This guide is based on the question, “Where is the serial number on a Singer sewing machine?” So, let’s take a look.
Singer sewing machines have a long and distinguished history. They’ve been around since 1851. Over the years, these gorgeous machines have developed.
However, they are still standing the test of time. Some of the older models are in high demand by collectors and sewing lovers.
It is wise to be able to identify the age and model of your machine in case you happen to have nailed one of these beautiful negotiations at a local market.
You might be surprised that you’ve nabbed a rare antique. The truth is that they are easy to find on the market if you know what you are looking for.
And, that is true whether you intend to nab one of your own older models, given the fact that you love the history, aesthetic, or longing of the piece.
The Singer sewing machine serial number is how you get to identify when a model was made and also how old your Singer sewing machine is.
On newer machines, you can find the serial number near the on/off switch, and on older machines, you can find it on the front panel or on a small plate.
That has definitely answered the question, “Where is the serial number on a Singer sewing machine?” So, dig in for more.
Singer Sewing Machine Serial Numbers
It is a fact that every Singer sewing machine has a serial number and a model number.
You can sometimes find these numbers (the serial number and model number) in the same place.
For instance, these numbers are normally placed on a small metal plate on the front of the machine on older models.
And, on the other hand, the serial number is often inscribed near the on/off switch or underneath the machine on newer machines.
The serial number of your Singer sewing machine is what you can use as an identifier to determine the model number of your machine, how much it’s worth, and also the year your sewing machine was issued.
All Singer serial numbers are in the database of the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society.
So, you can find your number in this database, and then you will know how old your sewing machine is.
Singer Sewing Machine Value
Normally, you can buy Singer sewing machine models for around $50 to $500. However, this is based on the model and its collectability.
And don’t be surprised because you can find and buy rare collectible models for more than $2,000!
Generally, the value of antique and vintage sewing machines is determined by the year of production, their condition, and the rarity of the machine.
You can get some vintage models for as low as fifty dollars. And, you might often get collectible machines such as the Turtleback for over a thousand dollars.
However, even collectible antique sewing machines’ prices normally range between five hundred and one thousand five hundred dollars.
Normally, the price for the Featherweight, which is a sought-after model for both actual sewing and collecting, is around four hundred to six hundred dollars on eBay.
And you can also get it at antique stores. That being said, you can purchase the 222K, which is also the same model but was manufactured in Scotland, for as much as two thousand dollars, thanks to the fact that it is rarer today.
Given its rarity, a model that had limited production mostly ends up as a collector’s item. And this is the exact reason why the Turtleback is so valuable today.
Furthermore, the condition of the machine is also a strong determinant.
Antique dealers have a rating system for assessing the appearance and working order of sewing machines.
You should know that a machine in like-new condition will definitely be more expensive compared to a rusty clunker that was pulled out of someone’s garage.
Lastly, it is also a general truth that older items are more expensive.
So, you should expect a machine manufactured in 1851 to be more valuable today compared to a machine manufactured in 1980.
How to Date Your Singer Sewing Machine
On your Singer sewing machine, the serial number will be on a metal plate somewhere.
Although, as previously stated, you can find the serial number near the on/off switch, and on older machines, you can find it on the front panel or on a small plate.
After you find your serial number, you are to crosscheck it with a database on Singer’s website.
This will show you when the sewing machine was put out. However, keep in mind that just because you bought the sewing machine in a specific year does not mean the sewing machine was produced in that certain year.
It is very possible that it might have been issued in a different year instead of the year the first purchase was made.
Below is the general custom for determining which year your sewing machine was produced:
Your sewing machine was produced before 1900 if you find that the serial number contains only numbers.
And, your sewing machine was produced after 1900 if you find that the serial number consists of a single- or two-letter prefix before the number.
Just go to the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society website and find out what year your sewing machine was put out after you find the serial number.
You can also go to ISMACS’ website if you intend to find your model number. Their website might be able to help you with your model number.
Now, you can go over to eBay since you have the serial number and model number available.
All you need to do is search and check out the amount people are paying for your model or serial-numbered Singer sewing machine.
Why Do Singer Sewing Machines Have Serial Numbers?
Ever since production started, Singers have always been marked. Each number is interrelated to a model from a specific date and also location.
As previously mentioned, all Singer sewing machines before 1900 did not have a letter prefix, and they came from all over the world.
Finally, the Singer Company managed their production from all their factories to correlate with the serial number flow.
Conclusion
You will need your Singer sewing machine serial number in order to use the ISMACS database.
Your serial number is usually just one or two letters followed by a string of numbers.
However, as mentioned above, the extremely early Singer sewing machines do not have a letter in their serial number.
Normally, you can find the serial number on the bed of the sewing machine. Just look under your machine if you can’t find a plate on the bed.
You will see it stamped on the bottom of your sewing machine. And, you are ready to face identifying your sewing machine immediately after you have your serial number.
With that being said, this concludes this guide on the question “Where Is The Serial Number On A Singer Sewing Machine?” as the detailed answer has been given.
