Scakes

I posted about this once before thinking it was a model 38. I have since found very similar machines and they are listed as 117.552 and 117.560. Dates on them range from 1938 to late 50's. It is mine now - regardless of what it is. The metal plate with the serial number is missing but I did find the holes where it should have been attached. No manual with it but I did find one on the web which is for a similar machine.

How do I find out which model it really is? Any other way to tell when it was made? I cleaned it up and it sews a very nice stitch. But the light switch is bad and I am hunting for 1 of them. Anybody got any good sources for Kenmore parts?

It was in a cabinet -no stool though - and had some attachments with it.

Bennett

These have such a Deco style to them! Very neat to look at. You might be able to find a clearer date here:

Helpful White/Kenmore/Etc. info .

This album has how to find the serial number (looks like on the pillar, just below the hand wheel). It also has listing of the serial numbers. It may take a little page-by-page searching, but it's probably there. Looks like this one was the "DeLuxe Rotary."

Editing to add: Ooopps, should have read closer, no serial number!! Sorry. That's about all I know.

Scakes

Thanks for the site addy. I spent some time looking around. Interesting. Yes, it does look like this is maybe the deluxe rotary machine. Still trying to figure out the difference in the 55X, 56x, etc. They all look so similar in the photos it is hard to tell what is different. Wonder why they took the serial number tag off of this machine. Very irratating.

Caroline S

I have a 117.551 that was my mother's that was mfg in 1939. It looks exactly like your machine. I also have the original manual that came with the machine. If you need a copy I can scan, print it and send it to you. PM if you need it.

Grannyh67

There is a Yahoo Group for vintage Kenmore Machines. They may can help you out. Just go to Yahoo Groups and join it. Granny

Caroline S

Here are the photos of my mother's Kenmore. I named him Karl, just too masculine looking to have a female name.

Scakes

Good morning Granny. Thanks for the info. I've joined 1 group already. Think I'll check and see if there are others.

Scakes

Good morning Caroline. They look like twins! Think I'll name mine Kitty. Thanks for the photos. Wouldn't it be weird if they were in the same cabinet? LOL.

Caroline S

Not quite twins. The foreward/reverse plate is different. I will check my photo file to see if I have pics of the cabinet. I am sure that Karl's cabinet is original to the machine. Did you get some of the funky looking bobbins with Kitty? I know I have one in the attachment box and at least in the cabinet.

Scakes

Good catch on the reverse/forward plate. I didn't see that. I'm going to hunt up some more photos on the internet and see what I can find. That 1 little difference probably adds or takes away a number. Guess they are fraternal twins instead of identical. Yeah, I have 3 of those funky bobbins. If it sews as good as it seems , I'm going to buy some new bobbins for it. I have already ordered a new pulley for it and like the lady who sells the parts. I'll take pictures of the cabinet (after we put the light back on) .