COLLECTOR'S GUIDE

SINGER*
TOY SEWING MACHINES
CLASS 20/20-10

by
Jerry

c. Fogltance

Isaac Merritt Singer founded the Singer Manufacturing Company in

1851. The small sewing machines first introduced by this company in
the early 1900s were advertised as both toys and portable machines for
adults. The 1953 instruction booklet says, "Not a toy ...
using this
machine you will learn the basic principles of machine sewing, first
making your dolly's clothes. You'll want to take your machine with you
on vacations, weekend visits, and finally to college." At Christmas they
were often advertised as a toy and at other times of the year for adults.
The phrase "Not a toy", repeatedly used on boxes and in advertisements,
was probably meant to emphasize their quality. Most boxes show a little
girl using the machine, which is reason to place them in the toy category.
Not only were these machines made in the United States but also in
such foreign countries as Canada, Ireland, Great Britain and Turkey. In
fact, sometimes the location of where the machine was made is printed
on the base of the machine, such as "Made in Canada" or "Made in
Great Britain", etc.
This collector's guide pertains to the first four Singer toy sewing machine
(STSM) models that were produced starting in 1910 through the 1950s.
Singer specifically designates models 1, 2 & 3 as Class 20 and Model 4
as Class 20-10. For the sake of simplicity, the machines will be referred
in this guide by the model number and approximate initial production
st
nd
rd
th
year, such as 1 Model 1910, 2 Model 1914, 3 Model 1920 and 4
Model 1950. Only the hand crank models and not those with electric
rd
th
motors (Class 20-2, found on some 3 and 4 models) will be covered.

The purpose of this guide is to help the new collector become familiar
with the different models, accessories, prices and things to consider
when buying a STSM. All pictures of machines and accessories in this
guide come from the author's own personal collection.
Jerry C. Fogltance 2008 All rights reserved

STSMs are much more enduring than most other makes of toy sewing
machines. The earliest models were made of cast iron; the later ones of
lighter die cast metal construction. Collectors favor them because of the
well-known Singer name and their enduring construction.

The vintage STSM makes an elastic chain stitch that does not unravel, if
seam is locked at end as directed. It has no shuttle and no bobbins to be
wound. There is no tension to be adjusted. It is advertised that any child
above four years old can easily learn its use.
Machines in Class 20 and Class 20-10
are operated manually while machines
in Class 20-2 are operated by a motor.
As stated earlier, this guide pertains
only to machines Class 20 and Class
20-10.
All STSMs have a cloth guide for use
when sewing close to the edge of
material. The first style is an "L" shape
st
found only on the 1 Model 1910; all
subsequent
STSM models use an
inverted "V" shape cloth guide.
The rotary looper makes one revolution
per stitch. As illustrated on pages 4 & 5,
the design of this part changed with the
rd
3 Model 1920.

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A clamp, for fastening the machine to a

table or desk, came with all models.
The original price of the 1sl Model 1910
was $3.00 (printed on box). The Life
magazine advertisement (Dec 3, 1956)
shown on this page states the 4th Model
1950 price as $9.95.

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01 leading

TOY AND DEPARTMENT

as. well en SINGER SEWING

STORES
CENTERS

The first STSM model and simplest is the 1910. Primary characteristics
include a nickel-plated spiral 4-spoke hand wheel, an oval base, an "L"
shaped cloth guide, and a raised flat area for the clamp. All Class 20
machines
measure
6~"h x 3"d x Tw.
The 1910 is rated as
medium-to-find, a nearmint model as hard-tofind.
Being 90+ years
old, the metal parts on
most vintage
models
are plagued with rust
and
have
lost their
protective
nickel
coating, especially on
the sewing plate and
hand
wheel.
The
sewing plate can be
replaced with one from
a later third
model
machine
(they
are
identical) but a badly
corroded hand wheel cannot be replaced, as it is unique to the 1910.
Beginning with the 1910 each Class 20 machine
carried the same Singer emblem (found on the lower
back side of the machine).
nd

Model 1914

The second STSM model is the 1914 [pictured on

the next page]. Primary characteristics include an 8spoke spiral hand wheel and flat groove for the
clamp (although some early models have the carry-over 1910 body with
the raised clamp area). New to this machine is a tension regulator and
unnumbered thread pull off. With this model also came the inverted "V"
shaped cloth guide that became the standard on all subsequent models.
The 1914 is rated as easy-to-medium to find but, like the 1910, finding
one that shows a minimum of wear, rust and corrosion is difficult.

The
looper
[shown below] on
the
first
two
models
was
a
simpler but less
effective
style
than those on the
3'd and 4th model
machines.

The
third
STSM
model
was
first
made in 1922. The
1922 version lacks
numbered
thread
gUides. proving that
it is the oldest 3'd
Model version and
therefore
more
coveted
by
collectors.
Primary
characteristics
of
the 3'd Model are a
black
painted
7spoke spiral hand
wheel
with
directional arrows, a
felt-covered
metal
base-plate (this

feature is not found on some later versions), and a V-shaped groove for
the clamp. The 1926 version adds to this model a numbering system to
assist in threading, and a small metal tab to accommodate the number
"4" at the tension thread regulator [see machine on previous page]. One
version of this model also has script lettering.
rd

A reproduction of the original 3 model machine designated Model K-20

was later made in 1989 through the 1990s and has "Made in Turkey"
painted in gold letters on the backside.
While not a vintage machine,
the K-20 is of interest to collectors
because of the limited number made.
The style of the looper changed on the 3rd
Model machine [shown at right] and
became the standard on all subsequent
models. The 1922 is rated as medium-tofind, the 1926 and subsequent versions as
easy-to-find.

The fourth STSM

model
was
designated
the
Class
20-10
and
manufactured in the
late 1940s through
the 50s.
Singer
named
it
the
"Sewhandy"
and
modernized
its
appearance
by a
rectangular
base,
an
arm-side-cover
that
enclosed
movable parts, an
extended
sewing
plate,
and
a
completely
painted
hand wheel. A die
cast
metal
construction
also
made it lighter in weight than earlier models. All Class 20-10 machines
measure 6%"h x 3%"d x 7" w. This model came in a variety of colors,
including some in metallic.

Shown below (left) is a 4th Model version with a shinny sewing plate and
hand wheel and beige-crinkle body. A solid hand wheel version was also
made with "Made in Great Britain" printed on the base.

Fourth model machines in black, beige-crinkle, and tan are rated as

easy-to-find. Red, blue and green are rated as hard-to-find. There is a
limited centennial edition made in 1951 [see machine on previous page]
that is rated as medium-to-find.
It is prized by collectors for its blue and
gold centennial Singer emblem. A Manikin Doll Set was also available
that came with a standard black or centennial machine, an over-sized
case, Sewing Handbook and six Butterick patterns. It is rated as veryhard-to-find due to the poor survivability of the manikin and dress
patterns.
Four different Singer seals were found
on the 4th Model 1950 machine.
The
centennial seal on the bottom right
corner celebrates "A CENTURY OF
SEWING SERVICE 1851-1951" by
the Singer Company.
th

Some
very-hard-to-find
4
Model
combo sets are shown on the next
page.
Examples include a green
machine with a matching plaid case, a
blue machine with a navy-blue case,
and a centennial machine with a
Manikin Doll Set. The red machine
with the matching plaid case shown
on the cover of this guide is also rated as very-hard-to-find.

For a cardboard box

o last over 90 years
is rare indeed but
they can occasionally
be found!
The box
for the 1st Model 1910
is the most interesting
because it states the
price of the machine
as "$3.00" [top of
picture]. It is also the
smallest,
requiring
removal of the hand
wheel knob for the
machine to fit in it.
nd
The box for the 2
Model
1914
[left
rd
bottom] and 3 Model
1920 [bottom right] are large enough for the machines to fit inside without
removing the hand wheel knob. The design on the front of the third
model machine box (used for late production versions) is much different
than the two earlier ones.

th

There are two styles of boxes for the 4 Model 1950 machine. The most
popular for single machine display is the box with the smiling girl's face
on the front. Boxes can also be found in German and French (far right).

SINCER~~

..-. ..
.

Shown below are cases that could be purchased for a STSM. The hat
style carrying case [top right] and trunk were for the 3rd Model 1920
machine. Inside the trunk there is a drawer and clothes rack. Other
th
cases pictured are for 4 Model 1950 machines. The burgundy colored
case is easy-to-find, the navy blue and red plaid are very-hard-to-find.
th
The case on the middle right was for later 4 Model machines and
served strictly as a sewing platform, eliminating the need for a clamp.

The clamp that went with the 1st

nd
Model 1910 and 2 Model 1914
is the
hard-to-find
butterfly
clamp [clamp on far left]. It is
flat on the top end to fit the flat
groove of these models.
The
rd
first clamp for the 3
Model
1920 was a dull gray and had a
V-shaped top to fit the V-shaped
groove of this model [middle clamp]. This clamp was enlarged and
engraved
with
the
name
SIMANCO (Singer Manufacturing
rd
th
Company) and sold with later 3 and 4 model machines [clamp on far
right]. It also was offered in the specific color of a 4th model machine.

Shown below are the instructions for the 1st Model 1910, 2nd Model 1914,
rd
and the 3 Model 1920 machines.
The instructions for the 1st & 2nd
model machines were very brief (only 3-pages long) and lacked
rd
illustrations.
The instruction booklet for 3
model machines was
expanded to 7 pages and contains helpful graphics (copyright 1922).

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SINGER

SEWING MACHINE
No. 20

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The first instruction booklet (copyright 1948) for the 4 Model 1950
machine was essentially a slightly modified version of the instructions for
rd
the 3 Model 1920 machine.
The first colored instruction booklet
(copyright 1953) was enlarged to 16 pages and also contains helpful
graphics.
A multi-colored wordless version was the last published
(copyright 1955) and easiest of the instructions to follow. Its front cover
depicts children from all over the world, emphasizing that children from

all countries could understand

German and French.
=~~~
e

I,.n.:.u~o",s ~

it.

Instructions were also published in

SINGER
SEWING

M"C~INE

20.10

An Adjuster's Manual was first published in

1936 and shows how to service and
calibrate all Class 20 and Class 20-10
machines.

The first 3-needle packet specifically made

for the Class 20 machine gave the size as
"Y2" and is very-hard-to-find.
It also stated
the price of 5 cents on the front and went
st
with the 1 Model 1910 machine. The 2nd
packet gave the size number of 14 that
became the standard for all subsequent
machines.
This
packet
is also
very-hard-to-find
since it refers to
the "Old No. Y.!"
size.

In the 8T8M set a

changing
tool
accompanied the
needle packet.

SINGER'
SEWING

NEE"DLES
24xl

14

MACHINES

Every Singer toy sewing machine has to

occasionally be lubricated.
Vintage Singer
oilcans regularly appear on eBay and make a
nice complement to a toy sewing machine
display.
While not accessories, the vintage Singer
pictures below can be used to enhance your
STSM display. Pictured on the left below is an
advertising card for the 151 Model 1910
(fronUback) and on the right a Drawing Book
given out by Singer dealers advertising the 3rd
Model 1920 (fronUback).

~
1\11('[~'
ffORTHr
(IIRl,

The Singer

The Singer

"20"

"20"

Practical

"'d
Instructive

Useful

"'"

Amu5iDg

The prices of vintage STSMs are based on the author's experience and
the condition of the machines. For that reason a low price (machine with
rust, no missing parts) and high price (near-mint condition, no missing
parts) is given for these machines. Price of accessories assumes they
are in good condition and should be added to machine prices. Buyers
should try not to exceed these prices as they represent the high end.

First Model 1910

Machine in poor condition
Machine in near-mint condition
Butterfly Clamp
Box
Original instructions (3-pages)
Second Model 1914
Machine in poor condition
Machine in near-mint condition
Butterfly Clamp
Box
Original Instructions (3-pages)
Third Model 1922
Machine in poor condition
Machine in near-mint condition
Clamp
Box
Original Instructions (7-pages)
Third Model 1926
Machine in poor condition
Machine in near-mint condition
Clamp
Box
Original Instructions (7-pages)
K-20 1920s Replica
Machine in near-mint condition with box/clamp
Case

$125
$275
Add $40
Add $40
Add $15
$100
$200
Add $40
Add $40
Add $15
$75
$150
Add $30
Add $40
Add $20
$65
$125
Add $30
Add $30
Add $20
$175
Add $25

Since these machines are readily available, the author advises that
th
buyers avoid 4 Model 1950 machines that are in poor condition (visible
rust). Prices below assume machines are in very good condition (no rust
or missing parts). They also show the advantage of buying a complete
combo set as opposed to purchasing accessories separately.
Beige-crinkle, beige (tan) machines
Clamp
Instructions
Box
Case
Needle packet/changing tool
Complete combo set (with clamp, box & instructions)

$75
Add $20
Add $20
Add $30
Add $50
Add $25
$115

Black machine (most popular for single machine display)

$95
Clamp
Add $30
Instructions
Add $20
Box
Add $30
Case
Add $50
Needle packet/changing tool
Add $25
Complete combo set (with clamp, box, instructions & needles)
$150
Blue, green, or red machine
$425
Clamp (in right color)
Add $50
Instructions
Add $20
Box
Add $30
Case
Add $50
Case-matching
plaid color
Add $200
Needle packet/changing tool
Add $25
Complete combo set (with clamp, box, instructions & needles)
$525
Black Centennial
$150
Clamp
Add $30
Instructions
Add $20
Box
Add $30
Case
Add $50
Needle packet/changing tool
Add $25
Complete combo set (with clamp, box, instructions & needles)
$250
Black Centennial Manikin (complete set-with original instructions/Singer
dress patterns-large
case size makes unsuitable for display)
$300

There are number of factors to consider when buying a vintage STSM.

First, make sure there are no missing parts. Sellers may claim in their
item description that a missing part can be easily found in a hardware
store but that is not true. Singer parts are unique to Singer machines
and cannot be replicated by over-the-counter hardware.
Take a test on
the machine on the next page. Without seeing the front of the hand
wheel (eBay sellers often fail to show this essential feature), what model
is it? Also, what three parts are missing? [For answers see footnote on
last page].
Avoid buying a vintage machine with excessive rust and corrosion.
While some of the rust may be removed with steel wool, it will eventually
reappear, especially if you live in a humid climate.
Second, complete sets are always a better buy than purchasing the
accessories separately.
If your intent is to use a machine only as a
home decor item then you don't need the accessories. But if your goal is

to put together a complete Singer toy sewing machine collection then

you should try to buy complete sets. The price list on the previous page
shows the price of buying a complete set versus buying the accessories
separately.
Third, be patient and wait for the bargains to come. Literally thousands
of 1910s were manufactured and they will regularly appear on eBay.
There is never a reason to pay above the estimated Guide high price for
that item. Bargains can always be found from sellers who are ignorant of
what they are selling and therefore title the machine incorrectly (making it
hard to find on eBay) or display it poorly (such as failing to provide a
photo of the front of the hand wheel).
It is always the educated buyer
who gets the best deals in the purchase of antiques.
Hopefully, this
Singer collector's guide has provided some help in making you a smarter
buyer.

Below is a Singer toy sewing machine collection shown in a sewing room

and two examples of single machine displays.

"Answer:

It's a 2nd Model 1914. You can tell by the flat area where the clamp attaches
combined with unnumbered thread guides. It is missing the sewing plate cloth guide,
tension spring ensemble and needle hold screw, parts often missing on vintage machines.