15-91
Model 15-91
This is my Singer Model 15-91. Singer introduced the Model 15 in 1895 by altering the mechanical components and appearance of the “Improved Family” machine. The Model 15 became the most successful sewing machine ever designed in history, and was produced for over 100 years. During this time, Singer improved the Model 15 and offered many variants. The original Model 15s, like all the other early domestic Singer machines, were treadle powered or hand-cranked, while later models were electric. Singer made the 15-91 between 1930 and 1956. I have two, one made in 1947, and one in 1952. The 15-91’s most significant advancement was its built-in electric motor (known as a “potted motor”) with direct gear drive. With direct gear drive, the motor’s gears are linked directly to the sewing machine’s gears instead of using a belt. Direct gear drive is a significant improvement because it is stronger and more responsive than weaker slip-prone belt-driven machines. This allows the 15-91 to power through thick, tough materials such as denim, canvas, and leather. Another noteworthy feature was the location of the tension assembly; Singer built them into the faceplate above the presser bar instead of at the front of the machine. The Model 15 also introduced a new needle with a flat on one side of the shank which was designated 15x1. This design became the standard needle used not just in most future Singer domestic machines, but also those of virtually all other makers. Under more modern classification systems the same design is also known as a 2020 or 130/705h. Singer incorporated several other features and capabilities into the Model 15 which made it a well-balanced machine. It has a low shank, an oscillating hook with Class 15 bobbins, a C.B. shuttle, reverse feed, a molded Singerlight, dropping feed dogs, a solid balance wheel, and an 11 o'clock' bobbin case finger.
When my 15-91s were made in the late 40s and early 1950s, the world was recovering from World War Two and a hot competition called the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union began. Clashes between communism and capitalism dominated the globe, with the biggest being the Korean War. The Korean War was fought between North Korea and China against South Korea and the UN led by the USA. Open combat lasted between 1950-1953, but the war never ended to this very day. Along with increased testing of nuclear weapons, this created a politically conservative climate and General Eisenhower was reelected President. In the United States, the Second Red Scare caused Congressional hearings by both houses in Congress and anti-communism was the prevailing sentiment in the United States throughout the decade – better dead than red! The 1950s are also known as The Golden Age of Television and the sale of TVs rose tremendously. By 1950 4.4 million families in America had a television set. Americans devoted most of their free time to watching television, leading to the invention of the “TV Dinner” by Swanson in 1953. A TV Dinner is a pre-packaged frozen or chilled meal that usually comes as an individual portion. It requires very little preparation and contains all the elements for a single-serving meal. A TV dinner usually consists of a cut of meat, usually beef or chicken; a vegetable, such as peas, carrots, corn, or potatoes; and sometimes a dessert, such as a brownie or apple cobbler. The entrée could also be pasta or a common type of fish, such as Atlantic cod. Rice is a common side item. The original TV Dinner came in an aluminum tray and was heated in an oven. Today “TV Dinner” is synonymous with any prepackaged dinner purchased frozen in a supermarket and heated at home.
