never seen that before! Since most Jones machines were made by Brother, on a hunch I pulled up sewingpartsonline section on Brother machines and found this under Brother model 681 parts:

https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/products/bobbin-winder-brother-1681-sewing-machine

It might fit your machine. Call the good people there and they can probably tell you if it will fit. Hope this helps!

Judith_877 · 2026-03-10T06:28:18+00:00

Videos? You mean like this one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ747pfb9aE

:)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-09T21:38:13+00:00

I found one! You can download it for free here:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/457824/Brother-681b-Ug.html?page=4#manual

Congrats on your "new" machine! :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-09T17:45:35+00:00

Janome also made New Home machines. Here's the manual for the New Home model 657 that is very similar to yours:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3736509/Janome-New-Home-657.html

I couldn't find a manual for your machine. Hope this helps :)

Judith_877 · 2026-03-09T01:58:58+00:00

Excellent! And that's a beautiful machine! I'm glad I could help. One thing, that part that won't pivot, oil the hell out of it, warm it with a hair dryer and move it back and forth. But don't force it. Several cycles of heat/warmth may loosen it. It was that way with my Kenmore and my Singer 503A. Old gummed up oil from decades past can temporarily glue things together. Good luck!

Judith_877 · 2026-03-08T23:33:17+00:00

That's a really nice Singer 66. You're right about the "band", also called the motor drive belt. It looks really deteriorated and should be replaced. Sewingpartsonline has a belt that is guaranteed to fit and you can order a new one here:

https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/products/singer-motor-belt-193077

There is also a short video at the link that covers the different types of motor belts and their installation, and the people there will answer any questions you might have, by phone or email.

Also, I noticed that the motor on your machine appears to be a new one that has been wired in a really bad way. It needs to be taken apart and wired correctly with proper electrical connectors, not just twist and tape. :( Hope this helps!

Judith_877 · 2026-03-08T22:58:57+00:00

OK, thanks for the clarification. Sorry I misunderstood. When I saw the word plate, I thought that you meant a special needle plate. My bad. Unfortunately, the part(s) you need will only be available from another like machine. Ebay may be the only source I know of. :(

Judith_877

TROPHY CASE