The Singer Company took a major step forward with the launch of its Vibrating Shuttle machine which was introduced in 1885 the V.S. 1 was only produced for about 2 years before being replaced by the V.S. 2 in 1887. Early versions of the V.S. 2 have a fiddle shaped base, this design was gradually phased out with production ending in 1891 by which time an improved V.S 2 with a rectangular bed had been introduced. This was re designated the Model 27 and around 1910 the machine was again updated and became the Model 127.
The V.S. 3 was introduced c1886 this was a smaller version of the V.S. 2 but like that machine the V.S. 3 under went various modifications to become first the 28 and then the 128. Manufactured as a hand crank and treadle machine the Singer 28K is one of the most commonly found machines in the UK, most have ornate gold decals however as can be seen from the photographs there were some beautiful coloured decals used on these machines. Singer did not name the decal patterns and over the years collectors have given them various descriptive names.
DATING: The Singer Company still holds the date of commissioning for its machines. The Singer Company has now put this information 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. 2 Serial No. 10356980.
This is an excellent example of the fiddle-base V.S.2 dating to April 7th 1891 which came complete with a manual and original box of attachments.
The machine has a bentwood case and a single drawer. The treadle frame does not have the Singer name on the cross brace as on later models.
See Cases & Bases Page
Follow this link to a copy of the
Singer V. S. 2 Manual.
Model 27 Serial No. P192004.
This is a later example showing the oblong shaped base. The original head for this treadle had very worn decals, luckily we were given this one which had the same sphinx decals as the original and so combined the two. The head dates to 1900 and the five drawer treadle base with plain cross brace dates to 1895.
See Cases & Bases Page
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 & 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. 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.
Model 128K Serial No. F9703524.
The decals on this machine are almost complete, although the metal parts are slightly tarnished. This machine dates to 1920 and is the updated version of the Singer 28, with shuttle eject mechanism, high mounted bobbin winder and accessory compartment in the base. Once cleaned and threaded up it sewed very well first time. The machine came with a small bentwood case.
Model 128 Serial No. EA630687.
Manufactured at Clydebank, Scotland in 1937. It is in very good condition and has the 'La Vincendora' decals with a grape and vine leaf motif pressed face plate. It has the improved shuttle mechanism with the eject lever and other 128 improvements.
