The

Sewing Machine

Orphanage

Devon, Alberta, Canada

Singer Model 15-91 JB144785

Singer Manufacturing Company, Model 15-91 electric sewing machine in cabinet

Singer 15-91 in its wooden cabinet

Machine Head

Machine head with tension dial and badge Face plate and decorated bed Presser foot and throat plate Arm with Singer decal Motor and handwheel Motor wiring connection

Cabinet

Cabinet drawers Cabinet top with hinged leaf Cabinet top wear Cabinet with top closed Cabinet top and drawers from above Machine inside cabinet from above Cabinet top with machine opening

Foot Controller and Manual

Foot controller Instruction manual for Singer 15-91 with attachments

Attachments and Accessories

Accessories laid out on the cabinet top Attachments, manual and lubricant Singer boxes, attachments and shuttles Thread, hoop and seam guides Seam guides Shuttles, hooks and needle threaders Steel pins boxes and attachments Singer Budget Bank box and motor lubricant Singer motor lubricant tube Button with eagle design

Identification

Manufacturer: Singer Manufacturing Company

Model: 15-91

Serial Number: JB144785

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

Factory location code: J

Year allotted: 1936 - 1948

Provenance and History

Machine was purchased in Alberta, west of Edmonton, on May 22, 2026. The seller had been caring for this machine for some time, and it had been handed down from a relation in Vancouver, British Columbia. Some of the items included in the drawers indicate a Western Coastal connection. The machine was a cherished possession and was well used by the original owner.

Condition and Evidence of Use

During storage, some paint and minor damage to the cabinet surface occurred. The wood under the old finish is in good condition and is responding well to refinishing. The machine is in excellent condition. You can't go wrong with a 15.

Current Status

Status: In care

Location: The Sewing Machine Orphanage

Stewardship Notes

Stewardship notes will be added here.

Resources and References

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 The organization maintains the world's finest archive of sewing machine manuals, advertisements, patents, and historical documents—all available to members.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.