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SINGER SEWING MACHINES
Models V.S. 3, 28, 128
The Singer Company took a major step forward with the launch in 1885 of its Vibrating Shuttle machine - the V.S. 1 which was replaced by the V.S.2 in 1887. Most of these machines appear to have been treadles with various types of cabinet work.
The need for a hand machine led to the introduction in 1886 of the V.S.3 which was a smaller version of the V.S.2 it underwent various modifications to become first the 28 and then the 128. An interesting variation on the Model 28 is the Hexagon machine which was manufactured by Singer at it's Kilbowie factory for the Hexagon Sewing Machine Co. Ltd.
The Singer 28K was manufactured as a hand crank and treadle machine and is one of the most commonly found machines in the United Kingdom. Most have ornate gold decals however as can be seen from the following photographs there were some beautiful coloured decals used on these machines. Singer did not name most of the decal patterns and over the years collectors have given them various descriptive names.
DATING: The date of commissioning for Singer sewing machines is available online go to Singer Machine Serial Numbers.
On these models the Serial Number is located on the bed of the machine at the base of the pillar.
Model V.S. 3 Serial No. 8613295.
Dated to December 2nd 1889 this example of the V.S. 3 has been converted from a treadle to a hand crank. The machine has delicate 'rose & cornflower' decals which are a little faded. Badged Singer SMC N.Y. It comes with a coffin style lid with an elaborate full length decal depicting leaves and acorns and a central Singer Badge logo.
See a close up on the
Cases & Bases Page
Model V.S. 3 Serial No. 9661890.
Manufactured in 1890 this machine has attractive rose and flower decals which are repeated on the hand crank mechanism.
There is no accessory compartment in the base but it is mounted inside the bentwood case instead. Beneath the base there are three fittings to mount the machine onto a treadle table. The patent date 1886 appears on the front slide plate.
Model V.S. 3 Serial No. 10311054.
Manufactured in 1891 the decal of gold roses is are worn. The patent date 1886 appears on the front slide plate. This machine has a jappaned balance wheel.
Model V.S. 3 Serial No. 10741452.
This machine dates to 1891 and although worn the 'Peacock Tail' style decals are still beautiful. Again there is no accessory compartment in the base and the patent is stamped on the slide plate. This machine has a double spool attachment.
Hexagon: Serial No. X1655.
It was originally thought that this machine was produced for the Hexagon Sewing Machine Company Ltd by Standard. However further research has now confirmed that it was actually produced by Singer. The Hexagon Sewing Machine Co. were dealers which had offices at 69 Fleet Street, London from about 1917.
The same machine but with different decals was also sold as the Harris No.5, Collier No.8, Nelson's 61, The Berkeley, The Morton, and for Harrods Ltd as the Harrodia H6.
From evidence gleened from serial numbers we know over 33,500 machines of this model were produced before the company went into liquidation in 1924.
In 1934 the Singer Manufacturing Co. reintroduced this model as the Singer 128-8 but with a grey crinkle finish.
The machine is in excellent condition and although it was missing a slide plate we found those from a Singer 28 fit perfectly. Note the Hexagonal decals and embossing to the bright work. The centre decal is HSM Co intertwined. It came with a manual dated 1919.
Click on the link for further information on the Hexagon Sewing Machine Co.Ltd
Model 128K Serial No. F9703524.
The decals on this machine are almost complete, although the metal parts are slightly tarnished. This machine was one of a batch of 100,000 commissioned in 1920.
It is the updated version of the Singer 28, with shuttle eject mechanism, high mounted bobbin winder and accessory compartment in the base. It has a bentwood case.
Follow this link to a FREE copy of the
Singer Model 127/128 Manual.
