OldSewinGear News Reviews & How To's

Where was my Singer sewing machine made?

6/21/2012

Singer factories by serial number prefix

Singer factory locations.

Ever wondered where your vintage Singer was made?

In the vintage heydey, Singer was cranking out machines by the hundreds of thousands in multiple factories worldwide. Some factories produced complete machines, others produced components.

Therefore it can take a bit of detective work to determine exactly where your vintage machine was born...

Singer's most prolific factories were located in Elizabeth, New Jersey (USA), Anderson, South Carolina (USA), Bridgeport, Connecticut (USA), Clydebank, Scotland (Great Britain) and St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec (Canada). The majority of classic Singer machines came from one of these factories.

Machines manufactured in Canada and Great Britain are often labeled as such on the inside of the motor column. Markings on the motor or foot control can be misleading because they may be a later add-on from a different factory.

Serial numbers may also provide clues to factory of origin. If your machine has a serial number beginning with 2 alpha characters, those alphas may be unique to the factory of origin. For example, if your serial number begins with NA, NB, or NC then it was almost certainly manufactured at Anderson, South Carolina, USA.

Another clue is the alpha suffix on the model number. That "A" in 401A stands for "Anderson." If you look at the serial number you will most likely see NA or NB at the beginning.

Other alpha suffixes include:

            E = Elizabethport factory, Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA
            J = St. Jean-sur-Richelieu factory, St. John's, Quebec, Canada
            K = Kilbowie factory, Clydebank, Scotland, Great Britain
            W = Wheeler & Wilson factory, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA
            G = Karlsruhe, West Germany

328K made in Canada

Therefore, your 328K probably came from Scotland. But the otherwise identical 328J came from Canada!

But your 328K could be a hybrid of components from more than one factory. The label shown here was found on a machine with a "328K" model number plate. Apparently Singer consolidated parts from Scotland and Canada to complete the 328 model production run.

411G with Canadian serial number

Another joker in the deck is the 411G shown at right. It was a bit of a puzzle because the "G" indicates Germany, but the serial number points to Canada. After some research it appears that the head was cast (and stamped with serial number) in Canada, then the machine was assembled in West Germany as reflected in the model number suffix. To add to the international flavor, the accessories are marked "France." I found it in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, so it's quite the international traveler!

So, the next time you wonder where your machine came from, follow the clues and see what you find!

Happy sewing!
Barbara
(NOTE: All information is deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed.)

54 Comments

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8/23/2012 05:51:48 pm

It is extremely helpful for me. Thank you for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information?

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9/18/2012 07:21:44 am

Great piece of writing, I really liked the way you highlighted some really important and significant points. Thanks so much, I appreciate your work.

OldSewinGear

9/18/2012 12:58:32 pm

Thank you for your kind review! I very much enjoy sharing the history of these wonderful machines.

Marg Dahdah

3/9/2022 03:48:10 pm

I am thankful for your Blog. I happen to have a SINGER from an owner who was going to throw it away, G1657485, this number was at the front where the spooling component is attached. Wish I can send you photos of it . I believe it is very old as the wooden table and machine cover at the back is made of Sheets of wood pieces. It has four drawers hanging on by a strip of wood. I have all the components even the needles, spools etc... I polished with Old English wood oil. Just love it. What do you think?

Margaret Bowman Dahdah

3/10/2022 09:29:56 am

EC 610172 a hand turning starter. Where do you think this was Manufactured and how long ago. This is my Mum's one and it is now with my sister, it has been at our home for over 75 years as I am 72. It traveled back and forth through wars in North Africa and the island of Malta.
Thanks for any reply I might have about it and my other machine
Margaret

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9/18/2012 11:39:00 pm

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Camille gilbreath

2/23/2020 12:00:19 pm

Can you please tell me what year my sewing machine is the serial number is why 627-9374 I bought it in Great Britain

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1/6/2015 06:15:16 am

I love to win this tin as my granny had the same needle book and it would remind me of her and the times she spent teaching me how to sew on a handcranked sewing machine.

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6/12/2015 08:24:00 pm

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3/7/2016 06:15:48 pm

I have searched all over the internet for a free sewing pattern for a bingo dauber bag. I couldn't find one so I made my own and thought I would share it with you

Linda link

9/12/2016 07:56:41 am

Hi, you have great reference material on your blog. I am trying to find the serial number on my Singer Made in Germany model 421 and I can't see any numbers anywhere - any clues?

9/12/2016 06:31:58 pm

Linda,
The serial number should be stamped into the underside of the machine at the needle end. Hope this helps!

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9/12/2016 08:31:08 am

Interesting, really nice!

Chris

9/24/2017 08:17:38 am

Hi I like your site very much and wonder if you can help me with this machine it is a large industrial singer 19"as opposed to usual 14" straight sides not fiddle shaped, the treadle is an early wide model with singer marks on end but oval ring where usual singer sign is above treadle. The head has singer in usual place, the serial Number is, no prefix, 1528 3750 this appears to be 1898 but it has a spool [well it should have but not any longer] and just the usual single plate spool cover.the machine has a flat painted decorated end cover plate. as I cannot identify the model I am unable to look for a spool and spool holder. any idear's greatly appreciated. keep up the good work. regards Chris

Kellie

9/24/2017 09:37:54 am

Hi Barbara, enjoying your site! I have a Singer 27 who's arm decals read, "Singer Manufacturing Co. New York, NY. According to ISMACS, the serial dates it to 1905 in Montreal? I've never seen a New York identifier in a machine before. Do you know if they were manufactured in Montreal for sale in NY?
It's funny, I used to sew before I got into vintage machines! Lol. Now who has the time?!

Thanks!

Paul Javins

1/16/2019 09:47:18 am

I have a shoemakers Machine it is a 29k71 SN is (FA 086970) it has there metal decal on the front its gray I have it electrified I have a book on it from 1966. I got iit in 1984 when I opened up my shop.
Thanks Paul J

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2/19/2019 02:25:48 am

This post is worth everyone’s attention. Good work.

Johanna Arnoldussen

8/12/2019 12:03:16 pm

I have been teaching sewing in Kenya. We bought Singer treadle machines last year in Nairobi but they are Singer 'knock-offs'. Nothing but trouble and very poorly made. The cabinets with them are made with junk material and very cheaply made.. and yet we paid 500 US each!! Where can we find good Singer treadle machines?? Hope you can direct me to a good source!

doyle koehn

1/11/2020 08:29:18 pm

I have a 111w-154 sn. 1038425 I've ben trying to learn its age for 35 years, can you help? ps I modified it to sew in reverse, not easy but works great.

Allison

1/24/2020 10:44:20 pm

May I know where and when singer sewing machine with serial no JK8047212 was made? This no does not appear in the list. Please assist me.

cora Russell

1/28/2020 09:23:40 pm

I've just read your article here regarding the whereabouts different Singer machines were manufactured. I am looking for the manufacture information for A Singer 28 hand crank with the serial number S219152 would be. I don''t see anything above giving me information on the "S' prefix.

David Fleisher

6/8/2020 04:24:02 pm

Hi Cora,
My advise is to look up the "ISMACS" site.
It will show you that your 28 is a 27K.
The "K" means that it was made in the Kilbowie factory.
The "issue date" (ISMACS chart) shows that 60,000 27K's were made from January to June in 1906.
Personally, I am trying to find out where two of my machines with the prefix "G" were made.
I hope you are enjoying your "hand crank" and appreciate the sewing machine's contribution to our civilization's advances.
Sincerely,
David Zane Fleisher

6/8/2020 05:18:30 pm

Hi Cora. Did you ever find the info about the manufacturing plant for your Singer. Since I'm stuck at home during the current world situation, I just looked it up. According to ISMACS with your serial number is indicates it should be a Singer 27 dated between Jan and Jun 1906. Could there be a number missing from your serial number? Or perhaps it's the larger 27 machine? Anyway according to Alex Askaroff's site, the S indicates either Clydebank Scotland or Podolsk Russia as they both produced S series machines.

Hope this helped.
Kellie S

Bernard Pokorski

11/7/2020 11:42:17 am

I have a 1906 SINGER Model 27 machine (Serial Number: S2145960. On Singer's official website, the original, NLA dating chart noted alongside the line listing Singer Machines with the 'S' serial number prefix for serial numbers: "NOTE: 100 of these 'S' machines were made in Podolsk, Russia." S-190355-250354 Model 27K 60000 machines Production Dates: JAN.- JUNE 1906,

My Model 27 SINGER machine is a "Sphinx" that has some very different decorations on it, Including the 'SINGER name on the machine's arm. That name is in all capital letters and the letters are spaced far enough apart to have a 'dot centered between each letter. The decorations on the machine appear to have been applied by an artist's hand in gold leaf. The rim of the machine's hand wheel is wider than normal and it is flat (rather than rounded) on it's plated surface.

I acquired the machine at an Antique Store in Merced, CA on July 27, 2003.... and it was in what appeared to be a somewhat home made parlor-style treadle cabinet. In order to attach an aftermarket hand crank to the machine, I had to fabricate an aluminum spacer to mount between the hand crank mechanism and the mount on the right side of the machine's pillar.

Ali Athman

4/5/2020 11:43:04 am

Bought a singer machine here in Kenya,, I can't know if its original or not,,, Model No 15NL 1B ,,,. Serial No 19091617
Please assist me to know
Thank you

6/8/2020 03:58:20 pm

Hi Barbara,
I have recently found your site and am enjoying it very much as well as being able to add to my "sewing machine" education. Thank you.
There are two machines (Model 66's) in my collection that have a single alpha character (G).
Where were "Bobby Hollywood" (G3203567) and "Tanta Lily" (G4127847) made?
As you can see, I have named my machines. All of them are special to me on several different levels. Their names reflect a particular individual in their past.
I have the ability to repair them as well as to improve the machine's and cabinetry's cosmetics.
Thank goodness for all of the instructional videos I have found, all of the suppliers I have located and, of course, your wonderful site.
I am honored to be the "present caretaker" of these lovely machines and love to share their contribution to our civilization's history.
Sincerely,
David Zane Fleisher
UNCLEZANE64@GMAIL.COM

Kellie S.

6/8/2020 05:05:46 pm

Hi David. Just thought I'd do some checking for you, regarding dating your machines. You've most likely checked ISMACS that dates Bobby at Aug 27 1913 and Lily at Aug 10 1915. So I went to Alex Ascaroff's site for location. G series were manufactured in Elizabeth, New Jersey. I know some people think it's Germany but I think they are confusing the model number with serial number ie: 66K or the 211G for example, which would indicate Kilbowie or Germany. If you are not familiar, check out his site and YouTube channel. Some great stuff! Hope this has helped.

Kellie S.
guardian of Ruthie 1927 Singer 101, Walter 1904 singer 27 and Penelope or Penny 1889 27.

Dee Collier

10/17/2020 07:42:05 am

Hello Kellie, I have a 1948 that was gifted to me AH513457 I am trying to find a threading pattern or manual and where she was made. Thank you

Stacey Gilroy

7/19/2020 06:36:09 pm

Just purchased a vintage Singer machine with treadle and all of the parts. I have been trying to find a manual online, but haven't had much luck. From reading the article above it was made at St. Johns factory in Quebec as it is a JA Series. Have read it could be from 1924-1935. But that is all I know. When I log onto the Singerco website it doesn't list any JA series manuals. I am wondering if it goes by another name possibly? The serial number is JA 250725. I have always found these sewing machines to be beautiful and have never come across one that had both the sewing machine and the table in tact and all the parts and pedal is still in working order. So I had to have it, but I bought it with the intention of hopefully being able to use it and pass it down to my kids. Hence why I am looking for a manual - either online version or one that I could purchase would be ideal. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you kindly.

7/28/2020 04:53:52 am

Howdy Stacy,
Not to worry.
Even though you have not been able to identify your machine by it's serial number, I, and many others, will be able to OR come very close by looking at pictures of it.
I use the ISMACS site often but have NOT seen any "JA" series machines listed there when looking for your serial number "JA 250725.
There are many of us who applaud those who appreciate and "save" these precious pieces of our history.
I have nine of them in my personal collection.
I am happy to lend my help with your quest.
If you wish, send pictures of your machine to my personal e-address ( UNCLEZANE64@GMAIL.COM ).
Take closeups of the face plate (including the bobbin area), stitch length knob or lever, balance wheel and motor (if your machine has one). An overall picture of the cabinet would be welcomed.
Very best of good luck to you,
David Z. Fleisher

Carol

8/1/2020 05:27:40 pm

This is very interesting and leaves me to question the origin of manufacture of my 99K “made in Canada” sewing machine. It has the original knee pedal, no reverse feature, and the original lovely rounded wooden case. I was puzzled because the serial number begins with “F” and everywhere I looked, the indication was Scotland made, not Canada. So now I’m thinking that my machine was in fact made in Scotland but manufactured in Canada?

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Cecile Glendening

9/1/2020 05:26:04 pm

Thank you so much for the good info! My machine's serial number is 11,634,926 which dates it to 1893. How can I find out where and exactly when it was made? It has the Sphinx decals.

Phyllis Humphrey

9/6/2020 04:39:28 pm

The Singer Stylist 534 which I recently purchased has a serial number of 70 968015. Where was is made and what year?

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Lindsey Bridgers

2/28/2021 02:53:27 pm

Hey there! I found what I think is a 1910 model singer sewing machine at the dump today and I'm trying yo figure out where our was manufactured and exactly what year. The serial number is G0971706. Abby help identifying this setting machine would be much appreciated!!
Thank you!!

VERITASKLUB link

6/7/2021 01:18:20 am

https://www.facebook.com/Veritasklub/ and https://www.naehmaschinenwerk.de/

Only here! there are the correct and original "SINGER" serial number lists. Developed by Singer and the VERITASKLUB.

Kind regards, Fred Burmeister (Hamburg).

Anica Jevicki

6/9/2021 06:57:30 pm

Hi i have a singer industrial machine and i would like to know what year it was made and where please.
The machine is 211U 566A.
Serial no. is U922311032.
Thank you Anica

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Donald McCain

10/15/2021 11:15:46 am

I have a singer model 66 and was looking for the factory in which it was made. I found two different dates for it 1911 & 1923. The 1923 date says Elizabethport N.J. no location for the 1911 date. Another site said Germany but no date, just serial # cross reference. Can you help ?

Wes Huerta

11/3/2021 01:57:52 pm

My sister recently passed away and she was given my mother's Singer sewing machine with Serial Number AB164230 and I found that the machine was made in 1926. My nephew was inquiring as to where the machine was made. Can you possibly help with this. Also, he would like to restore the cabinet and machine - do you have any possible places where this can be done?

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MARGARET DAHDAH

3/11/2022 10:22:11 am

MARG DAHDAH
3/9/2022 03:48:10 PM
I am thankful for your Blog. I happen to have a SINGER from an owner who was going to throw it away, G1657485, this number was at the front where the spooling component is attached. Wish I can send you photos of it . I believe it is very old as the wooden table and machine cover at the back is made of Sheets of wood pieces. It has four drawers hanging on by a strip of wood. I have all the components even the needles, spools etc... I polished with Old English wood oil. Just love it. What do you think?

MARGARET BOWMAN DAHDAH
3/10/2022 09:29:56 AM
EC 610172 a hand turning starter. Where do you think this was Manufactured and how long ago. This is my Mum's one and it is now with my sister, it has been at our home for over 75 years as I am 72. It traveled back and forth through wars in North Africa and the island of Malta.
Thanks for any reply I might have about it and my other machine
Margaret

Sandy Walker

5/31/2022 12:31:48 pm

Just purchased at thrift store an old Singer marked on back “manufactured in occupied Japan”. Only numbers visible 26219…no alphabetical visible….
Not in great shape but interesting history I believe.

Any insights?

Regards,
Sandy Walker

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Greetings from California!

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7/21/2022 08:33:32 am

Hello California. Chihuahua Breeders.
Not sure why you're on this site unless your Chihuahua needs sewn clothing off our sewing machines - heheeee just kidding,
greeting from : Nova Scotia Canada

Gwynneth Zoë Rixon

7/28/2022 11:49:03 am

Hi, I have a 1922 15K whose first owner survived the Titanic sinking..I was given the machine by her great granddaughter as her daughter was not interested in it.
It's number is Y5624034.
Does the 15K mean that it was made in Kilbowie?

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Where was my Singer sewing machine made?

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