Identifying a Singer 15K

[jyoce]

I have a vintage Singer 15K left behind by my grandmother.

This machine serial number is EF332xxx

This is a hand crank model, picture show the hand crank that I have removed and replaced with the newer Singer motor design for the 15N model which is still in production today.

After a search, show that it was made in factory: Kilbowie in Scotland / 1949

Based on the information from:

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...sses-1-99.html

First, I eliminated all models without the "K" which stand for the factory
"Kilbowie". I also eliminated models with the following features which are not
found on this machine:

1. Drop feed (dogs drop)
2. Reverse feed
3. Wheel feed
4. Lighter pulley
5. Heavy pulley
6. 3 1/4" diameter pulley
7. Motor and Singerlight

I am left with the following machines:

1. 15k24 Domestic
2. 15k25 Domestic
3. 15k27 Domestic
4. 15k28 Industrial
5. 15k29 Industrial
6. 15k70 Industrial

I see high probability that the model 15k2x can match but I am unable to pin-
point any further as there is completely lack of reviews for any of these models on the internet. Thus, any input that may be helpful will be appreciated.

The only 15K user manual that nearly matches the operation of this machine is named: "instructions for using singer sewing machines 15k C.B. and 16k C.B. for manufacturing".

Except these two machines are:

1 motor-powered;
2 the bobbin winder is different design;
3 there is no thread stand below the bobbin winder;
4. the stitch length adjustment mechanism looks similar but the function is
reversed, i.e. up for shortest length instead of longest.

This non-15k manual: "instructions for using singer sewing machine no.15 (central bobbin) for family use" indicates:

1 the bobbin winder is different design;
2 there is no thread stand below the bobbin winder;
3. the stitch length adjustment mechanism looks similar but the function is
reversed, i.e. up for shortest length instead of longest.

Sadly all the reviews about the class 15 machine found on the internet are based on model 15-3x, 15-8x, and 15-9x which are exclusively domestic machines not from Kilbowie factory.

I refer to the photo of 15-3x, these models do not have bobbin winter mechanism build in.

Refer to the manual: "instructions for using singer sewing machines 15-88 and 15-89":

The 15-8x have similar bobbin winder design but both do not have thread stand below the bobbin winder, and the stitch length adjustment mechanism is attached with different numbered plates and the function is , i.e. up for shortest length instead of longest. Instead of threading from left to right, the 15-8x thread from right to left.

Refer to the manual "15-91":

The 15-9x the stitch length adjustment mechanism is attached with different
numbered plates with a separate locking screw on the left and the function for the arm is , i.e. up for shortest length instead of longest, also lefting the arm to highest position enable reverse feed. Instead of threading from left to right, the 15-9x thread from right to left. The 15-9x is capable of "dogs drop" by turning an adjustment screw under the chasis.

Basically the 15-9x is similar to the modern 15N which is still in production in
Taiwan and currently being marketed here in Malaysia for US$250 / MYR700 per unit (new). Except that the 15N has the "drogs drop" setting mechanism near the threading stand below the bobbin winder.