What year and where was my Singer 111W-153 built?

[dikman]

As mentioned, the W in the model number designation indicates it was made at the Bridgeport plant, USA. Unfortunately there are very few records available from that factory  so it will be extremely difficult to date it.

[DonInReno]

Does everyone remember this little brochure Greg posted a while back that has some W serial number info?

 

[DonInReno]

8 hours ago, Sugarkryptonite said:

I have the manual but it's not a great copy and the instructions aren't very clear ...

You’re in luck - one of our members Uwe Grosse has the best videos on the planet for adjusting machines - google his you tube videos.

[Sugarkryptonite]

1 hour ago, dikman said:

As mentioned, the W in the model number designation indicates it was made at the Bridgeport plant, USA. Unfortunately there are very few records available from that factory  so it will be extremely difficult to date it.

Thanks. I was getting confused from this site: https://sewalot.com/dating_singer_sewing_machine_by_serial_number.htm

As you can see it says "Note: All the letters in BOLD below are letters that come AFTER the model number, denoting place of manufacture. For example Singer 15K- the K is for Kilbowie. Singer 211G (model 211 made in Germany) Singer 211U (model 211 made in Japan)."

Two W's listed, one in Bridgeport, USA as you mentioned, but the W under it is bolded, Wittenberge, Germany. I don't quite understand it, unless what this site writes is wrong...According to this site 111W would put it in Wittenberge, Germany?

15 minutes ago, DonInReno said:

Does everyone remember this little brochure Greg posted a while back that has some W serial number info?

 

That is awesome, thanks! Looks like roughly 1943.

9 minutes ago, DonInReno said:

You’re in luck - one of our members Uwe Grosse has the best videos on the planet for adjusting machines - google his you tube videos.

I saw that posted here before as well! I have his channel on YouTube, but he only has one video on the 111W, only 3:37 about the feed dog lifting cam and fork  Or are there other videos that don't have 111 in the title?

Edited December 18, 2018 by Sugarkryptonite

[DonInReno]

Many machines are variations of the walking foot singer 111w - you’ll find a lot of material that relates to your machine.

As to the site with confusing information regarding where your machine is made, I’d suggest the author’s facts are a little questionable.  ISMACS is a more reliable site, although not perfect.  http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/german-factory-wittenberge.html

Its pretty safe to assume that your 111w is made in the US.

[Sugarkryptonite]

1 hour ago, DonInReno said:

Many machines are variations of the walking foot singer 111w - you’ll find a lot of material that relates to your machine.

As to the site with confusing information regarding where your machine is made, I’d suggest the author’s facts are a little questionable.  ISMACS is a more reliable site, although not perfect.  http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/german-factory-wittenberge.html

Its pretty safe to assume that your 111w is made in the US.

Cool thanks! I'll check out more of his videos, then. I guess the verdict is around 1943 in Bridgeport, USA!  It's my first machine and I have to say I'm thrilled to have it and I love just looking at it, the mechanical side of the machine is quite astounding!

Edited December 18, 2018 by Sugarkryptonite

[Trevor Baret]

The model number is not the W

The model number is 110W-.....

Go here -

http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/classes-100-199.html

Scroll down till you see 111W

 and you will see a variety of model numbers - see the attached screenshoy

[Sugarkryptonite]

Thanks everyone.

 

One other thing I was curious about on the machine is the "Simanco USA" branding on a lot of the parts on the machine, the name is even part of the casting in the bottom of the machine. Did they produce the machines for Singer? I can't find anything about them online.

Edited December 18, 2018 by Sugarkryptonite

[DonInReno]

Singer manufacturing company

[dikman]

Don, thanks for reminding me about that brochure, I'd forgotten all about it! (Brainfade, getting old....).

5 hours ago, Sugarkryptonite said:

Thanks everyone.

 

One other thing I was curious about on the machine is the "Simanco USA" branding on a lot of the parts on the machine, the name is even part of the casting in the bottom of the machine. Did they produce the machines for Singer? I can't find anything about them online.

They were Singer, it was their USA plant. Mind you, my 111W117 has some parts stamped Germany!