Expert: Irene Schwall - 5/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: An aunt gave me this miniature Singer hand-crank sewing machine in 1966.  I see no serial number on it.  It only has a trade mark seal with "The Singer Manfg. Co."  I'm assuming this was created for sewing doll clothes.  Does it have any special value?

ANSWER: Hello Audrey,
Thank you for your query but it is almost impossible for me to answer this query without more specific information and photographs.
The Singer Co. made thousands of small sewing machines, not all the same, some more valuable that others.
Please provide me with detailed information about the condition of your machine, the measurements and photographs.
I look forward to trying to be of assistance to you.
Thanks.
Irene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Measures 7 inches high x 6 inches wide.  Excellent condition.  Have instruction book in fair condition.  Singer No. 20. Form 7933 Revised June, 1926.  Copyright, U.S.A., 1922 and 1926 by The Singer Manufacturing Co.

Answer
Hello Audrey,
Thank you for send additional information on your miniature machine.
These small machines were advertised as being a 'toy' and also 'not a toy' depending on the season that they were sold. Closer to Christmas time they were advertised as a toy and at other times of the year, as being a usable machine for adults. The #20 was also advertised as a real sewing machine for little girls.
Again without photographs of your machine it is not possible for me to be 100% accurate as to which model #20 you have.  The hand wheels were all different in design but because of the dates you have given me, I am going to assume that your machine has a black spiral hand wheel with nickel plated rim and arrows. The earlier machines were made of heavy cast metal and around the 1950's they used a lighter metal.
If your machine has an oval base with a gold Singer emblem painted on the back side then it does date to around 1922.
There is currently one listed on eBay with 8 hrs. to go and the high bid is at $49. See: item # 330432430154.  There are others and also one with a Buy It Now feature listed at $349 with no bids.  Book stated value is around $100-$150 - in mint condition and complete with C-clamp, instructions and box in excellent condition.  The Singer Company made hundreds of these little machines with slight variations over the years.
Regards,
Irene