The Sewing Place

1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?

Bill

1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« on: January 20, 2022, 09:12:31 AM »
Hello folks.
If (and it's a big if) I can persuade my mum to lend me the money, is this something that can be recommended? Missing bobbin plate and I've no idea what that bandage is for (I'll ask the seller)
I've wanted a vintage for ages and I've taken a fancy to this one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-99k-Singer-Sewing-machine-Working-Order-/143983498507?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
Bernina 570QE (Bernie)     1937 Singer 201k (sally)
The best advice I can give you, is don't take advice from me
Don't follow me, I do stupid things

LeilaMay

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2022, 10:00:38 AM »
Well I wouldn't!
It is 1958 - this page will show it's # 
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-en-series-serial-numbers.html

It's got an electric motor, so that's going to need re-wiring before you could use it, and that's assuming the motor is going to work fine when re-wired anyways.
Missing plate will also be a cost to replace. The bandage is for sticking pins in probably, indicates a serious sewer has worked on this a lot. The condition of case is dreadful and the feet are barely worth not having, not a full set.
Also that price isn't brilliant, you already have sewing machines, and I thought you were broke? (None of my business of course, but why buy another something ?)

Best wishes
Leila

« Last Edit: January 20, 2022, 10:06:33 AM by LeilaMay »

Lowena

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2022, 10:02:57 AM »
Save your money to heat your house
Sorry if that sounds harsh, it's not meant to be. I just think one has to prioritise in life.
« Last Edit: January 20, 2022, 10:38:24 AM by Lowena »
Triumph of hope over experience :D

Bill

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2022, 10:19:19 AM »
I always get good advice here. Thanks ladies  :)
Bernina 570QE (Bernie)     1937 Singer 201k (sally)
The best advice I can give you, is don't take advice from me
Don't follow me, I do stupid things

Sewbusy

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2022, 10:28:50 AM »
I sort of hanker after an electric Singer 201k, then I think I have a Handcrank 201k which I hardly ever use, mainly I sew on either Bernina 830 Record or Bernina 1080, both superb machines. The Pfaff 2170 is very useful for the IDT when neccessaryand of course it's embroidery capabilities.

I still have my Brother from 1988 which performs well when asked and, there's a Bernina 1020 awaiting me deciding whether to sell or exchange .. but what would I change it for?

Acquiring more sewing machines is very addictive and sometimes not profitable because we don't use them to their maximum. They are great 'spares just in case', but money sitting there not doing anything and particularly if you have to loan the money even from family.

The Handcrank 201k is for me nowadays very heavy but it stitches beautifully and will definitely come into its own if fuel prices keep rising!!

Look on your local Freecycle group or there is also the Nextdoor group both of which do at times have sewing machines offered for free. You can also put a Wanted request in.

So Bill, think again about the 99k, you will have to spend money for the missing parts, maybe a service but definitely get the motor checked.
« Last Edit: January 20, 2022, 10:31:21 AM by Sewbusy »

LeilaMay

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2022, 10:51:50 AM »
The large amount of black sticky tape visible on the connection at the back of the machine means it FOR SURE is unsound electrically :)
- and at over 60 years old it certainly should be re-wired if it's going to be used.
A machine that has had heavy use, well then the motor has had heavy use. The vendor can say truthfully the motor runs now - but half an hour after starting sewing it might go, and you would need to source a new motor as well. The vendor would not have been telling a lie, nor had knowledge that it was about to fail.

Wychall

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2022, 11:59:52 AM »
Further downside is that whilst the bandage shows a serious sewer, it most likely covers up very badly scratched paint from all the pins that have been stuck into it.
Present 'garage' contains 2 x 28K hand crank, 99K hand crank, 66K hand crank, 66K treadle, 201K treadle, 99K electric, 416, 6104, 401G, Futura 1000, Innovis NV1250 and a Jones CS treadle. New arrival Brother XE1 Stellaire
www.wychallembroidery.com

Ohsewsimple

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2022, 12:14:45 PM »
Further downside is that whilst the bandage shows a serious sewer, it most likely covers up very badly scratched paint from all the pins that have been stuck into it.

Yes like my very old Pfaff.  But I did get it for virtually nothing! :thumb:

Bill

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2022, 13:39:57 PM »
Save your money to heat your house
Sorry if that sounds harsh, it's not meant to be. I just think one has to prioritise in life.

No it wasn't harsh @Lowena
You are of course right. I do need a good kick up the derriere at times.
Im sure my head wasn't screwed on tight at the factory.
Bernina 570QE (Bernie)     1937 Singer 201k (sally)
The best advice I can give you, is don't take advice from me
Don't follow me, I do stupid things

Bumblebuncher

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2022, 14:46:49 PM »
@Bill Keep looking in free ads, they turn up every so often as people realise they are not worth what they are asking for them and just want to get them out of the way!
BB
As it neared the top of the grade, it went more slowly. However, it still kept saying, "I—think—I—can, I—think—I—can." It reached the top by drawing on bravery and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself by saying, "I thought I could,  I thought I could."

SingingSinger

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2022, 20:02:00 PM »
I think the 99k is considered a bit inferior to the 201k in any case, and that's quite a high price considering its condition. Hold out for a 201k - one will come up at the right price when the time is right  :)
Mostly a dressmaker with a few other crafts thrown in. Teetering on the Darkside. Owner of vintage machines Singer 201K and Elna Lotus SP (and a Brother Innovis 350SE and Pfaff Ambition 620)

charley

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2022, 21:05:22 PM »
The only 2 good things going for that machine is that it is a Centennial, and the decals are pretty.

Bad things are the amount of black tape around the motor; the appalling state of the base; I cannot see a cover; no box of attachments; the 'bandage' covering a multitude of sins on the japanning, and the missing bobbin cover. The person who last had this machine did not know how to put it in place, or lost it? Someone who owned and loved that machine would have been able to remove, and replace the bobbin cover easily, and have looked after the base properly. Oh, and the light bulb will become very hot - unless it is a LED bulb.

The last of bad things is the price.

Step away @Bill

charley

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #12 on: January 20, 2022, 21:38:09 PM »
Apologies, it is not a centennial badge/medallion, not blue enough, I just cannot see the medallion clearly enough to say for definite.

Lilian

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #13 on: January 20, 2022, 23:55:14 PM »
@Bill there are plenty 99ks on fleabay in better condition, I would wait a while, you may see something much better.
Willing but not always able :)

Bill

Re: 1936 (I think) Singer 99k worth it?
« Reply #14 on: January 21, 2022, 00:19:28 AM »
I should've clarified this morning...im leaving it.
Oops. Apologies to all who've been steering me clear of since then  :S
Bernina 570QE (Bernie)     1937 Singer 201k (sally)
The best advice I can give you, is don't take advice from me
Don't follow me, I do stupid things