NO SNOBS HERE: Awesome Vintage Machines Aren't Always the Most Famous in Name!! The Kenmore C877.50

When looking for a vintage sewing machine, it can be easy to pass over the myriad array of choices we have. This is definitely true of the many Japanese made Class 15 bobbin style machines from the '50s. In spite of all of the machines I have had the privilege to overhaul over the years, little powerhouses like this still impress me. Consider what kinds of projects you want to sew on and if you have no brand loyalty, you can find yourself quite the worker in many of these machines. AND they cost less than some of their more famous (often deservedly so) competitors! Simple to set up and operate, they represent incredible bargains for those wanting strong vintage "Heirloom" quality machines that can be purchased and restored for very little!

[@ecay]

Sears in Montgomery Ward were like the Amazon and Walmart of today with one major difference. They sold quality and only quality products. You could trust what they sold would last and people would spend the money for it. Not like today. You also could get a Sears card. Anyone can get it Montgomery Ward card and you did not mess them up. You would starve before you messed it up and when they first started in the 1800s in the early 1900s. These things were mail order and the Sears catalog was a huge deal. Every single hardware store had one or two copies of a Sears catalog. You could also order a catalog for yourself but every hardware store had one and you could place an order for anything. It would take weeks or months to get it but it was something you could order from and get it and you knew whatever they sold was going to be a quality product and last you forever. It's really sad that these companies have fallen away. I think Montgomery Ward's is gone and Sears is essentially just a defunct company. They've had to sell off a lot of assets amir shell of what it used to be but nobody stood behind their products like those companies did

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Yes, its not the same anymore in retail. There are a 'few' brands that still have solid guarantees. LL Bean comes to mind and a few others but most retail sellers don't offer quality anymore. Maybe that will change one day.

[@ryndl]

We have a Kenmore (White) rotary in a cabinet, it was a $20 thrift store find, and a model 52 in a cabinet that was a curb rescue. Both had a full set of attachments. They are both excellent machines. Often overlooked and usually underappreciated. Dont think we will ever part with them!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

That is awesome!

[@ronalddaub9740]

That is the older style of Kenmore/ white or , domestic / quite like that .

[@vanessajones3508]

I have two Brother machines. One is mechanical and the other is computerized. I enjoy sewing with both of them of them. I really like the one step buttonhole. In 1980 or late 1979 I purchased a Singer. It was plastic. I purchased the cabinet for it. I kept the machine for about 25 years. It gave me a lot of tension problems. I also was not happy with the buttonholes it made. I had it serviced numerous times. I gave it away to a friend. I recently bought a Singer 99 from 1928. I am restoring it.

[@lauratran7638]

I make handbags, will the Singer 99 work for that?

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

That gorgeous endplate is bamboo trees. There’s two bamboo trunks framing the textured part, the long skinny shapes are bamboo leaves. Since bamboo is everything in Asia this is an auspicious design. That machine is just beautiful!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Ah, thank you Elizabeth! I wondered but was not sure what exactly it represented but I assumed that it was costly to emboss (sure would be pricey today).

[@131dyana]

`We bought a Kenmore in 1963. I have used it for my business and my family and my friends. I service it myself and it runs beautifully. It is all metal and I would not trde it for any thing.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Sounds like you have an amazing machine that has benefited from being taken care of. Thanks for sharing Dyana.

[@ecay]

This is cool. I started getting into refurbishing or rebuilding these machines because I inherited two machines and one of them needed to be fixed and it was fun. But I find new machines to look for from your channel mostly and doing some research. I find so many people still want these older machines like this. They just want them to work

[@mariafernandez6537]

I learned to sew when I was about 9 years old on a Kenmore and had it for about 10 years . When I graduated from high school I got a "better" Kenmore and sold the other one. That one went with me everywhere. In the early 80's I bought another Kenmore with all the bells and whistles (again sold the previous one). Still have that one and it runs like a dream. I bought myself a Viking and although it is great, I think my Kenmore (all of them) runs better and smoother. I will never get rid of the Kenmore such an excellent machine. I also have several vintage machines and a Featherweight. Enjoyed your video.

[@Mightyrobz]

I just purchased a Bernina Record 5030-2! 🤓 They don't make them like they used to.

[@myronhorvathsk]

Good video! Nice machine. I’m partial to the Kenmore machines. I now have my Mom’s 158.19412 with all of its accessories it came with, button hole attachment, monogram attachment and all the decorative pattern cams too. Mom bought this one March 30, 1979 and it sewed my clothes for over ten years when I was growing up. Many nights I fell asleep to the sound of that machine working. About a month ago I found an older Kenmore C877.6 ZigZag DeLuxe and it is a beautiful running machine and then today one of my wife’s coworkers just gave me a machine that turned out to be another of the same! It needs some TLC. It’s dirty and needs a very thorough cleaning up. It’s had a harder life that my first C877. Based on serial numbers stamped into the bottom of the bed this last one I got is older. I need to learn how to do a deep thorough clean on this one.

[@SH1974]

Brand loyalty... I must confess, I've got some. I just love my vintage Bernina machines. Maybe because I'm Swiss, maybe because the machines I own are briliant sewing machines. But here some things are different anyway: Countless vintage Berninas are on the market. This large supply of this brand (and also Elna and some German Pfaff and Dürkopp, as well as Singer) machines makes the other (the "unknown") brands extremely rare. So they are often more expensive as the famous brands! Example: the Bernina class 117 (imo a perfect sewing machine) can be purchased from 50 swiss francs (is amlost equal to US$) upwards. I've even seen several 117s to pick up for free! An unknown but good (durable and strong) machine like this Kenmore would cost way more as a 117. Here it is more like "so You are not content with a common Bernina, You snob must have something rare and exotic..." (Okay, some snobs also own Berninas. But the vintage models are absolutely unsuitable as a status symbol. Snobs own those modern and expensive ($ 4-7k) sewing computers with stitching module.)

[@alicearmen4722]

I just bought the most wonderful 3/4 size Gimbel's Japanese Singer 15 clone. Wow, what a machine!

[@margaretsparksrittenhouse8787]

I think the fancy side-plate design is a representation of bamboo leaves and stalks. A very nice mid-century machine.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Could be

[@IngridRollema]

That is such a sweet little machine! Those oil wells are quite clever indeed, and the side plate is really cool too.

[@prudenceblue]

I love my Kenmore! I learned to sew on a 1603 that my grandma bought new in 1973 (I think) and it is the most faithful machine! I also have a Singer 66 treadle (recently acquired), a Janome, a Brother, possibly soon a “something” 870 (the name plate was taken off and I don’t know if it was a Sewmor or Bel-Air or maybe there’s a third option that was the exact same machine).

[@glendoralynn]

i have a sears kenmore 158.923 i don’t know anything about it it came with all the cams and button hole maker at goodwill for 10.00 can you tell me anything about it

[@leahhernandez8645]

Picked up a Morse sewing machine model 4300 which has almost the same color...teal. Works great.

[@Linda-di2es]

Very pretty machine...I would keep it if I were you! I have a Kenmore 158.19461 that was purchased in 1977 from Sears. I have been learning to quilt on it. It’s all beige so not as pretty as yours but it’s still going strong!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You have a great machine there Linda. Those were some of the last great Kenmores.

[@terriewilliams8831]

I have the same model Kenmore that Linda has. I picked it up from a thrift store, got it serviced and put my new Brother and Emerald 116 back in their boxes.

[@debraclogston9379]

My Good Sir, Have I purchased trouble, again? I picked up a lovely White rotary machine in a really nice table and I also picked up a Free Westinghouse machine. If I re-wire the White, is the knee lever switch ok to use? Or am I better off just going with a new switch/pedal? Same question as to the Free Westinghouse? Have I gotten another badged machine, like the Ken-Quilt? The long arm type machine that taught me oh so much about timing and thread lock. New adventure!

[@pettylove86]

That's a beautiful machine. I have a Kenmore 148.210 dated 1963. It's a lovely lavender and cream color heavy all metal machine that luckily came with the manual. I cleaned and oiled it and it works fine except the bobbin has messed up a few times, seems to loosen or something and I have to take the whole thing out and apart. It's difficult to get back in without it coming apart again. Other than that I love how it sews - just straight, zigzag and reverse. If I take it out of the cabinet will it be easier to access the bobbin compartment? I really don't like the cabinet and I keep the machine up and out and covered to avoid having to lift it out of the inside. I also have a newer Kenmore model 385 155116 that I like very much, simple to use and must have some metal insides since it's heavier than my computerized Brother is. I would buy another Kenmore in a minute.

[@nataliaord639]

That end plate MUST be stylized fabric (cross-hatching), needles, and thread! Love it!

[@eleanoreagly4844]

In the mide 60s I wanted a Viking because it had a free arm, but had access to MILs Singer and made many dresses, then finally purchased a new Kenmore Dec. 1967, and Sears included with the price of the machine a series of sewing classes that were excellent. Stillhave that machine and use it. In 1981 purchased new an early partially computerized Kenmore made in Japan. I needed a second machine to have one set up with button hole maker and the other to do the other sewing. Still have that machine and use it frequently. It sat unused for a few years in a closet and the hand wheel turned stiff so I took it to be serviced but and went to pick it up when I was notified it was ready. It still was very still turning the handwheel and was told it was a boat anchor. I went to the internet, followed instructions I found, with the secret tool being a hair dryer In 15 minutes the machine was back to sewing like it did when new. So now I have an additional 20 Kenmores. They are so easy to work on. I tried some other brands and they were not meant for the housewife to .maintain those machines and they need to be taken in and pay considerable amount.

[@dalesuhre6522]

The 2 vintage Kenmore's that I have we're both made by the White Sewing Machine Company. They don't look like the white rotaries, but many of the parts are interchangeable between the two.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

White had the exclusive contract with Sears for decades so that is not surprising to hear.

[@ronalddaub9740]

There are three different Bobbin styles for the domestic white and older kenmore's with the friction drive motor totally different animal than the class 15 Kenmore there's a cutoff year.

[@lw9248]

I love the Jade color Kenmore. I would love to buy it

[@richardstevens2867]

Would you know where i might find a video on how to thread this machine. I habe my mothers old C877-15 super delux. Loved this video. - Richard

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Not off hand Richard. If a video does not appear, another route would be to search for a manual for either your model or one similar that would have directions. There are fan groups of almost every vintage machine brand. Some are found on Facebook so you can try there.

[@cjtanglezest6999]

The end plate design is of bamboo stems and leaves. What a gorgeous design! I am hoping , someday, I come across a machine like this.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I hope so too!

[@onelove6177]

I was blessed with a lenco style 414 - it’s a straight stitch very similar to this machine!! I believe it was a clone. I wasn’t expecting much from it but I cleaned her up and oiled her and she had the most perfect straight stitch that even beat my 201- 2! I just can’t find much info on it. It was made in Japan and I think it was branded under many names like sewmore and Kenmore. The only thing is the wiring- which is attached to the decomposing base it is in. Can I just carefully pull it out you think?! And remove the base? I need to build or find a new one.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

The base should be wood underneath the fabric covering that is often in bad shape after all these years so that might be an option. Also, you can get new Dual Outlet "Block" cords for these so that could really help. They are available online at Ebay, Etsy, etc.

[@kathycraver5689]

I'm very interested in this machine if you decide to sell it or a Singer 301 model. I've tried several times to locate your email address under the "about" tab but I scroll down as far as I can and there's no greyed out email address. I can give you my email address if you think it's ok. Is there a way to find you on Craigslist?

[@sharondavidson7072]

I love the overall look of this machine The color and shape makes it look sort of space age

[@gergemall]

Thank you Randy . I love these sleeping beauties. I appreciate your wisdom and expertise.

[@gergemall]

I am drawn to certain machines. I’m early in my journey but it’s so intriguing on so many levels .

[@FriesOfTheDead]

I have a c877.69 zig zag. It looks like the Rolls-Royce of sewing machines.

[@andrewderocle]

Kinda looks like a De Luxe... I'd call that color "seafoam blue" they feel smooth, tight-tollarance. I just got a pushomatic at a thrift store for $15. Mint condition in a mint cabinet.... I had to rewire it but that's to be expected, and an easy fix. I have found a new hobby collecting and fixing thes things..... I don't even sew stuff.... maybe I'll start .😂 mine is labeled "memphis by bell." I also have my families old singer 15-91. But that motor is getting real loud and weak so I wanna keep it aside until I can have it rewound. But the older Japanese units are as good if not better in some cases.

[@suzannemiller993]

Gorgeous machine...notice the feed dogs are down and the pressure foot pressure released. Somebody did some darning or FMQ.

[@theprojectproject01]

Kenmore's get overlooked, and that's a shame. The Sears buyers knew what they wanted and they demanded a very high degree of quality control. The worst you could say about them is that they sold a lot of them.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Oh yes, I agree they are underappreciated.

[@TonyMartinell]

This is beautiful! I just picked up at a thrift store a Montgomery Ward 21 Jewel machine, I think made in the 50's. Much the same coloring. So cool!

[@mtnjhutch]

I have a 1912 new home, a 1940-50 New home, 99k Simger, a HD singer and a B560 Bernina

[@ronalddevine9587]

What a superb machine. Such quality. I live in Connecticut, and have never seen anything like this. And the motor looks very beefy. I would call its color aqua.

[@TonyMartinell]

Let me know if you could help find any parts for the Montomery Ward 21 Jewel Supreme Automatic Zig Zag machine. Most high on my list are the cams that would have come with it. I already locally found the table for it.

[@misspimake]

I have the Kenmore C877.701. Can’t find much info about it. Would love the manual for it…

[@my_dear_friend_]

I have a "Modern Electric" (that is the model name?) sewing machine made by Eagle (according to the seal and name on the casting in the base. The manual is from 1954, it's a straight stitching machine made in Japan, and it is definitely a Class 15 clone. Used to cost $199.50. Very similar to your Kenmore. Also needs to be threaded on the side like yours. I have looked at hundreds of images of Japanese machines from that era but have not been able to find another one. I am in the process of overhauling and also rewiring it (insulation was crumbling). The previous owner(s) did not really maintain the machine but also treated it very kindly and protected it from getting damaged. The paint (same color than yours) is almost in perfect condition and after some fuzz removal in a lot of places and oiling the machine, it moves/runs super smoothly. Motor made in USA (also "Modern") and they had the color matching issue you talk about. The belt on the machine when I bought it was a round one and it was close to breaking. I replaced that with another round one but it looks to me that it needs a v-belt. The round one slips a little. I looks like your Kenmore takes a V and the profile of your motor and machine pulley look like mine. Would you know what kind of V belt your machine takes? I am not sure how to spec it to find it online. Any info would be apprectiated.Thanks!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello there. Yes, you are correct that these machines all should have a V shaped belt. Generic versions are available online and some sewing machine stores 'occasionally' sell them. They are often orange/amber in color and have serrated 'cogs' that grab onto the hand wheel and motor pulley. FYI, those round belts are often called stretch belts and were sold as a 'one size fits all' to be used as a quick urgent need replacement but not a permanent replacement as they reduce the machine's power. The key to your getting a good belt for your machine is to measure for it. If you don't have the old original V belt, then you can take a thick yarn or cotton twine string and loop it round to connect the Hand wheel and motor pulley. Then, measure that and you should have an 'approximate' size to then order from. These generic belts are not costly. If you have any local access to a shop that sells them, you could always take in your machine and try belts out to get one that fits. But if not, they are available from many online sewing parts sellers; including those on Ebay!

[@my_dear_friend_]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage - Thank you for your answer. I purchased a 13 3/4" long v-belt on ebay that is the same size as the stretchy round belt I had purchased before. However, the v-belt does not stretch at all and it is a smidge too small. I will step up to a 14 5/8" belt which should(!) fit.

[@phyllisschultz1802]

i found a dressmaker no numbers made in japan HELPPhyllis

[@lildonkey292]

kenmore made machines for white the zig zag deluxe . i also have a benz . i have a few singers . i agree there were many good machines made by many different companies pre 1970s.

[@eyeonart6865]

When America was great quality was everything now everything is built to fail.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Oh yes. Very, very little in the way of consumer products are made to last anymore.

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

that kind of blue metallic was popular around 1960 have seen it on other things

[@cavisco]

I beleive that was made by Toyota, same as Morse.

[@Marie-ym4qt]

Can you help me? I've been given a Frister 15 Star sewing machine. It was in good working order but I caught the tension spring on something and misshaped it. Thinking I could fix it, I took the whole thing apart and made it worse! 1. Can you advise on the correct way to reassemble 2. Should the take up spring be attached to the inside of the machine (I couldn't get it out) and I couldn't get the whole unit out either.

[@islandgirlmv]

Love your review. Help! I need to replace or rebuild motor for my Kenmore Sewing Machine (1960). Motor is 110.120 volt, 25/60 cycles, 1.2 amp, Model 1120.

[@TonyMartinell]

Also totally get what you're saying on sears/kenmore/montgomery ward mail order. Lived in a house that was a kit home from the sears catalogue lol.

[@OvelNick]

That looks exactly like my Atlas. It's just as smooth. I was wondering what the cutout above the motor was for. My Atlas just has a plate over it as if it had an optional feature that this one didn't get.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Nick. The resemblance is not that surprising given that Japanese machine makers routinely created models for many private label brands. The Brother company made many of the Atlas machines and likely made this "Kenmore" version you see here. As for the back plate, machines would often have an access 'hatch' to allow a servicer to make adjustments or add lubrication to a machine. Every "extra" involved a cost and so there were MANY variations on a given sewing machine model.

[@jvin248]

VSMG: do a future video on how the part numbering systems on these machines worked -- any descriptive features in the model # to tell something about the bobbin type, zig-zag type features, etc from just seeing the model number? The advantage of staying with vintage Singer machines is you have more aftermarket and used parts available to fit (many old Singers are still used in China and India and elsewhere to manufacture clothing). However, many of the Kenmore/Sears/M-W/JCP/etc machines were made by White and labeled for the retailers so many of the components inside are interchangeable and thus easier to service.

[@eyeonart6865]

I bought a small freezer from Montgomery ward in my 20's then gave to my daughter and now it is still running, that thing just will not quit.

[@robertwoods3701]

Love that side plate. If you think about it, a lot of the cars back in the 50's had some cool hood ornaments on them. Looks like a solid machine. Thank you for sharing it with us. I wish I could find someone to help me with identifying my machine.

[@madeleinewinterdown3256]

Some of the Japanese machines from the 60s used automotive paint that was identical to I believe Toyota vehicles.

[@miguelfroml.a.9310]

yes hi I got two kenmore 15817511 from a Ladie who makes my alterations but she was moving to another state I love this machines one is white the other one is 🍏 green amazing machines but this one use some cartridges on top for diferent paterns I just make straight sewing but your video is amazing...

[@curtiscampi7613]

Looking at one similar now....how heavy fabric can it sew? I need something somewhat heavy duty as I am sewing a large amount of shade sail material....could this handle some light upholstery?

[@rosieg.5593]

this machine is a beauty!❤

[@gailrussell9104]

Needles and the lines look like threads. The rough background mimics cloth.

[@ronalddaub9740]

I have one just like that same color but the knob is a little different good machine

[@karenjohnson6723]

I have acquired a Signatory (Wards). Model UHTJ260F. I keep reading that these old machines are workhorses, is it worth having it clean and try to use it

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Karen. If this model is from the 1960's which I "think" it is, yes, I would definitely not look down at this. Sometimes, a brand will not be well known and its likely due to it being a "Store Branded" machine such as Wards (Montgomery Ward) or Kenmore/Sears etc. Keep in mind that most of these machines were well made in Japan and Department stores back then had VERY good return policies and warranties. Those products as a rule HAD to be good quality or they could not have kept their businesses. Some of the best bargains in vintage sewing machines are those such as yours. Unless there is something catastrophically broken with yours (its quite rare), I would have it checked out by a local sewing center (check Vacuum dealers too), you might have yourself a great machine for very little investment.

[@BeachCat]

I think you meant to say the early 20th century, not the 19th. Great history, otherwise. That side plate is amazing! Tiki decorations were very much in fashion in the 50's after American involvement in the South Pacific during WWII, , and the bamboo poles that adorn the sides of that side panel are a typical element of that style, as are the alternating orientations of the needle motif in the center. I own a Kenwood model C877.67 myself. It lacks the oiling access holes on top but is very similar, and the body is more block shaped and not as curvy as your machine. The motor looks identical and was made in Toronto. I assume, therefore, that the C in the model name refers to Canada. It has a plain side panel with only a push button for the light. Overall it looks like a two-tone brown locomotive and works like one too. They're great machines, thanks for the video.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Ah, thanks for catching that BeachCat. This most certainly was not made in the early 1800s, LOL. Oh and thank you for your insight into that very cool pattern on the side plate/door. And it does make sense that it was made in Canada since there were tariffs on goods traded with the US until NAFTA.

[@claytonlemieux4090]

do you ever do a video on Kenmore model 117-740

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thank you for asking. I have not as I've never come across one for restoring though I've seen other's videos on them. They were made as Kenmores and under the White brand name by Kaiser-Gritzner in Germany for the White sewing company. The window of production for these was not that long as later models were outsourced to Japan from Germany due to cheaper labor costs in Japan at that time. I've noted that they use the same motor design that White had created for decades.

[@millydollydame]

This is a beautiful machine. 💗💗💗

[@rhondamercado7527]

Would you know where to buy parts for the Kenmore 158.10300. I need the stitch selector and the reverse selector knob.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

There were made in good numbers since they would have been the least costly Kenmores for sale at the time. Also, they were one of the only truly portable machines that Sears sold which also explains their popularity. I would check sites such as bonanza, Etsy, Ebay since some sellers will 'part out' machines.

[@annesummers09]

Would have been nice to actually see and hear it run.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Anne. I do plan on showing the machine running once I have overhauled it. I prefer to give maintenance to machines before getting them up to speed. Thanks for watching!

[@kathycraver5689]

I am interested in buying this machine for quilting and garment sewing. Please let me know how to get in touch with you. I tried the "about" tab but did not see an email address.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

If you scroll down the page on that tab, there is a greyed out tab "Email Address" and you can click on it and it will open the email. Emails cannot be posted here in comments as they invite spambots.

[@jamaicanbahcivan]

Hi Cathy Kraver, I am curious to if you were able to locate the email that I can't locate either.

[@truthhurts2149]

Sold an old dressmaker swa 2000 a while back on ebay. It was is excellent condition. Very little use. Super clean inside. I wanted to keep just because of the beauty. Just picked up a Kenmore 158 1970s with original table for free. Gummed up a little bit I can get it clean. it's a gift for the wife.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very nice!

[@annamaxflair]

lovely old machine, i got an old blue Kenmore , & 2 olive Kenmores, in among my collection, still good machines, have Singers , Kenmore's, White

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very cool!

[@rebawasswass3716]

I bought a vintage Kenmore about six months ago. It is from the 1970's and was made in Japan. It's all metal and I'm really pleased with it. I wanted a sewing machine that was from the era that I grew up in. And sears was a big deal when I was a kid. So I've got my vintage Kenmore and my new Juki DX7 and a Bernina from the 1990's and a Janome from the 1990's. They're all great! I do need to size down here so I'll probably get rid of the Bernina and the Janome. We'll see. I keep going back and forth on that. Thank you for the video! What a beautiful machine!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thank you for sharing. Yes, Sears was a great retailer back in the day and I would surmise that it was, at least in part, to the remarkable "Satisfaction Guranteed" policy they had for keeping the consumer happy. The closes example I can think of today (and there may be others such as Costco) would be LL Bean.

[@alfa5243]

That is a good looking machine. Fancy

[@pambinion2375]

What kind of cleaner would you use on the paint surface of this machine? I have a Morse from Montgomery Ward that is really similar. My Morse is a Model R-5LP 30790, teal and all metal. Great video!

[@jimmellenberger8505]

You can use a car paint cleaner like Kit, but for mine, I used Bar Keeper's Friend soft scrub cleaner. My machine shined up like brand new, and it's at least 65 years old.

[@pambinion2375]

@@jimmellenberger8505 Thank you! I will try that.

[@jimmellenberger8505]

@@pambinion2375 another I'd recommend is a product called FLITZ, it's good for fine cleaning.

[@janesmith5967]

What a beautiful machine! ❤️

[@foxmod1202]

Why do some vintage machines motor smells when you sew on them ?

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

some of those kenmores are pretty solid

[@jameswyatt5859]

I LOVED this review! I would LOVE to have one of those.

[@CJG1419]

My first machine was a Kenmore and it was great! It is a workhorse. My daughter now has it. That is a beautiful machine you have there.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

That is awesome!

[@dadhobbies]

I have one labelled as a ford deluxe. Simple difference in the dial for the stitch length. It is fantastic. Cooler two tone blue paint also.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very cool!

[@thevintagestitchgarage5524]

Very nice machine, is the tension knob original to the machine or was it a replacement. Thank you

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

This was was original.

[@Sun5787]

I have to agree with you there 100% I own quite a few vintages and newer machines from all brands. But I actually am a seamstress or tailor. One of my favorite machine is also a vintage Kenmore model 158.130 from 1965 era. It’s green, simple operation and it’s a work horse. I would even say it’s almost as fast as an industrial, almost...1.2 amp is plenty if you compare the feather weight at 0.4amp for example and most other domestic at about half of the Kenmore. Not the prettiest buy all comparison to more fancy schmancy ones with a 1000 stitches. But as we all know, straight stitches and zigzag goes a long way. Having the power is very nice, not only for the speed it give you let’s say in a straight long lines but also to penetrate layers of fabric. This Kenmore never fail me. She’s smooth and always have a beautiful stitch no matter what I sew. She was totally frozen when I got her, and not a scratch on it. I’m happy that I took the time to clean it and service it. She paid me back a thousand times with beautiful items that make me proud.

[@jimmellenberger8505]

I recently saw one of this style machines that had a 1.5A motor that would sew some pretty heavy material. Same construction, just a stronger, faster motor. They can be upgraded to electronic pedals for a reasonable price, something I did with my ex-wife's Brother machine. Gives you much more precise control and reaponse, well worth the upgrade!

[@Sun5787]

@@jimmellenberger8505 i upgraded all my machines with electronic foot if they didn’t have them. Well worth the price and quite easy to do.

[@jimmellenberger8505]

@@Sun5787 indeed. Thought about upgrading the motor, but 1.3A should suffice unless I somehow wear it out. The matching motor is quite nice, as it is. I need to un-stick the reverse button, gonna see if I can get one 3D printed to replace the chipped one, maybe. Upgrading to LED lamp bulb, as well. My ex-wife and sister-in-law both own identical sewing machines, which neither knows how to use beyond a simple stitch or so. So, her sister was complaining that it cost $21 to have a new zipper put in a pair of jeans. I laughed, pulled out a ruler, measured, told her next trip to Walmart, get a 7" jeans zipper in the sewing department, and I'd fix them. She looks and says, with disbelief, "You can sew? Really?" "Well, yeah, I mean, I was raised by two generations of seamstresses, took 4 years of Home Economics, and was the ship's sailmaker, I'm pretty sure I can replace a zipper." Sure enough, she brought me a zipper, and in about half an hour, the jeans were as good as new.

[@Sun5787]

@@jimmellenberger8505 what exact model they have? I might have the partt. You unfreeze most of them require cleaning the old grease/ oil and replacing it with proper lubricant. I use Tri-flow product for oiling and greasing gears. Those products are fantastic. You could go the old way to start and use an hair dryer to me,t down the old oil or grease. Working the part back and forth might help unlock it. Vintage Viking are te know to get stuck, their moto was you never need to oil them…but 40 years later and sitting on a bench or in a window without using it will do just that. Good luck with it , you are pretty crafty if you can change a jeans zipper because this is usually the first thing that get sewn in.

[@jimmellenberger8505]

@@Sun5787 mine is the one with the stuck button, and I was going to use a hair dryer, maybe even just ease the housing out and thoroughly clean and lube it with something plastics-friendly, I know better than to use petroleum products on old plastics, or whatever material they used for just the reverse button. So weird they did that! It's a two-tone machine, too. A pinkish sand color, topped with a brownish color, and the motor matches the top plate. I just went and pulled it up, and the reverse button came unstuck by itself. Apparently, the internal spring overcame the the grease, and now it's free. But I'll still get it done up right. The machine seems heavier than the table, itself.

[@guaynabicha]

This machine looks a little like my Singer 191K1.

[@anthonyiron4635]

I am currently servicing a Kenmore C877.82 for a friend of mine. It was found on the side of the road and is not seized but is "sticky". It looks nothing like the one in your photo. It is a zig-zag model and all metal. It looks more like the Kenmore free arm that you unstuck. I was wondering if you could help me? It is missing a bobbin and a bobbin holder. Therefore I cannot see how it stitches. I cannot find any literature, unlike Singers. Can you recommend a part number for a bobbin and bobbin case? The hook has a number J-G8. Thank you

[@anthonyiron4635]

Well I don't need a bobbin case because I broke the stitch length knob trying to get the front panel off. Boohoo.

[@anthonyiron4635]

I am going to try to make one.

[@ronalddaub9740]

Minesota was Sears first 1900s My older riccar and my Kenmore Like yours are very similar.good quality

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very cool!

[@ronalddaub9740]

Recently got a Japanese class 15 Brother super select omatic Has a steel camstack. Makes 6 different embroidery stitches. And it's salmon and a dark green color.

[@joybelangia8475]

Can u turn these into a treadle machine?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Yes, you can. As long as the machine body fits into the table opening (Most japanese clones from this period will fit the classic Singer dimensions of 14.5 inches by 7 inches.

[@joybelangia8475]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage ok.thx u so much. I'm getting a kenmore 185.481...I want to convert it to a treadle.. Hopefully it'll work 🙏

[@stephanieking5683]

Hello. I found your channel and it is very informative. Do you have an email or a website?