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Singer 99 Sewing Machine

Singer 99 top and front view.  Notice that this early 99 did not have the stitch length lever with reverse, this is the earlier thumbscrew stitch length "dial" selector.
If you think the Singer 99 looks like a baby Singer 66, you are correct, it basically IS! The 99 is a 3/4 size version of the larger, heavier 66, they are a very heavy, very strong sewing machine, which can be treadled, or have an electric motor and belt installed.  Early models in bentwood cases, often had a kneebar for the power, instead of a pedal. You bump the kneebar to the right, to make the motor run.

Singer manufactured 3/4 size sewing machines, intended to be "portable machines", but when made of cast iron, and with a cast iron controller box & knee bar, all neatly stored in the classic Singer bentwood case, most women didn't consider this 33 lb. model, to be a conveniently portable machine, until Singer switched to cast aluminum sewing machine bodies, like the Singer Featherweight 221 & 222k, which came in around 12 lbs., depending on which case they were sold in, and what accessories were included.

The Singer 99 by itself, is around 22 lbs., but with the case & accessories were 33 lbs.

Singer did make a cast aluminum 101-11, a full sized electric model, but they are relatively rare, while the cast iron 101 models are still pretty easy to find.
Singer 99 rear view decorative faceplate, bentwood case, stainless steel light fixture- sewers use the stainless steel light cover as a mini iron, when sewing, because the lightbulb gets it so hot.  If you switch to an LED lightbulb, you can't do this, but you are less likely to burn yourself on an LED light, than when using the original type of light bulb.
I am going to share a bunch of links to Singer 99 websites and blogs, to help anyone else looking for information about their Singer 99 sewing machines.

https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/99k/

http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer-class-99-sewing-machines.html


This link is to a page with information about "training the Singer salesgirl", in the 1920's!
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer-sewing-machine-salesgirl-training.html


This model is not threaded correctly, the thread spool was removed, and the thread cut, but I left it in the machine as it was, when I purchased it, for the photos. I love this decal decorative set, even  on the inside of the pillar of the machine's harp space.

Bentwood cases changed over time, some have a wood handle carved to look like the antique leather wrapped handles. You notice the clearcoat on the bentwood case has become damaged over time, a common issue, especially if left in non climate controlled buildings.

Singer 99



My Singer 99-13 really needs the antique electrical parts rewired, before I dare plug it in, to see how it sews. I found a wonderful tutorial, here, with photos, step by step!

https://temptedthreads.blogspot.com/2015/03/rewiring-cord-with-vintage-singer-push.html

My Singer 99-13 kneebar cast iron controller box. As the kneebar is pushed, the actuator bar pivots, sliding a metal bar across the metal spring & brass on the right side of the controller box, adjusting the speed.




I sold my first Singer 99 in the bentwood case, photographed here, because I had health problems, which prevented me from working on it for over a year, but my husband has since bought me another 99 in a bentwood case, in better condition, though I still think we need to rewire this one, as well.


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