Keeping it short and simple. These links are where you can buy parts for some of the machines on these pages. I've had good luck with these, but no link constitutes an endorsement, use at your own risk! Resources, For These Sewing Machines
Links, lite bulbs, and commonalities. Here is information that applies to more than one machine, so it has been combined on this page and referred to as appropriate...
Sewing Machine Links | Sewing Machine Bulb Study | Sewing Machine Wiring | Japanese JA and JC Numbers | Sears: Models, Makers, & Years | Harp Sizes
A fairly long page, scroll down to what you need. It has "Rotary Motor Pulley #409" which will work on any of the friction drive machines on these pages, EXCEPT the Streamliner. Said "pulley" is not tapered like that machine requires, although modification of #409 is possible. This page also has the standard 15287-A bobbin winder tire as used on Singers and others; bobbins and bobbin cases for the 117.959 Kenmore and others. Worth exploring.
Need a manual? Many are available free on the web, including several right here. However, not all are, or you may want a nicely printed and bound copy. I can recommend https://www.tias.com/vintage-sewing/machines/manuals/. Linda, the proprietress is VERY knowledgable about old machines and she has manuals available for virtually everything - in both downloadable PDF and printed form.
Need other parts? This guy probably has them. He has an extensive listing of old machines he's parting out, email him with your needs. He's always been affordable, I've used him several times.
The belt for the Sewmatic is a #978 cogged V-belt formerly available from the new defunct Sew Classic dot Com. You'll have to use Google...
Need to pack a machine the RIGHT way to ship it? Refer to This (offsite) Page!
A great sewing machine blog: The Archaic and Arcane. Lots of repair and maintenance info & advice.
This guy shows how to sew various things, and does each project on a different machine: Thin Man Sewing.
This guy claims that his is the number one male sewing blog: Male Pattern Boldness.
Another vintage sewing machine blog: Steel Sewing.
More: Paul's Sewing Machines.
Needle info, a few manuals, and other miscellany: Kevin's Sewing Stuff.
I've made a couple of sewing machine bases, and repaired a few more, but this guy has it down to a science: How to Make a Custom Sewing Machine Case.
This started as a search for the ideal light bulb for Nationals; especially the Reversew Rex and the Streamliner, but evolved slightly as the White 690 as well as the Sewmatic Chainstitcher use these very common threaded base bulbs. Maybe your machine does too!
As arranged in the above picture, the largest is on top, graduating down to the smallest on the bottom. In general, any bulb can substitute for any of the bulb(s) above it in a size restricted area, such as the "Rex" and Streamliner - but the reverse isn't true unless there is more space available, such as in the White 690 or Sewmatic Chainstitcher where ANY of these bulbs can be utilized. 
The Bulbs under discussion, from top:
15 Watt Nitelite/Christmas style
15 Watt equivalent LED "Silicon Bulb"
15 Watt #643 bulb
15 Watt super skinny bulb from Feit Electric.
This is a picture of correct, no longer made, lite bulb as originally used in the
Reversew Rex and Streamliner.
And here is this same "original" bulb compared with the Feit Electric product.
In the case of the two Nationals in question, I had been using a standard #643 bulb, although it was a VERY tight fit, especially in the "Rex". In both machines, the glass envelope of the bulb was touching metal, and again in the case of the "Rex", I had to screw it in place very carefully with a pair of needle nose pliers!
So when Randy discovered the ultra small/skinny Feit Electric 15 watt bulbs, they were a match made in heaven as they were actually smaller than the original! This bulb can be purchased at Home Depot, and is Feit Electric # BP15T4C/2 - I suspect the "/2" means two to a package. They are marketed as bulbs for picture lights and similar.
The Nitelite/Christmas style 15 watt bulb was probably the most common threaded bulb used in sewing machines from the 1930s forward, Nationals not withstanding. Machines with space for this bulb have the advantage of being able to use all the various smaller bulbs as well. Note that real Christmas lamps (or nite lite lamps) are only half the wattage (7½ vs. 15) of the identical looking type used in sewing machines. Some of this type are frosted, others clear.
I had been wanting an LED "bulb" for my main machine, a 1976 White 690, almost since the day I got it. Unfortunately, candelabra based LED bulbs came in three types: Nitelite sized, which would of course fit the 690, but also nitelite brightness (or less); Plenty bright, but chandelier sized - too big; and one seller on eBay was selling what looked like a crude home-made lashup for $30+!
So when the above pictured LED bulb appeared on eBay for less than $10, I bought one. It seems well made, and is cast in crystal clear silicon rubber. Its almost as small as the Feit Electric incandescent, and fits fine in the Nationals being discussed here. Its supposedly 25% brighter than the incandescent - I will say it certainly appears brighter and certainly isn't any dimmer - and best of all it only uses somewhere around 2 watts or a bit less, so it isn't so darn HOT. In fact, you can hold it when its been on for hours. Who actually makes this particular bulb is unknown, no identifying marks found on the packaging.
What follows is a "Bulb Study" I did, showing the #643, the Feit, and the LED bulb and how they fit and look in the two Nationals under consideration, and then a clear Christmas/Nitelite style and LED in the Sewmatic and White. All illumination comparisons taken under the same lighting conditions.
In the end, the LED now resides permanently in the White, the two Nationals have Feit bulbs, and the displaced #643s await re-use elsewhere and in the Sewmatic chainstitcher.
#643 in a Streamliner
And its illumination pattern.
The Feit in a Streamliner - plenty of room.
And its illumination pattern - same as the #643 as you'd expect.
The LED in a Streamliner - still enough room although its a bit long.
And its illumination pattern - Brighter and whiter.
#643 in a Reversew Rex faceplate
End-on view - glass to metal contact.
And its illumination pattern.
Feit in a Reversew Rex faceplate
End-on view - no glass to metal contact!
And its illumination pattern - same as the #643 as you'd expect.
LED in a Reversew Rex faceplate
End-on view - no glass to metal contact! No rubber to metal contact either!
And its illumination pattern - Brighter and whiter.Moving on to the White 690 and the Sewmatic chainstitcher: As they both were engineered for use with a Christmas/nitelite bulb, no need to repeat for the #643 or Feit as they'd both fit with room to spare and the illumination patterns would be exactly the same.
Yes, it is possible to place new LED bulbs in all of these - the Expert BT in particular also originally utilized the Christmas/nitelite style, and had the LED bulb pictured here been available 2 years ago, I would have used one instead of doing a fairly major project to retrofit an entire LED light fixture onto this machine! But since that has been done, it will remain until such time - if ever - that this fixture dies, then I can re-install the original fixture with a new LED bulb in it. Everything is reversible!
Sewmatic chainstitcher with Christmas/nitelite style.
Its illumination pattern, nice and square.
Now the LED in the Sewmatic...
And a blaze of bright white lite!
Christmas/nitelite style in the White.
With its illumination pattern.
LED in its forever home in the White.
Also a blaze of bright white lite!But What About...
The Expert B.T.?
The Micro-Bell?
The Singer 99K?
The Singer 185K?
The Pfaff 776 Serger?The Micro-Bell uses an odd looking bulb indeed - shaped like a Christmas/nitelite type, but a double contact bayonet style that has been reflectorized on one side. That machine, the Pfaff serger, as well as the "SingerLight" on the 99K should be able to use a double contact LED bulb that the same eBay seller - and doubtlessly others as well - also sells.
The TZ-17 uses an E17 based bulb, rather than the E12, but said larger bulbs are readily available in LED form these days. There is a brief discussion on the TZ-17 page.
That leaves the 185K. An entire bulb study was done on it a couple of years ago, available on the 185k page, shows how a standard candelabra based bulb - which would now include our featured LED bulb - can be used with an adapter. However, even that oddball bulb seems to be available in an LED version now.
Sewing Machine Wiring NOTE WELL: These drawings and associated information are provided "as-is" and for reference ONLY. They are NOT guaranteed to be accurate, safe, foolproof, or anything else! In addition, there are other ways besides what's depicted here to wire a sewing machine. If you're not qualified, or not comfortable working with live AC voltages, find someone who is. VERIFY your machine's wiring before assuming anything about it. USE THESE DRAWINGS AND THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
Below are diagrams for 4 common ways sewing machines are often found to be wired. These refer to 100 percent line voltage operated machines, the more modern machines using low voltage controls are beyond the scope of this page and are not covered here. In this context, "Controller" can mean either a foot controller or a knee controller; and it can be a wire wound resistive type, a "Carbon Pile" resistive type, or even a line voltage solid state style.
This is probably the most common wiring schema used on machines from the 1970s forward, as well as some older models. The "optional" lite switch will be present in most cases, and the "alternate switch wiring" will be seen on many newer machines, thus switching both the motor and the lite. My Pfaff 776 Serger is one such wired the latter version of this schema. The old Kenmore is an example of an older machine wired this way. DO NOTE: There may or may not be a pseudo-standard use of which pins are used for what - for that reason no pin numbers have been placed on the schematic! It will be necessary to ascertain how the pins are wired on the machine and match the external wiring accordingly!
Click for "A" sized PDF version!
Here is a link to a nicely done page showing 3 pin wiring with pin numbers for SINGERS. The diagram, while drawn differently, is the same as the one above, but having the pin numbers will help if you have a Singer. I still suggest verifying your machine against the provided pin numbers with an ohmmeter or visual tracing! LINK: Singer Wiring.
This alternate method of using a 3 pin connector has the advantage of not requiring a splice or 2 wires on one pin of the 3 pin connector. Instead the 2 conductor line cord goes directly to the foot pedal, and then a 3 conductor cord goes from the foot pedal to the machine. The Micro Bell is wired this way, and I rewired the SewMatic Chainstitcher to this schema as it resulted in a much cleaner wiring job. Any 3 pin system should be able to be wired this way if desired. DO NOTE: There may or may not be a pseudo-standard use of which pins are used for what - for that reason no pin numbers have been placed on the schematic! It will be necessary to ascertain how the pins are wired on the machine and match the external wiring accordingly!
Click for "A" sized PDF version!
National Sewing Machine Company (NSMCo) used this schema as their wiring standard for their entire history. It is, in my opinion, the neatest and cleanest way to wire one. You will note the relative gender of the two connectors. The connector for the controller is duplicated on the wiring block and on a pigtail under the machine - your machine may have the wiring block (foot pedal) connector blocked off. Some Nationals had light switches, some did not. I have not seen the "Alternate Switch Wiring" on a National, but have seen it alluded to in at least one NSMCo manual.
Click for "A" sized PDF version!
Lastly, this is type typical wiring schema used by most Japanese machines from the 1950s through at least the mid-70s, as my 1976 White 690 is wired this way. This is also a very good way to wire a machine, I retrofitted my Singer 99K to this schema during that machine's restoration. All the complexity is hidden inside the pre-wired double receptacle wiring block; the machine's motor and lite plug into the appropriately marked receptacles, a "mains plug" (as my British friends would call it) comes out one end of the block, and a wire pigtail that leads to the controller comes out the other end. The only caveat is if the motor and lite are plugged into the wrong receptacles, the motor will come on full blast but you'll have a light that varies intensity with the controller! I've never seen a machine wired this way that didn't have a light switch, the schema pretty much requires one. In fact, in the case of my White 690, there's a double pole switch that controls the motor as well.
Click for "A" sized PDF version!
Japanese JA and JC numbers This reference has been "kicking around" on the 'net in various places and in various forms. This version has been highly expanded and revised from the original. It was pieced together from a list found on the Japanese Sewing Machine Yahoo! group, as well as several other sources including considerable personal research and observation. For reference only, no accuracy is expressed or implied, but updates are welcomed!
This machine shows a JA number, a JC number, as well as a maker's sigil (Shansin in this case). Not
all Japanese machines show all of these, in fact, many show none at all! Photo contributed by Randy.
Nobody really knows exactly what these numbers mean, and it would probably take a native Japanese speaker to be able to visit the appropriate archives in Japan - if they still exist - to try to shed more light on the subject. However, I have observed:
- "JA/JC" numbers seem to be quite rare on free arm machines, but comparatively few have been checked, and some may be inside.
- Very seldom seen on Singer 15 clones, AKA "HA-1" style machines.
- "JC" numbers are almost always cast into the bottom of the bed - the exceptions noted thus far have been found on "HA-1" machines, where JA/JC numbers are rare to start with, but these will sometimes have JC numbers stamped instead of cast.
- Not all Japanese machines have JA or JC numbers. Many have only one or the other or none. A given manufacturer may have used these numbers sporadically. Nobody knows the why or how of this...
- Any OEM listed has only been so after POSITIVE identification, otherwise a question mark is put by the OEM name. To date, the working assumption is that only one OEM used each JA or JC number - but that assumption could be disproven at any time.
- "JA" numbers, also found under the bed, are either stamped into the metal, stamped into an under-bed badge (sometimes as a serial number prefix), or they're inked stamped.
Except when they're not! This appears to have changed by the time of the aluminum era. "Kenmore" machines with "JA-4" (Maruzen) cast into (instead of stamped) the bottom of their aluminum bed are known to exist. These machines also show a "JC-4" cast right next to the "JA-4"! "JC-4" is a known Brother number. It is my current working theory, that "JC" refers to the company that CAST the machine hull, "JA" refers to the company that ASSEMBLED (designed?) the machine. This is PURE SPECULATION on my part.
In this case, it would appear to mean that Brother made the castings for Maruzen who then assembled the machines. Other (non-Kenmore) aluminum examples are known to exist with both JA and JC numbers cast in in a similar manner - including all Free-Arm machines observed thus far with JA/JC numbers (as they're all Aluminum era machines).
Aluminum Kenmore 158.16012 with cast in "JA" number in addition to the usual cast in "JC"Listed next to the JA or JC number is the OEM manufacturer, if known, then under the "Badged as" heading are any known badgings the finished machine was sold under. JA/JC numbers are generally found in the form of "J-Axx" or "J-Cxx", but are listed here as "JA-xx" and "JC-xx" as that seems to be the accepted way to list them on the Internet. There are also very rarely seen "JN", "JZ", "JQ" and "HA" numbers, no-one seems to know what those mean other than "HA-1" indicates a Japanese round bobbin straight stitch machine. Apparently not manufacturer specific. I've seen occasional other HA-xx numbers, including HA003 cast onto the bottom of a Morse badged straight stitch machine built by Toyota.
Due to the stylization of the "J-", it has been suggested that this is actually a stylized "JL", not a J with hyphen attached. This is supposed to mean "Japan Light (industry)". It certainly is a plausible story, but without further evidence as to its veracity, it must remain as a possibility only at this time.
JA Number Badged as --------- --------- JA-1 Brother Brother, Electro Grand, Bico, Lemair (Australia), Riviera American Home, Sovereign JA-2 Janome New Home, Viscount (HA-1), Arctic (HA-1), BelAir, SewMor, Arrow, Reliable, Ford. JA-3 Riccar Riccar, Morse, Zenith, Gimbel's, American Home, Piedmont Belvedere, Belvedere Adler, Hilton Adler, Dressmaker New White Designer JA-4 Maruzen Kenmore JA-5 Sanshin? Penncrest (J.C. Penney), Brother, Nelco, Lemair (Australia), Prinzess (Germany) Crown Point (UK), Lemair (Australia), Zenith (Sweden), Calanda, Transist JA-6 Happy? Morse (HA-1), Morse3, Bel Air, Aldens, Atlas, Modern, Sewmor JA-7 Toyota Morse, Imperial, Mitsubishi JA-8 Pine Singer JA-9 Juki? Morse (HA-1), Viking (Eaton, NOT the Swedish Viking), Juki, Visetti (HA-1) JA-10 Happy Signature (Montgomery Ward), Nelco, Phillips, Empisal (Australia and S. Africa), Simpson's Succes (sic) JA-11 Union Peters, Domestic, Vogue Stitch, Morgan's (Canada), Nustich, St. James JA-12 Brother American Beauty, Regency, Nelco, Reynolds Bros., National, Victor, White Good Housekeeper, Cromwell (HA-1), Eva (Sweden), Atlas, Beaver, Stradivaro Kenmore (Canada), Columbus (HA-1), Myer De Luxe JA-13 Koyo Koyo2, Dressmaker, American Beauty, Viking, White Aldens, Cameo, Stradivaro, The White House, Moderna, Stitchmaster, Universal La Modista, Keystone, Universal, Remington, Super Macy, Electro-Sunbeem (sic) (HA-1) Abraham & Straus, Western, Dial 'n Sew2, Seammaster Super Deluxe, Modern, Underwood, International, Simon Good Housekeeper, Imperial, Moderne, Bamberger's JA-14 American Beauty, Hamilton, Elgin, Omega (HA-1) JA-15 FMK White, Silovac (Australia) JA-16 Minato Nelco, Sew Best, Jolsen, Brother, American*, White, Western Modern Home, Miracle, Omega (Norway), Universal, Elgin, Stitch Master, Vogue Stitch JA-17 Imperial, Woodwards JA-18 Toyota American Beauty, Riccar, Visetti, Hood, Dressmaker, Oden's, Nustich, Revere Belvedere Adler, Morse, Remington, Royal JA-19 Toyota Calanda, Morse, Hamilton, Dial-A-Stitch, Hallmark, Camamatic, Good Housekeeper (HA-1) Good Housekeeper, Dressmaker, Household, Fleetwood, Gotham, Home maker (sic) Black Diamond, White, Capri JA-20 Brother? White, The White House, Premier, Hilton, Anker-Phoenix (Germany), Asyma (Norway) Home Mark, Belvedere-Adler*, American Beauty JA-21 Soryu? Fleetwood, Emdeko, National, Kenmore, Electro Hygiene, Goldsmith's, Premier (HA-1), Majestic Home Maker, Universal, Stradivaro, Capitol, Electramatic1, Livingston4, Capri, Vornado (HA-1) JA-22 Soryu Kenmore (148 series), Dressmaker (HA-1), Seamstress JA-23 White, Domestic, Sewmatic, Universal, Dressmaker, Needlecraft (HA-1), Dressmaster Remington (HA-1), Woodsonia JA-24 Imperial*, Consulate JA-25 Victor, Dressmaker, Stitchmaster JA-26 Koyo? Ambassador (HA-1) JA-27 Morse, SewMor*, Dial 'n Sew, Bel Air JA-28 Brother Brother, Lemair (Australia), Bradford, Wizard, Privileg (Germany) JA-29 Brother Wizard, Lemair Helvetia (Australia), Bradford JA-30 Janome New Home, Riccar JA-31 Noted on a machine with missing badge... JA-33 SewVac*, Prinzess (Germany), Omega (Europe), Zenith, Woodcrest, Beacon, Empisal (Australia) JA-34 Riccar, American Beauty, Visetti, Strawbridge & Clothier, White (HA-1) JA-35 Happy Signature (Montgomery Ward), White, Climax, Eastern (Austria), Jones, Nelco JA-36 Vornado, Adler, Dressmaker, Visetti, Consul (Denmark?), Zenith, Kenmore (Canada, HA-1) JA-38 Sanshin Classic, Remington, Nelco, Marvel, Hamilton, Penncrest, Dressmaker, Regency, Riviera Fleetwood, Good Housekeeper, Alco, Universal, Jolsen, Elgin, Rotary, Omega (Canada) JA-39 Toyota Morse, Liebermann, Sew Best, Kenmore (Canada), Prinzess (Germany), Stucky (Germany) Viscount, Sew Mor, Howe, Atlas, Grand Special, Constellation (UK), Dressmaker, Riccar JA-40 Lion JA-41 Brother Brother, Empire (HA-1) JA-43 Idle Hour, Sewmor (HA-1) JA-47 National (Long Shuttle), Universal, Dressmaker, Fairline, White, Morse, Dressmaster, Kenmore, Miracle Electro Hygiene, Nelco, KDAZ 620, Western, Elgin, New Home, Crosley, Electro Grand, Belvedere (HA-1) JA-48 Lemair (Australia), Standard (Australian HA-1) JA-49 Riccar (HA-1) JA-54 Brother? Coronado, Brother JA-58 Yamazaki Dressmaker, Universal, Kenmore*, Viscount, Mercury (Chile) Bluebird, Novum, Robertson (New Zealand) JA-59 Packard JA-61 Dressmaker, Seamstress, Aldens, HomeMaker JA-78 Dial A Stitch2 JA-79 White-Lily (HA-1) JA-84 Imperial JA-107 Brother JA-109 Fairline (Tentative, verification needed)* From another list on a certain detestable website, unverified by Zorba
JC Number Badged as --------- --------- JC-1 Brother Brother, Bradford, Wizard, Electro Grand, Asyma (Norway) Riviera, Bico, Lemair (Australia) American Home JC-2 Sanshin Morse3, Nelco, Brother, Bel Air, Omega (Norway), Emporium, Modern, Dressmaker Visetti, Stradivaro, Aldens, White, Domestic, Atlas, Eva (Sweden), Western, Seamstress, Woodwards Sew Best, Jolsen, Dressmaster, Emdeko, Modern Home, Stucky (Germany), Coronado, Electro Hygiene Fleetwood, Grand Special, New White Designer, Miracle, Robertson (New Zealand), Stitch Master Kenmore (148 series), Black Diamond, Sewmor, Crown Point (UK) JC-3 Janome Janome, New Home JC-4 Brother American Beauty, Riccar, Tessler, Kenmore, White, Beacon Household, Dressmaker, Good Housekeeper, Camamatic Royal, Crown, Visetti, Gotham, Universal, Capri Morse, Electro Hygiene, Hallmark, Continental Elita Victoria (Germany), Calanda, Hamilton JC-5 FMK Dial n Sew, Liebermann, Sew Best, Necchi-Alco, National, Baycrest, Riccar Nelco, Kenmore, Viscount, Sew Mor, Remington, Empisal (Australia) Fleetwood, Hood, Dressmaker, Belvedere, Prinzess (Germany) JC-6 Riccar Riccar, Belvedere Adler, Dressmaker JC-7 Morse, White JC-8 Soryu Kenmore (148), Capri JC-9 Remington, Modern Home, White, Victor, Hilton, Kenmore (158 series), Elgin, Omega (HA-1) Bamberger's, Spiegel "Vogue Stitch", Idle Hour Visetti, American Beauty JC-10 Viking (Eaton, NOT the Swedish Viking) JC-11 Riccar, Electro Hygiene, Dressmaker JC-12 Happy Signature (Montgomery Ward), Dressmaker, Princess, Empisal (S. Africa) JC-13 Pine Singer JC-14 Mitsubishi JC-15 Brother Brother, Olympia, Singer, Nustich, Dressmaker (HA-1), Empire (HA-1) JC-16 Brother Kenmore, Brother JC-17 Vogue Stitch, White JC-18 Janome New Home, Jones JC-19 FMK White, Dressmaker, Home Mark, Anker-Phoenix (Germany) Silovac (Australia) JC-20 Baldwin (HA-1) JC-21 Consul (Denmark?), Coronado, White-Lily (HA-1), Wizard JC-23 Sanshin? Toyota? Domestic, Dressmaker, Nelco, Lemair (Australia), Prinzess (Germany), Woodsonia Dial-A-Stitch, Penncrest (J.C. Penney), Crown Point (UK), Ambassador (HA-1), Zenith (Sweden) JC-26 Electro Grand, White, Omega (Europe), Aldens, Zenith JC-27 Cameo, American Home, Stradivaro, Dial 'n Sew2, Bamberger's, Elgin, Universal Super Macy, American Beauty JC-28 Sanshin Emdeko, Penncrest, Capitol, Gimbels, Fleetwood, Mercedes, Universal Electramatic1 JC-29 White, Morse JC-30 Jones, Dressmaker, Novum, Sewmor (HA-1) JC-31 Matsushita? Soryu? Dressmaker, Imperial, Belvedere Adler, Adler, Mercury (Chile), Nelco, Kenmore (Canada, HA-1) Visetti, Climax, Lion, Eastern (Austria), Zenith JC-33 Needlecraft (HA-1) JC-34 Universal, Morse, Domestic, Nelco, Dial A Stitch2, Dressmaker, White, Fairline New Home, Crosley, Electro Hygene, National, Miracle, Electro Grand, Dressmaster JC-36 Sanshin Dressmaker, Nelco, Penncrest, Jolson, Universal, Rotary, Riviera JC-39 Sewmatic, Atlas (HA-1) JC-41 Belvedere JC-92 Noted on a machine with missing badge...
1 Pillar badge, reported to be a Morse trademark, but no Morse marking noted (Model 707-TW)
2 Free-Arm Machine!
3 Morse 4300 and 4400 "Fotomatic IV" machines bear JA-6 and JC-2 markings, suggesting they are cast by Sanshin, and built/assembled/designed possibly by Happy. However, the manual for the 4400 "Fotomatic IV" claims that machine at least was built by Toyota. If - and that's a definite "IF" - our assumption as to the meanings of the JA/JC numbers is correct, this factoid could mean that JA-6 actually means Toyota (its current assignment to Happy is questionable) as many Morse badged machines actually *were* made by Toyota, but by no means ALL. Adding further confusion is the fact that Toyota was very inconsistent in marking their machines - many had no JA/JC numbers whatsoever. Toyota seemed to like to mark some of their machines on the bottom with "TOYOTA", but no such markings appear on these two Morse badged machines. A Toyota model Z729 is reported to be the same as a Morse 4400. The quest for knowledge is ongoing!
4 "Livingston" may be bogus and not be the correct name on the sample seen - it may be the store that sold or serviced an otherwise unbadged machine. In any event, the badge looks very odd!
Sears Sewing Machine listing of Years Similar to the JA/JC listing (above), this listing of Sears models and their years of manufacture is found in various locales on the 'net. This copy was based on one downloaded from Sears directly that appears to be no-longer available, then updated as new information came to light. There are several model number prefixes, manufactured as follows:
116: Matsushita (the 116.531 of 1955 (?) is the only known model found with this prefix)
117: White (All USA made except for several White-imported German zig zag models: 117.640, 117.740, 117.840, and 117.841)
119: Unknown (119.401 Chainstitcher reported.)
120: New Process Gear, Div. Chrysler Corp.
148: Soryu
151: Unknown (Example 151.271 badged as "Sears Commander", NOT "Kenmore")
153: Riccar (A Sears "Challenge" 153.272 as well as 153.270 and 153.271 Sears "Commander" - all HA-1 type machines.)
158: Maruzen cum Jaguar
159: Unknown (Kenmore 159.262 and 159.261 on 1960s looking VS Machines - JA-47, unknown provenance. Also
159.260 presumably JA-47 as well, but unconfirmed. Lastly, an odd looking pink 159.110; JA if any, unknown.)
268: Brother and branded as Brother
340: Necchi
384: Singer and branded as Sears or Kenmore
385: Janome
484: Singer and branded as Singer
516: Gritzner-Kayser. The "Model 89" Lady Kenmore 516.891 is the only known model found with this prefix, but they also built the White imported 117 series.The list is sorted by model NUMBER, not the model NAME (which was actually a number except on the very earliest machines), which was often repeated or re-used. No warranty expressed or implied as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. I'm informed by a well regarded collector that there are problems with this list, apparently with the White (117) listings, perhaps others.
Model Name Model Number Years Produced -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ???? 116.531 1955 Kenmore Standard Rotary 117.101 1934 Kenmore Rotary 117.109 1934 Kenmore Rotary 117.111 1939 Franklin Rotary 117.113 1939 Franklin Rotary 117.1131 1948 Franklin Rotary 117.115 1939 Franklin Rotary 117.1151 1948 Kenmore Rotary 117.119 1939 Kenmore Rotary 117.1191 1948 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.121 1939 Franklin Deluxe Rotary 117.123 1939 Kenmore Rotary 117.127 ---- Kenmore Rotary 117.141 1948 Kenmore Rotary 117.159 ---- Kenmore Rotary 117.169 1950 Kenmore Rotary 117.179 ---- Franklin Deluxe Rotary 117.21 1948 Franklin Deluxe Rotary 117.217 ---- Franklin Deluxe Rotary 117.227 ---- Kenmore Rotary 117.231 1954 Kenmore 117.251 1954 Kenmore 117.252 1954 Kenmore 117.253 1954 Kenmore Long Shuttle 117.26 1938 Minnesota "E" 117.28 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.29 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.291 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.300 ---- Franklin Rotary 117.301 ---- Challenge Long Shuttle 117.32 1938 Franklin Long Shuttle 117.34 1938 Kenmore Long Shuttle 117.36 1954 Kenmore Long Shuttle 117.361 1954 Minnesota "E" 117.38 1939 Franklin 117.4 1938 Challenge Long Shuttle 117.40 1939 Franklin Rotary 117.41 1943 Franklin Long Shuttle 117.42 1939 Kenmore Long Shuttle 117.46 1939 Minnesota "E" 117.48 1939 Challenge Long Shuttle 117.50 1939 Franklin Long Shuttle 117.52 1939 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.55 1938 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.551 1938 Kenmore Rotary 117.552 1954 Kenmore Rotary 117.560 1955 Kenmore Rotary 117.569 1955 Kenmore 117.580 1954 Kenmore 117.581 1959 Kenmore 117.582 1959 Kenmore 117.583 1959 Kenmore (or) Kenmore Imperial Rotary 117.59 1938 Kenmore (or) Kenmore Imperial Rotary "Football" 117.591 1942 Kenmore (or) Kenmore Supreme Rotary 117.592 1948 Kenmore Rotary 117.600 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.61 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.611 1938 Accessory Motor 117.617 1949 Accessory Motor 117.618 1949 Accessory Motor 117.619 1949 Kenmore Long Shuttle 117.62 1948 Accessory Motor 117.620 1949 Accessory Motor 117.621 1949 Accessory Motor 117.622 1949 Kenmore Standard Rotary 117.63 1938 Kenmore Standard Rotary 117.631 1938 117.640 (64) 1955 Kenmore 117.641 1955 Kenmore Rotary 117.65 1938 Kenmore Rotary 117.651 1938 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.67 1938 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.671 1938 117.700 1954 117.720 1957 Kenmore ZigZag Automatic 117.740 1956 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.81 1938 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.811 1938 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.812 1948 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.813 1954 Kenmore Model 83 117.83 1938 Kenmore Model 83 117.831 1938 Kenmore 117.840 1956 Kenmore 117.841 1958 Franklin Deluxe 117.85 1938 Franklin Deluxe 117.851 1938 Franklin Deluxe 117.857 1938 Franklin Deluxe Rotary 117.87 1938 Franklin Deluxe Rotary 117.871 1938 Kenmore Rotary Model "A" 117.89 1938 Kenmore Rotary Model "A" 117.891 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.91 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.911 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.93 1938 Franklin Rotary 117.931 1938 Kenmore 95 Rotary 117.95 1948 Kenmore 95 Rotary 117.959 1948 Kenmore 117.97 1952 Accessory Motor 117.9729 1939 Accessory Motor 117.97291 1940 Accessory Motor 117.9730 ---- Accessory Motor 117.97301 1940 Accessory Motor 117.9731 1941 Accessory Motor 117.97311 1940 ???? 119.401 1950s? 49 120.490 1950 49 120.491 1954 49 120.492 1954 49 120.60756 ---- Decorator Attachment 120.60763 ---- Buttonhole Attachment 120.60766 ---- 71 120.710 1955 71 120.711 1958 71 120.712 1958 71 120.713 1958 71 120.714 1958 76 120.760 1960-62 76 120.761 1960-62 1100 148.11000 1969-70 1101 148.11010 1969 1102 148.11020 1970 1104 148.11040 1970-71 1105 148.11050 1970-71 1114 148.11140 1971-72 1115 148.11150 1971 1117 148.11170 1971 1201 148.12010 1968 1201 148.12011 ---- 1203 148.12030 1968 1204 148.12040 1961-71 1205 148.12050 1970-71 1205 148.12051 1970-71 1206 148.12060 1969-70 1207 148.12070 1969-70 1207 148.12071 1970-71 1213 148.12130 1972 1214 148.12140 1971-72 1215 148.12150 1971 1216 148.12160 1971-72 1217 148.12170 1971-72 1218 148.12180 1971-72 1218 148.12181 1972-73 1218 148.12182 1974 1219 148.12190 1972-73 1219 148.12191 1973 1220 148.12200 1972-74 1220 148.12201 1975-76 1221 148.12210 1973-74 1222 148.12220 ---- 1240 148.12400 1974-75 1250 148.12500 1974 1250 148.12501 1974 1300 148.13000 1968-70 1302 148.13020 ---- 1302 148.13021 1968 1302 148.10322 1968-71 1302 148.10323 1971 1310 148.13100 1974 1310 148.13101 1974-75 1311 148.13110 1975-75 1322 148.13220 1972-73 1422 148.14220 1972-73 1422 148.14221 1973 1521 148.15210 1978 1560 148.15600 1976-78 1937 148.19370 1976 1937 148.19371 1976-77 1937 148.19372 1977-78 20 148.200 1963-65 21 148.210 1963-66 23 148.230 1966 23 148.231 1966-67 27 148.270 1957-58 27 148.272 1958-59 27 148.273 1959-62 27 148.274 ---- 28 148.280 1960-63 28 148.281 1963-65 29 148.290 1960 29 148.291 1960 29 148.292 1960-61 29 148.293 1961 29 148.294 1961-63 29 148.295 1963-66 29 148.296 1966-67 39 148.390 1957 39 148.391 1957 39 148.392 1957-60 39 148.393 1960 39 148.394 1961 39 148.395 1961 40 148.400 1961-62 & 1967 42 148.420 1967 53 148.530 1966-67 53 148.531 1967 86 148.860 1958-59 86 148.861 1959-62 87 148.870 1961 1570 148.15700 1978 27 148.271 1957-58 87 148.871 1963 87 148.872 1963 Commander 151.271 1950s/1960s? Challenge 153.272 1950s? 1020 158.10200 1971-72 1030 158.10300 1970 1030 158.10301 1970-71 1030 158.10302 1971-73 1030 158.10304 1974-75 1040 158.10400 1971-73 1040 158.10401 1973 1040 158.10402 1974-75 1045 158.10450 1976 1050 158.10500 1974 1050 158.10501 1974-75 1060 158.10600 1977 1060 158.10601 1977-80 1069 158.10690 1979 1069 158.10691 1979 1069 158.10692 1980 12 158.120 1965-66 1200 158.12000 1968-70 1202 158.12020 1968 12 158.121 1966 1211 158.12110 1977 1211 158.12111 1979 1212 158.12120 ---- 1225 158.12250 1974 1226 158.12260 ---- 1227 158.12270 ---- 1227 158.12271 ---- 1231 158.12310 1977 1231 158.12311 ---- 1231 158.12312 ---- 1237 158.12370 ---- 1241 158.12410 ---- 1241 158.12411 ---- 1247 158.12470 1975 1247 158.12471 ---- 1247 158.12472 ---- 1251 158.12510 ---- 1251 158.12511 ---- 1252 158.12520 ---- 13 158.130 1965-67 1310 158.13010 1968 1301 158.13011 1968-69 1303 158.13030 1969 1303 158.13031 1969 1303 158.13032 1969 1211 158.12112 1985 ? 1303 158.13033 1969-71 1304 158.13040 1969 1304 158.13041 1970 1305 158.13050 1971 1315 158.13150 1971-72 1316 158.13160 1971-72 1317 158.13170 1972-73 1318 158.13180 1972-73 1319 158.13190 ---- 1320 158.13200 1973-74 1320 158.13201 1974-75 1325 158.13250 ---- 1336 158.13360 1977 1341 158.13410 ---- 1347 158.13470 1975-77 1347 158.13471 ---- 1351 158.13510 ---- 1357 158.13571 ---- 1358 158.13580 ---- 14 158.140 1965 1400 158.14000 1969-71 1400 158.14001 1971 1400 158.14002 1971-72 1400 158.14003 1973 1410 158.14100 1971-72 1410 158.14101 1972-73 1430 158.14300 1973-74 1430 158.14301 1974-75 1431 158.14310 1975-76 1451 158.14510 1976-77 15 158.150 1965 1500 158.15000 1968-69 1501 158.15010 1968 1503 158.15030 1969-71 1504 158.15040 1970-71 15 158.151 1966 1514 158.15140 1971 1515 158.15150 1975 & 77 1516 158.15160 1971-72 & 1977 15 158.152 1967 1525 158.15250 ---- 1525 158.15251 ---- 1551 158.15510 ---- 1581 158.15810 ---- 16 158.160 1965 1600 158.16000 1968 1600 158.16001 1968 1601 158.16010 1969 1601 158.16011 1969-70 1601 158.16012 1970-71 1601 158.16013 1971 1602 158.16020 1971-72 1602 158.16021 1973 1603 158.16030 1971-72 1603 158.16031 1973 16 158.161 ---- 16 158.162 ---- 1621 158.16210 1976 1625 158.16250 1977 16 158.163 1967 1641 158.16410 ---- 1649 158.16490 ---- 1650 158.16500 1968-69 1651 158.16510 1968-69 1652 158.16520 1968-69 1653 158.16530 1968 1654 158.16540 1969-71 1660 158.16600 1976-77 1680 158.16800 ---- 1680 158.16801 ---- 1690 158.16900 ---- 1700 158.17000 1968 1700 158.17001 1968 1701 158.17010 1969 1701 158.17011 1969 1701 158.17012 1970 1703 158.17030 1972 1703 158.17031 1972 1703 158.17032 1973 1703 158.17033 1973-74 1720 158.17200 1975 1730 158.17300 1975 1731 158.17310 ---- 1749 158.17490 1968 1750 158.17500 1968 1750 158.17501 1968-69 1750 158.17501 1968-69 1751 158.17510 1968 1751 158.17511 1968-69 1752 158.17520 1968-69 1753 158.17530 1969-70 1754 158.17540 1969-70 1755 158.17550 1970-71 1756 158.17560 1971-72 1757 158.17570 1972 1757 158.17571 1972 1757 158.17572 ---- 1760 158.17600 1976-77 1774 158.17740 1974 1774 158.17741 1974-75 1780 158.17800 ---- 1781 158.17810 ---- 1800 158.18000 1968 1801 158.18010 1968 1801 158.18011 1968-69 1802 158.18020 1968 1802 158.18021 1968-69 1802 158.18022 1969 1802 158.18023 1970-71 1802 158.18024 1971-72 1803 158.18030 1971-72 1803 158.18031 1972 1803 158.18032 1973 1803 158.18033 1973-74 1803 158.18034 1974 1813 158.18130 1974 1813 158.18131 1974-75 1814 158.18140 1974 1814 158.18141 1974-75 1815 158.18150 1976-77 1880 158.18800 1977 1913 158.19130 1976 1914 158.19140 1975 1914 158.19141 1975-76 1914 158.19142 1976-77 1931 158.19310 1976 1931 158.19311 1976 1940 158.19400 1975 1941 158.19410 1975-76 1941 158.19411 1976 1941 158.19412 1977 1946 158.19460 1976 1946 158.19461 1977 1947 158.19470 1975-76 1947 158.19471 1977 1980 158.19800 1977 1980 158.19801 1977 1980 158.19802 ---- 22 158.220 1966-67 22 158.221 1967 32 158.320 1963 32 158.321 1963-65 33 158.330 1966-67 33 158.331 1967 34 158.340 1962 34 158.341 1962 34 158.342 1963 34 158.343 1964 35 158.350 1957 35 158.351 1957-58 35 158.352 1957-59 35 158.353 1959-60 37 158.370 1957 37 158.371 1957 37 158.372 1957-59 37 158.373 1959 43 158.430 1961-62 43 158.431 1963 43 158.432 1963 43 158.433 1964-66 44 158.440 1957-58 44 158.441 1958-59 44 158.442 1959-60 44 158.443 1960 44 158.444 1961 44 158.445 1961 45 158.450 1958 46 158.460 1958-59 & 1961 46 158.461 1960 46 158.462 1960-61 46 158.463 1961-62 47 158.470 1958-62 47 158.471 1961-62 47 158.472 1963-64 48 158.480 1959-62 48 158.481 1963-64 50 158.500 1960-61 50 158.501 1961-62 50 158.502 1961 50 158.503 1962 50 158.504 1963-65 50 158.505 ---- 52 158.521 ---- 89 516.890 1958-59 (62?) 89 516.891 1958-59 (62?)
Harp Sizes: I have some kind of fetish for compiling useless data, and making a table for it. This is a listing of harp sizes, AKA the distance from the pillar to the needle (as measured at the bed level), of the machines found on this site. Presented in no particular order:
The real surprise here is the Singer 127. It has a whopping needle to pillar distance of EIGHT inches, and the VS2 is only 1/16" shorter.
"Year" is best guess for the particular example encountered.
Machine Year Size Class Pillar to Needle distance (Inches) Singer VS2 1891 Full (4/4) 7-15/16 Wartheim Class 12 1900 Fullish (4/5) 6-1/2 Singer 127 1918 Full (4/4) 8.00 National Rotary "D" 1935 3/4 5-3/4 Streamliner 1940s Full (4/4) 7-3/4 Kenmore 117.959 1940s Full+ (5/4) 7-1/16 Kenmore 158.16012zz 1970 Full (4/4) 7-3/8 White 690zz 1976 Full (4/4) 7.00 Reversew "Rex" 1950s2 3/4 6-5/16 Reversew "B" 1940s2 Full (4/4) 7-11/16 Expert B.T. 1940s3 3/4 6-5/16 Singer 99K 19571 3/4 6-1/4 Singer 185K 1960 3/4 6-1/4 Singer 15K 1929 Full (4/4) 6-7/8 Micro-Bell 1952 1/4 4-3/4 Sewmatic 1950 3/4 5-3/4 Toyota TZ-17zz 1950s (Full) 4/4 7.00
1 Produced from 1911 until 1963.
2 Produced from the 1930s until 1954.
3 Produced from "the treadle age" until 1950.
zz Zig Zag machine measured to leftmost needle position.Pillar shape can influence these measurements as well since the measurement is taken right at the bed level. Most older machines curve in considerably as the pillar reaches the bed, causing a narrower measurement. Higher up, they're wider. On the other hand, most modern machines are perfectly straight up and down in this area!
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