Comparisons Singer 15. What submodel 15 do I have? Singer 15-30, 15-80 and other 15’s

Hundreds of variations have been build.
The Singer class 15 has been around for... like forever. They are almost unbreakable.
In the last couple of years I made numerous videos on different Singer models.
Writing one of those videos was hard: I had some issues in determining what submodel I had.
Obviously I knew I had a Singer class 15. But was it a 15k30 or a 15k80? Or another submodel?
Maybe you have a similar question too. I hope this video can help you.
I have multiple videos on multiple Singers. And more than one about the Singer 15.
Check you my longer video on the first class 15’s (Improved Family): • Singer Improved Family...
Check you my longer video on the older class 15’s (15k30 and others): • Early Singer 15. Every...
Check out my video on the later Singer 15k88/ 15k89 / 15k90: • Introduction to and th...
Check out my video on the more recent Singer 15-75 / 15-125 (15m): • Introduction to and th...
This document can be helpful: needlebar.org/main/15chart/
Featured machine:
More than one :-)
Like a 1890 Singer Improved Family (15-1), a 1919 Singer 15k30 and a 1952 Singer 15k88
Timestamps:
0:00 The issue
0:50 Old vs new
1:14 Singer 15-30
1:29 Singer 15-88 to 15-91
2:20 Singer 15-75 & 15-125
2:49 Singer 15m89
3:14 Singer 15-1 IF
3:51 Singer Nostalgia
Used royalty free soundtrack/music:
Grut - Patrick Patrikios
(#youtube #audiolibrary)
Gear:
Camera: Sony PDW680 broadcast camcorder and/ or Canon 5D mark II
Voice-over recorder: Tascam DR60D-MII
Software: Final Cut Pro x
Main FCPx-plugins: dpred.gumroad.com/
Note: English is not my native language. My sincere apologies for any mispronunciations!

[@Momcat6]

Thank you, this was very helpful!

[@wintermyst0]

Thank you, very informative!

[@KP-wu5bg]

Your videos are excellent.

[@erikneek]

Thank you so much KP!!! But I promise you: The next video will be better ;-)

[@annakeks8200]

thank you so much for all the information! I seem to have the same machine, a 15-30. The only differences I can spot is that the face plate is plain, not with the lovely scroll design that yours has, and that there's no rubber wheel on the bobbin winder, just metal with some black and a bit of red rubbery residue - so I'm guessing that disintegrated over time? The serial number dates it to 1897. Thanks to this and your early model 15 introduction video I actually got it up and running again!

[@erikneek]

Hi Anna, Thank you so much for your message. I'm glad I was able to help you. Wow, 1897... that's an early machine. Before Singer used rubber, they used a very small leather belt for the bobbin winder. Like rubber, leather also disintegrates. So I think (!) that's the case. Luckily replacement rubber wheels are very easy to get, just for a few bucks. There are many variations in the face plate. In the 1920's it was outspoken and wild. Later, after the Great Depression and WW2 it was... more clean and less outspoken. There is probably a source only on faceplate designs ;-) Enjoy your lovely Singer 15-30. They are a real force and can handle almost anything.

[@user-zx9cf6xb4q]

Great as always. You forgot common 15-26 model with different bobbin winder and big wheel.

[@erikneek]

Thank you so much! I 'forgot' more machines in this video 🙂 Singer made over 100 different submodes of the class 15. I only have a few, so I was only able to show the machines I have...

[@user-zx9cf6xb4q]

@@erikneek I mean 15-26 is a common model not like these early singer 15 models. Also early singer 15 models have a lot of features like replacable feed dog and needle plate with different types.

[@erikneek]

@@user-zx9cf6xb4q The 15-26 might be common, but I haven't got one. And if I cannot film it, I cannot show it. Maybe I can find one for a future 'episode' 🙂

[@assuntakoay2035]

All the way from Malaysia All past the generations I am looking up a Version 15 made in 50/60s Serial EE 040147 Thank you for yr thorough comments n help Danke!

[@erikneek]

Hi! Thank you for your comment. So lovely to hear from you. That serial number belongs to a model 15 built around 1947 in the Kilbowie plant in Clydebank Scotland. Take care and have a wonderful day

[@m.junaidmahmood4209]

I have a singer stitch class 15 ksa. Which is basically the chinese nostalgia version. Interestly, singer honers lifetime warranty on it in Pakistan(singer is represented by Waves corporation here) . Any issue on it, and they will adjust/fix it free of cost even after 30 years we had it in home. They still also sell them on singer show rooms here. However they do say that its a Chinese version and not the actual singer stuff made in usa etc. But offer lifetime warranty on it.

[@erikneek]

Thank you so much for sharing. That warranty is costly because... well, how will I describe it? ---> I was not impressed. Then Singer was still Singer, the quality was excellent. When the Singer company was sold, the products were not quality products anymore. Singer had MANY factories all over the world, all producing excellent machines. Until the company was sold. Again: Thank you so much for sharing. Take care!

[@stevesoldwedel]

I have a Singer 15 from 1916, according to the serial number. It has chatoyant decals of shells, which all look like they were done with abalone. It has a motor. I'm guessing it's a 15-30 with an aftermarket motor, but I have no idea.

[@erikneek]

Hi Steve. It's hard to figure out exactly what submodel you have. If you really want to, you can join some groups on FB on vintage sewing machines and post a picture/ pictures. The basics of all model 15's are basically the same, with some being able to sew backwards as the only major (!) difference in design and usability. I personally never bothered if I had a 15k30 or 15k80 - or a 15k88 or 15k90 - the abilities are just the same. Regarding to the motor. I think you're probably right: its has to be an aftermarket motor or a Singer motor that was bolt on later. Enjoy your Singer!

[@karlohuzanic9321]

My singer 15 looks same like singer 15-30 but it doesnt have a hand crank and its mounted on a wooden table. When I checked in the app it said it was from 1901. Could it be???

[@erikneek]

Hi Karlo, Yes your machine could be from 1901. Back in the day, when you wanted to buy a Singer sewing machine, you could choose what kind of machine you wanted. A treadle, a 'portable' in a case (with OR without a hand crank) and later also with a bolt on motor. You might have a 15-30. When the app says it is made in 1901 it is most likely made in 1901. Although ISMACS is known for having some errors. Enjoy your Singer 15!

[@clementihammock7572]

holy cow, @ 3:11 that was Crocs Skin Case?

[@erikneek]

Clementi, you're you doing my friend? Yes that's an... alligator pattern case, or croc, or whatever 🙂 I have the same case with my 201 (m2), 99k and 128k. You are not jealous, are you? LOL!

[@clementihammock7572]

@@erikneek Singer 201 was indeed an Engineering Marvel. I custom made a hand crank with three set screws attached on the rotation shaft. Night sewing with 201 mechanically sounded like all time famous Song, Simon & Garfunkel - the Sound of Silence. Just love it.

[@user-zx9cf6xb4q]

Case made from dermantine a rare animal from Red Book.

[@seestellysew8472]

What about the singer 15-97?

[@erikneek]

Hi. What do you mean? What I think of the 15-97? I never had one. I only had 10x model 15s or so, and there were over 100 different sub-models..

[@seestellysew8472]

@@erikneek thank you. I found that it was made in Canada in 1936.

[@gigi_2316]

what about 15D

[@erikneek]

Hi Gigi. Thank you for your comment. In this video I talk about the various submodels of the class 15, like the 15-88, 15-75 and so. The letter after the model number (and before the submodel) tells you where the Singer was made, but has little or nothing to do with the submodel. By the way: a 15D is a German model 15. What submodel you have? Take care.