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...   stay tuned... more to come I'm sure! CommentsMon, 02 Feb 2009 17:22:45 ooooh its beautiful!! Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:00:19 Very cool machine! Congratulations. emerald807 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:01:19 Wow, it looks absolutely wonderful! Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:21:52 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 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:43:19 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! Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:26:52 I dropped an <a href="http://home-spun.com/?p=403">award or two</a> on you. Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:42:34 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 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:31:18 I bought a model 99-13, Made in Elizabeth, NJ. Made several BIG mistakes. Crab Meat Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:38:43 http://www.4bandit.addr.com/Date_Your_Mach.htm Amy Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:54:40 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 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:25:36 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? Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:16:21 Just found this post after googling for a machine like mine! Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:59:30 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 Fri, 29 May 2009 21:16:03 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 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:16:54 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 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:46:56 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 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:04:10 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 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:49:43 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 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:20:41 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 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:14:46 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 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:20:04 The keyhole is a tiny hole in the end; it doesn't look like a modern keyhole. Ignacio Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:24:27 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 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:41:02 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 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:08:18 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 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:00:15 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 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:04:41 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 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:30:59 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 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:16:04 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 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:09:39 Love your machine. Hope you get to sew alot on it. Giving new life to these machines is great. Ramon Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:58:49 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 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:38:23 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 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:50:06 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 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:09:06 Hi I have the same machine straight stitch only no reverse (I find lack of reverse a real nuisance as I sew sails) Leave a Reply |   ArchivesJuly 2010  CategoriesAll  |
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