I have a 15-91, I am the second owner. My great aunt bought it new around 1941 I believe. She had no children, and I was the only niece that really sews, so I inherited it. It was covered in yellow when I got it, so I had it hot-tanked and 'restored' (this was in the late 80's when I inherited it). I use it when I need to sew something heavier than I want to sew with my regular sewing machine. Although I have just acquired a Singer 111w151 industrial machine, so the 15-91 will probably be pretty much completely retired.

The feed dogs must be down. it is the best machine Ever for FMQ. I love mine. It is a centennial model with the blue badge and is in a totally 50s beautiful cabinet. I have everything ranging from a 1904 Singer 66 treadle to the latest and greatest Janome embroidery machine. It would be a tough call for a favorite between my 15-91 and my featherweights. You can't have too many sewing machines!

You wouldn't be talking about the MC500 would you? I have three Janome embroidery machines and I'm totally in love with my 500.

Cari

I got one for christmas as a freebie with a singer 48 cabinet (supposed to be a 201 only cabinet, so someone must have switched it once upon a time..) I am brand new at quilting, and am planning on using it for FMQ.... once i've finished fixing the wires on it. This one is in pretty good shape aside from the wiring, and is a blackside!

I have four 15-91s, a 15-125, 201, several 15-90s and a 15-75.
Don't need four but they are hard to pass up.
Mainly use them for all my heavy work. Boots, leather, canvas, etc.
They are tanks. Can't break anything but a needle.
I wouldn't rewire one. Too easy to just find another motor on ebay, etc.
The motor is easy to change out.

I inherited one my Mom must have bought at an estate or yard sale - very nice condition including decals. Later bought two more that were a mess. Both pretty much seized and required parts. Both run, now, and sew but one motor smokes. Then found a centennial model. About a month later bought another that was missing bobbin case. And this fall bought yet another needing parts. I did sell one recently as I have too many. In my area peoole do not want to pay what they are worth. I sold one but only got $45.00. Cabinet was rough but functional.

They're not rare so not particularly valuable. There's an old saying that pertains to vintage sewing machines, "You buy an old machine for $30, spend hours and hours cleaning it up, spend at least that much on parts for, and it ends up being worth... $30"

Cari

I realize this is an old post, but all the folks are still here, so an answer is appropriate. The "bullseye" looking knob is the light switch. This White is similar to my #1514, except for the stitch length lever. The problem is getting bulbs. It's a standard candelabra base but the diameter can't be any bigger than 5/8" at any point.

The White 1514 was my first vintage machine purchased about a year ago. I now have 12 nice "clones," all different brands except for 3 Whites.

Just so I qualify to post on this thread, I do have a 15-91 I got at Goodwill. It was hiding in the bottom of a cart and about to be put on the shelves. No case, no cabinet- just a foot pedal. Haven't cleaned it up or run it yet, but it's in really good shape. Price tag was $29.99. Born sometime in 1936.

I swore when I started my small collection that there would be no Singers. But the 15-91 found a way home with me. Then an old friend called and asked if I wanted her dad's "old sewing machine." For free- no less. I almost wet myself when I saw the box- really nice FW from '46. She had no idea.

I originally set out to find some parts for my 1901 treadle model 27 that had been in the family possibly since 1901.
I picked up a 1910 model 27. It is too nice to cannibalize. I have it operational and put it up for sale. Only because these machines seem to multiply...

I picked up a model 15-91 today serial number AG313649. The number was allotted with 35000 on December 30th 1941 so I’m guessing it had to be built in 1942. I wasn’t planning on adding any more machines but 1941/1942 struck a possible rarity with me. Also it had an owners manual and says it can reverse stitch
I got it home and replaced the power cord and oiled it some. It’s still very sluggish. I’m thinking it’s the controller. I haven’t took the controller apart yet. I do remember we used to be able to flip the winding in slot car controllers to avoid worn segments. The cabinet shows some signs of being refinished I noticed some drips on one edge of the table.

Also I’m missing the bobbin case. Will my modern singer bobbin case fit?