The

Sewing Machine

Orphanage

Devon, Alberta, Canada

Singer 15-88

Singer Manufacturing Company, Model 15-88 sewing machine

Singer 15-88 head and handwheel

Overview

Singer 15-88 in treadle cabinet Singer 15-88 in open cabinet Treadle cabinet with machine folded away

Machine Head

Machine head front view Machine head with spool pin Handwheel Handwheel and mechanism

Badge, Serial Number and Decals

Singer badge and serial plate Singer badge and serial number Face plate and badge Serial plate and decals Arm end and badge Underside hook and bobbin area

Needle Area and Bed

Presser foot and throat plate Face plate and needle bar Face plate and bed Slide plate open

Underside Mechanism

Underside mechanism Underside hook assembly Underside feed mechanism Arm and Singer decal

Cabinet and Treadle

Cabinet drawers Cabinet drawers and treadle Cabinet drawers side view Treadle base Cabinet side and treadle Cabinet top edge Cabinet top wear Cabinet top grain

Identification

Manufacturer: Singer Manufacturing Company

Serial Number: JA907231

Factory: St. John's Factory, Quebec (Canada) (Years of operation: 1904 - 1986)

Factory location code: J

Model: 15J88

Year allotted: 1924 - 1936

Decals: Eye and Trefoils

Provenance and History

Information about provenance and history will be added here.

Condition and Evidence of Use

Condition notes will be added here.

Current Status

Status: In care

Location: The Sewing Machine Orphanage

Stewardship Notes

Stewardship notes will be added here.

Resources and References

Singer Model 15-88 and 15-89 Sewing Machine Manual (PDF)

A reproduction of the Singer instruction manual covering Models 15-88 and 15-89, hosted by the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society (ISMACS). It explains how to oil, thread, and adjust the machine, wind and set the bobbin, and regulate tension and stitch length, and it illustrates the machine's parts.

International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society (ISMACS)

About ISMACS
ISMACS is the leading international authority on early sewing machine history, founded in 1985 by a small group of English collectors, and now with members across every continent. The organization maintains the world's finest archive of sewing machine manuals, advertisements, patents, and historical documents—all available to members. ISMACS is recognized and regularly consulted by media, museums, and institutions worldwide. The Society produces a professional magazine featuring research findings, restoration tips, auction details, and detailed histories of pioneering sewing machine companies. Members benefit from annual conventions, auctions, and a welcoming community of world-leading collectors dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of sewing machines.

LR Crafts Vintage Singer Information

Find Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Info (LR Crafts)
LR Crafts provides a comprehensive guide to identifying and dating vintage Singer sewing machines. The site includes serial number lookup tools, factory history, and tips for collectors and restorers. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking information about Singer models and their provenance.

Bob's Vintage Sewing Machine Service

Bob's Vintage Sewing Machine Service
Bob's Vintage Sewing Machine Service offers expert advice, repair guides, and restoration tips for vintage sewing machines. The site features detailed tutorials, parts sourcing, and community support for enthusiasts and collectors.

ISMACS Singer Sewing Machine Company Archive

ISMACS Singer Sewing Machine Company Archive
This section of the ISMACS website provides extensive historical information, serial number lists, manuals, and resources specifically for Singer sewing machines. It is a key reference for dating, identifying, and learning about Singer models.

Smithsonian Institution Digital Collections - Cooper Hewitt

Smithsonian Digital Collections: Cooper Hewitt
The Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt collection includes historical documents, patents, and design archives related to sewing machines. This digital resource is valuable for research into the technological and design history of sewing machines.