Singer Blackside 15-91's

    I probably have about ten 15-91's but three of them are special.  Ever since I saw a Blackside Singer sewing machine I've been fascinated with them and the history surrounding them.  I've even started creating a log of full size blackside machines so I can understand when they were made and what parts are blackside on them. (so if you have a full size blackside machine please provide me your serial number and pics of the machine)   

    I now currently have three Blackside 15-91's.  These machines were produced during the 1940's.  During World War II the us government restricted use of metals like nickel and chromium to only products to support the war effort.  As a result, Singer plated many sewing machine parts with a bluing or Parkerizing method.  Machines that have some of the major parts or a majority of parts blued instead of nickel plated were coined as "Blackside machines".  3/4 size blackside machines are very common but for some reason the full size machines are much less common.  My three machines were made in 1941, 1942 and 1945.  I have refurbished each of them inside and out and they each sew wonderfully.  

My latest refurb was the 1941 15-91.  Serial number AG165375.  The serial number was issued on September 30, 1941.  This machine was disassembled, all parts cleaned, completely re-shellacked/french polished and the motor was rebuilt/rewired.  Here are some pics of the 1941 Blackside 15-91.  Note the blackside tension adjustment knob.....you don't see those too often.

    My  1942 Blackside 15-91 was built sometime after March 3, 1942.  It's serial number is AG365663.  This machine was well used (or well loved) by it's previous owner.  You can tell by the worn decals on the front edge, scotch tape on the bed, etc.  But besides it's worn condition, I still completely disassembled it and cleaned it.  This one didn't get re-shellacked but the motor did get serviced.  Here are some before and after pics.

My 1945 Blackside 15-91 was built sometime after August 29, 1945.  It's serial number is AG503439.  This machine was in pretty nice original shape when I received it.  None the less... I took it apart anyway and gave it the same treatment as the other two.  Here are some pics.  Note the blackside stop motion knob.  

Lastly, here are my three pretty lady's together all dressed in black!

Update 10/24/2021:  

I just picked up a forth Blackside 15-91!  It's from 1945.  It came in a very nice Queen Anne table with matching stool.  See pics below.