UPDATE - I do not really use my sewing machine... after restoring it I put it in the garage and it just sits there :( sad - but this post seems to get LOTS of attention! - the only thing I can share with you that may be of use is a link to the manual - click here: http://www.sew-classic.com/uploads/99K.pdf and you'll get a good copy of the manual - good luck with your machine; I hope you use it more than I do!! Kyle (8/14/10) For those of you who know me - you probably have heard that I have always wanted an old sewing machine - and when the time was right I'd probably get one. I found this one today in Pasadena at the swap meet - I paid $20 for it - as is... original bent wood case, it has accessories stored under it... the wiring needs to be replaced, case cleaned up, and so far, I know for sure I need a manual and the knee control bar (whatever THAT is!) and probably someone who can show me how to use it   I have not touched it yet... took a few photos just to show what it looks like and to share it with you... I want to work on it and get it restored - I did some searching online and so far I think it's a 99-13 Singer machine - probably made around 1929-1930's - and if the little bit of research I have done seems to say that I spent about $50 less than the original $70 this might have cost in its heyday...   If anyone has any suggestions as to where I can go for manuals, parts, or how in the world to use this thing, please feel free to comment or email me - If nothing else, I really like the case - and once it's cleaned up it'll be gorgeous! - I just found the key (hidden under the machine) which locks the top into its base - yippee!! - I can lock it up...   comments are closed for this post. **update** I have fully restored the machine but never use it... Commentsemerald807 02/02/2009 10:01pm
Wow, it looks absolutely wonderful! What a great acquisition! My mother's sewing machine (a Necchi) had a knee control bar and a beautiful stand with graceful Queen Anne legs. I wonder whatever happened to it? I learned to sew on that machine, marvelling that it was electric and modern, not at all like the treadle machine my mother's friend used. Anne 02/05/2009 9:43am
Kyle: How wonderful! Records on Singer's Web site indicate that your 99 was manufactured on August 1, 1922 and is made of aluminum. Your bobbin winder is like the one on my Singer 66-1 treadle, also made in 1922. Just wait until you see how the bobbin winder operates. You will be amazed! I found your blog address on your email to the Vintage Singer group. The folks at VS are very helpful! You'll enjoy your great vintage Singer after you get going on it! 03/12/2009 10:42am
What a great old machine. I have a similar one, but it's a hand crank instead of electric. (Mine may be the #89.) Crab meat 03/19/2009 6:31pm
I bought a model 99-13, Made in Elizabeth, NJ. Made several BIG mistakes. Crab Meat 03/19/2009 6:38pm
http://www.4bandit.addr.com/Date_Your_Mach.htm Amy 03/27/2009 11:54pm
I also bought the 99-13 in local market with the same price (it is a good price, I think). The machine has the knee control bar, but did not have manual to come. I did find some information from a few web sites that pretty helpful : Andrea 04/03/2009 12:25pm
Do you happen to have a picture of the key? I have a similar machine and can't for the life of me get the thing open! If you have any tips for opening it, would you mind passing them on? 04/17/2009 4:59pm
Please show a photo of the key, please. I can't get my top off either. Just bought it from a dear friend who didn't want it. Nickola Miller 05/29/2009 9:16pm
I have the key to my Singer's Bentwood case but I can't for the life of me get it to work. I've seen tips recommending a flat screwdriver but no instructions like insert, turn right or left, etc. I'm going quite mad because every day I go to the machine, insert the key, try turning it left or right and it just wont open. Sharon Haun 08/29/2009 3:16pm
I just purchased, at a garage sale, a 99-13, and I won't tell you how little I paid for it. I have the key (it works) and the knee control bar. I would be happy to send you photos of both, if you have not already found them. Since the last post was in May and August is almost over, you may have found them. I also have an instruction book - would be happy to copy it, or try to scan it to send it to you. Paul 09/06/2009 9:46pm
You've got a great machine there. I restored my Aunt's machine last year and they work so smooth and solid. Best site I've found for restoring information is www.tsfr.org. Their step by step instructions are superb, and their organization goals are also. Owners manual and parts list are available online (free). If you still need them, I can find the sites again or just forward the files. Paul 09/06/2009 10:04pm
OOps, had a transpositonal fit...Website is www.tfsr.org. (Tools for Self Reliance). As far as opening bentwood cases, unlock the case (you can use a small screwdriver) then lift just the lock end of the lid upward. The other end of the top will be hooked into the base and can be released after the lock end is raised. Pam 09/14/2009 1:49am
my daughter's friend just sent me a picture of this same 99-13 sewing machine. Seems she can't get the lid off...is there a trick to it? she can't find anything to unlatch it. Please help Cheryl 09/21/2009 5:20pm
Do you know where I can get the knee control for this type of machine I have everything but that so I can't use it. Nancy 10/08/2009 7:14pm
Just wondering, did anyone ever send you a picture of the key? We did manage to get it open with a small screwdriver, but would like to try to find a key =Tamar 10/10/2009 12:20am
The keyhole is a tiny hole in the end; it doesn't look like a modern keyhole. Ignacio 10/23/2009 10:24am
Did you find the manuals? I may copy it it for you. I bought a machine that brought the manauls and it says 99-13. Lowell L 12/02/2009 9:41am
I have a complete Singer 99-13 portable with instruction booklets & knee lever. Bent Case is in good condition with key and works good. I will sell complete for right price... Louise 12/28/2009 7:08pm
These are great machines according to the internet. I just got one - also without electric cord and key or manual. Did you ever find a cord? Laura 01/06/2010 7:00am
I just stumbled on a locked 99 13 also. Nobody at estate sale could open it. I then found the attachments to the machine. There was a screwdriver in the box and I used it to open the domed lid. People came out of the woodwork to see it then. They had already priced it for 25 dollars and I bought it. There are no scratches on it and it is shiny and new looking! I'm having it cleaned now and the sewing guy went ga ga when he saw it and wanted to buy it. Of course I'm keeping it. I can't wait to sew on it! Laura 01/06/2010 7:04am
Oh yea--- My new machine came with the knee part (that fits into the round hole on the bottom front right) but no key. If anyone knows of a source for finding the key please let me know Thanks Also the knee part fits inside the top of the domed case in the pieces of metal placed there for that purpose. Kathy 02/04/2010 5:30am
I just had a Singer 99-13 given to me yesterday.....woooo hooo. I went searching for more information on it and came across this blog. I've noticed that some people are having trouble with opening their cases without a key. Here is a link to some good instructions on how to do that, plus it has a good pic of what the keys looked like. Scroll about halfway down the page: Heather 02/07/2010 1:16pm
I have a machine just like your but 1923. The knee lever was attached inside the domed box. It is question mark shaped and hooks into the hole in the front of the wooden base. I am getting mine cleaned up to sell since we are moving. I have the manual but no attchments :( Have fun with it. SJ 02/10/2010 6:09pm
Love your machine. Hope you get to sew alot on it. Giving new life to these machines is great. Ramon 04/28/2010 11:58pm
I'm lucky! Someone left a singer 99-13 :( on the back of my apartment. I brought it home for repairs. It's in good condition but need 2 things to bring it back to life. First, the wiring is in bad shape although I can work that out. Second, is missing the knee control bar (the ? shaped bar that controls the motor) and haven't found a replacement yet. Anyone knows where to get one? Any ideas? Dave 06/07/2010 6:38pm
Hi, Some of the sites already listed above may already have this info on the Bentwood case, If you lost or don't have your key, just insert a small screwdriver in the slot, (which should be horizontal if locked) and turn 1/4 turn clockwise, the lock should open. Thanks Dave. Chase 07/26/2010 10:50am
Hi, I have the exact sewing machine. I also have the original manual. I want to keep the instruction manual because I am looking to sell the machine but I could send you some photo copies of it. Rev. Jay Blackburn 07/29/2010 1:09am
Hi I have the same machine straight stitch only no reverse (I find lack of reverse a real nuisance as I sew sails) Comments are closed. | Sign up for the
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