| |  Singer Spartan 192k Singer sure didn't make it easy to identify black & gold models. Model numbers are often missing or incomplete. And if you do find a model number, you won't find the common name of that model anywhere on the machine itself. For example, we're all familiar with the Singer Featherweight, but it there's no "Featherweight" label anywhere on the machine itself. You might see a small "221" or "222" model number plate, but that is all. This can make identifying a black and gold Singer tricky. An exeption to this rule, however is the Singer 192. At first glance you may not even realize it is a Singer, because of the big "Spartan" label across the front.  A second look, however reveals the Singer name inside the harp of the machine at the base of the column and a model number "192K" on the stitch-length lever. Further examination reveals a class 66 drop-in bobbin and a belt-drive Simanco motor. It's a 3/4 size machine, smaller than the 15-91 but larger and heavier than the 221 Featherweight. So why the name "Spartan?" According to Merriam-Webster, "spartan" is defined as "marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort." This is what Singer had in mind when they introduced the Spartan. It was a stripped-down, budget version of the 99K. Side-by-side the machines are strikingly similar. Spartan is on the left, 99K is on the right. Almost identical in shape and size, but unlike its more expensive sister, the Spartan is devoid of gold-leaf decoration and the Singer badge. It is also missing the task light and auto-stop mechanism for the bobbin winder. It came with a bakelite box base but there was no provision for a cover or carry case. Truly "spartan" in its details. But the Spartan holds its own in the Singer family when it comes to heavy duty sewing. If properly adjusted it will sew tough projects as well as the 99K or Featherweight. And it's pretty darn cute, too! So next time you see a little black and gold machine with big block letters spelling "Spartan," stop and take a look! Happy Sewing, Barbara |
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9 Comments
Elaine Blackmer
12/22/2013 10:01:40 am
I just bought a Spartan (Singer 192) at a thrift shop for $11.00! I'm so excited, it's clean and works great.
Barbara for OldSewinGear
12/23/2013 02:46:47 am
Wow, great find! Enjoy your treasure, and Thanks for sharing!
John
1/27/2014 04:25:27 am
Great finding this page! My neighbor just gave my two daughters a Spartan 192 and I was searching around to find info on this beautiful little machine. It seems to look and run as new! We are so excited to have one.
OldSewinGear
1/27/2014 10:27:55 am
Thanks for sharing! Wonderful little machines. Hope your family enjoys yours for many years to come.
patricia
5/1/2015 11:03:07 am
I've inherited a Spartan from my aunt; has no bobbins or needles. Can you tell me what sizes of each to look for, if they are still available....?
Donna
7/2/2015 01:08:07 am
I have one of these and i just bought new bobbin in the class 66 and they do not fit.
Bobbi Jo
5/31/2016 12:35:34 pm
I just received a 192k from my grandmothers estate. It has a light on it however.
Janet
11/13/2016 05:17:11 pm
Just found your blog. Not sure if you are still following or not. Just wanted to say that I found a 192 at an estate sale for $2. The wood case was busted up and there was rust on the machine. Boy! You should see it now. It's going to be one of my favorites out of about 30 machines! LOL. It cleaned up awesome and sews like a champ.
mary
12/31/2017 10:30:22 am
Maybe it's just me, but I always found the Spartan a little "sad." I picture some woman who longed for a Singer sewing machine (probably to do utilitarian family sewing) getting this machine because she couldn't afford the better one. She had to do without the pretty decals, the lamp, and other features, which she was probably okay with. But she had that name SPARTAN right there staring her in the face every time she sewed, reminding her that it was a second-rate machine that didn't even get the Singer name. Leave a Reply. |
OldSewinGear
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