Singer Class 20 toy/miniature Sewing Machines were manufactured from 1910 until about 1960. They have no serial numbers, however, certain details can offer clues for a likely manufacture date for individual machines. The dates listed are estimates and can vary by one or more years.
The Class 20 can be divided into two general models, the Model 20-1, with the moving parts visible, and the Model 20-10 Sewhandy, with the moving parts enclosed in aluminum, and more resembling a full size sewing machine.
These models can then be divided into several Types and Version, and this helps narrow down possible manufacture dates.
The characteristics of each Model, Type and Version are listed here and shown in the checklist that follows.
Model 20-1 Cast iron, moving parts visible
Type 1: 1910-1914
4 spoke handwheel
No tension disk
L shaped cloth guide
Raised flat area for the clamp
Type 2: 1914-1922
8 spoke handwheel
Tension disk
V shaped cloth guide
Thread pull off
Flat groove for the clamp (except eariest models)
Type 3:
Version 1: 1921-1926
7 spoke black handwheel
Felt covered base
No numbers on thread guides
V shaped clamp groove
Version 2: 1926-1948
7 spoke black handwheel
Felt covered base (except later models)
Numbers on thread guides
#4 tab on tension disk
Model 20-2 Motorized
1926-1948
Identical to Type 3, Version 2.
(Some later motorized Model 20-10 Sewhandy machines were also designated Model 20-2)
Model 20-10 Sewhandy Moving parts enclosed in aluminum
Type 1: 7 spoke handwheel
1948-1950: Plain Singer emblem
1951: Centennial Singer emblem
1952-1959: Dark border Singer emblem
Type 2: Solid handwheel
Late 1950's: Dark border Singer emblem
1959 - : Red S Singer emblem
(Some 20-10, Type 2's were motorized and labeled Model 20-2)
Model K-20 Modern reproduction
1989-1990
Reproduction of Type 3, Version 2.
"Made in Turkey" printed on back
Singer Class 20 Quick Identification Checklist
1. Are the workings visible or enclosed?
Visible: It's a Model 20-1.
Enclosed: It's Model 20-10 Sewhandy.
2. For Model 20-1, Does it have the following:
4 spoke handwheel, no tension disk: It's a 20-1, Type 1. 1910-1914
8 spoke handwheel, with tension disk: It's a 20-1, Type 2. 1914-1922
7 spoke handwheel, unnumbered thread guide: It's a 20-1, Type 3, v.1. 1921-1926.
7 spoke handwheel, numbered thread guide, #4 tab: It's a 20-1, Type 3, v.2. 1926-1948.
3. For Model 20-10 Sewhandy, does it have:
7 spoke handwheel: it's a 20-10 Sewhandy,
Type 1
Solid handwheel: it's a 20-10 Sewhandy,
Type 2
4. For 20-10 Sewhandy,
Type 1, Is the emblem:
Plain Singer emblem: 1948-1950
Centennial Singer emblem: 1951
Dark border Singer emblem: 1952-1959
5. For 20-10 Sewhandy,
Type 2, Is the emblem:
Dark border Singer emblem: Late 1950's
Red S Singer emblem: 1959 -
6. If it's a 20-1 with original motor, it's a 20-2, 1926-1948
7. If it's a 20-10 with original motor, it's a 20-2, Late 1950's -
8. If it says "Made in Turkey" on the back, it's a K-20, 1989-1990
Once again, these dates are estimated ranges during which the machine may have been manufactured. For instance, 20-1's with motors may have only been made in the 1920's and not in the 30's or 40's. And who knows, there may be examples of earlier Model 20's with motors. Further information is appreciated and can help increase the accuracy of this website.
If you have additional information, and especially any dated documents like sales receipts, or advertisements, please email photos of the documents to Fifteen50vsm@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Sources
Collector's Guide Singer Toy Sewing Machine Class 20/20-10
Singer Sewhandy Collection - A Brief History of the Singer Model 20
Featherweight Shop