THE SINGER SEWHANDY

 

As I have an interest in vintage machinery, and have collected sewing machines off and on throughout the years,  I've always wanted a good version of this very popular childs "Singer SewHandy".  Singer's SewHandy was one of the most popular 'girl' toys for almost 60 years. Most of the machines were black but they made several limited edition models in red, blue and tan.  The Singer model 20 was made  at the Elizabeth factory in New Jersey, USA, and was originally sold as a toy.  First appearing around 1910  ( 60 years after Isaac Merritt  Singer founded the Singer Manufacturing Company) , the toy sewing machines were clearly aimed  at the child market. Later Singer toy sewing machines were sold as adult light portable machines as well as toys.

My SewHandy is circa 1953, and is in mint condition  with box,  clamp, and handbook.  The children's versions of Singers actually tend to have a higher value than the full size, 100 year old (or older) machines which surprises a lot of people. Back in the day, frugality was a way of life. Children were taught to use Mom's sewing machine at a very young age so toy machines weren't necessary. However, some of the more well off households or those less inclined to be frugal indulged their little girls with play versions of Singers, that of course worked.

This is a typical 50s ad for the SewHandy. The toy sewing machine produces a simple chain stitch. Over the years as patents ran out the Singer 20 toy sewing machine was one of the most widely copied of all small toy sewing machines. The well-made cast iron toy sewing machine was durable, long lasting and has become prized among collectors world-wide, with prices in the $125 range typically.  However, I've seen them almost twice that price in pristine condition with a perfect box and accessories.

See one of my other machines HERE

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