Singer 15-91. For sale at NC TOGA. But why?

 

 Molly has dibs on this one.

 

Here's a really crappy 1941 15-91 in rough shape.  What's special about it?  Read on to find out.

This is a straight stitch machine with a "potted" motor.  Not treadle-able.  The needle does go up and down when you turn the hand wheel, but it's quite stiff.  The wiring is terrible and there is no motor controller (aka foot pedal).  I have done absolutely nothing to it, not even oiling it.

So why did I buy this in the first place?  Why would I even contemplate bringing this turkey to TOGA and why might someone be even slightly interested in it?

This:

 

This finish is called "black side" and is very collectible.  The story I have heard is that this is from the WWII era when some manufacturing materials were hard to come by.  

 

 

It came in a very stained modern plastic case.  I experimented with sparkly blue paint on the theory that it no matter how badly it turned out, it couldn't look any worse.  And although not exactly traditional for an antique machine, I quite like it.

 

 

The black Singer buttonhole boxes are quite rare but I have no idea whether this makes them "collectible".  I know they were sold with Featherweights at one time.

 

When I bought the machine I thought the whole machine was black side but I have seen more machines by now and I now think that only the nose plate is black side.  My original plan was to renovate the potted motor and replace the wiring.  I'm no longer interested in doing this.

I've been collecting black side bobbins and accessories to go with the machine.  

So if you are looking for a project machine, or just looking for a black side nose plate and some accessories, this could be the machine for you.

There's just one catch though.  If you want the black side stuff you ABSOLUTELY MUST take the machine off my hands also.  

I would be willing to keep the sparkly blue case if you didn't want it though.

* * * * * * * * * * 

Here's how this works:  I  create a blog post for each machine and describe what I know about it in detail, pros and cons.  Once I have all the machines up on this blog I will post a price list at the NC TOGA Facebook page.  If you are attending the TOGA and are seriously interested let me know and I will bring it.  "Seriously interested" means that you plan to buy it IF you like what you see in person.  Absolutely NO obligation in advance and I won't take any money in advance.  

Cash or PayPal.  I don't use any other payment apps.  Hey, I'm an old lady.  Can't be learning new apps all the time.

Once the price list is up you can call dibs on any machine and I will make sure you get to see it and decide if you want it before anyone else can buy it.  And

This approach has worked very well in the past.  Just please don't ask me to haul 40+ pounds of cast iron if all you want to do is ogle it.  Serious interest only please.

Some of these machines will have been serviced and some will not so read the descriptions carefully.  It is not my usual practice to sell machines that I have not serviced first.  But I really need to downsize the herd and TOGA is almost here.  Many TOGAteers are experienced antique sewing machine mechanics themselves.  They will also be glad to provide advice to others about whether a machine is a good choice for a newbie.