We have a Kenmore (White) rotary in a cabinet, it was a $20 thrift store find, and a model 52 in a cabinet that was a curb rescue. Both had a full set of attachments. They are both excellent machines. Often overlooked and usually underappreciated. Dont think we will ever part with them!

Sears in Montgomery Ward were like the Amazon and Walmart of today with one major difference. They sold quality and only quality products. You could trust what they sold would last and people would spend the money for it. Not like today. You also could get a Sears card. Anyone can get it Montgomery Ward card and you did not mess them up. You would starve before you messed it up and when they first started in the 1800s in the early 1900s. These things were mail order and the Sears catalog was a huge deal. Every single hardware store had one or two copies of a Sears catalog. You could also order a catalog for yourself but every hardware store had one and you could place an order for anything. It would take weeks or months to get it but it was something you could order from and get it and you knew whatever they sold was going to be a quality product and last you forever. It's really sad that these companies have fallen away. I think Montgomery Ward's is gone and Sears is essentially just a defunct company. They've had to sell off a lot of assets amir shell of what it used to be but nobody stood behind their products like those companies did

I have two Brother machines. One is mechanical and the other is computerized. I enjoy sewing with both of them of them. I really like the one step buttonhole. In 1980 or late 1979 I purchased a Singer. It was plastic. I purchased the cabinet for it. I kept the machine for about 25 years. It gave me a lot of tension problems. I also was not happy with the buttonholes it made. I had it serviced numerous times. I gave it away to a friend. I recently bought a Singer 99 from 1928. I am restoring it.

I learned to sew when I was about 9 years old on a Kenmore and had it for about 10 years . When I graduated from high school I got a "better" Kenmore and sold the other one. That one went with me everywhere. In the early 80's I bought another Kenmore with all the bells and whistles (again sold the previous one). Still have that one and it runs like a dream. I bought myself a Viking and although it is great, I think my Kenmore (all of them) runs better and smoother. I will never get rid of the Kenmore such an excellent machine. I also have several vintage machines and a Featherweight. Enjoyed your video.

This is cool. I started getting into refurbishing or rebuilding these machines because I inherited two machines and one of them needed to be fixed and it was fun. But I find new machines to look for from your channel mostly and doing some research. I find so many people still want these older machines like this. They just want them to work

I think the fancy side-plate design is a representation of bamboo leaves and stalks. A very nice mid-century machine.

That gorgeous endplate is bamboo trees. There’s two bamboo trunks framing the textured part, the long skinny shapes are bamboo leaves. Since bamboo is everything in Asia this is an auspicious design. That machine is just beautiful!

`We bought a Kenmore in 1963. I have used it for my business and my family and my friends. I service it myself and it runs beautifully. It is all metal and I would not trde it for any thing.

Good video! Nice machine. I’m partial to the Kenmore machines. I now have my Mom’s 158.19412 with all of its accessories it came with, button hole attachment, monogram attachment and all the decorative pattern cams too. Mom bought this one March 30, 1979 and it sewed my clothes for over ten years when I was growing up. Many nights I fell asleep to the sound of that machine working. About a month ago I found an older Kenmore C877.6 ZigZag DeLuxe and it is a beautiful running machine and then today one of my wife’s coworkers just gave me a machine that turned out to be another of the same! It needs some TLC. It’s dirty and needs a very thorough cleaning up. It’s had a harder life that my first C877. Based on serial numbers stamped into the bottom of the bed this last one I got is older. I need to learn how to do a deep thorough clean on this one.

In the mide 60s I wanted a Viking because it had a free arm, but had access to MILs Singer and made many dresses, then finally purchased a new Kenmore Dec. 1967, and Sears included with the price of the machine a series of sewing classes that were excellent. Stillhave that machine and use it. In 1981 purchased new an early partially computerized Kenmore made in Japan. I needed a second machine to have one set up with button hole maker and the other to do the other sewing. Still have that machine and use it frequently. It sat unused for a few years in a closet and the hand wheel turned stiff so I took it to be serviced but and went to pick it up when I was notified it was ready. It still was very still turning the handwheel and was told it was a boat anchor. I went to the internet, followed instructions I found, with the secret tool being a hair dryer In 15 minutes the machine was back to sewing like it did when new. So now I have an additional 20 Kenmores. They are so easy to work on. I tried some other brands and they were not meant for the housewife to .maintain those machines and they need to be taken in and pay considerable amount.

I just bought the most wonderful 3/4 size Gimbel's Japanese Singer 15 clone. Wow, what a machine!

That end plate MUST be stylized fabric (cross-hatching), needles, and thread! Love it!

That is such a sweet little machine! Those oil wells are quite clever indeed, and the side plate is really cool too.

The end plate design is of bamboo stems and leaves. What a gorgeous design! I am hoping , someday, I come across a machine like this.

I LOVED this review! I would LOVE to have one of those.

I love the overall look of this machine The color and shape makes it look sort of space age

I bought a small freezer from Montgomery ward in my 20's then gave to my daughter and now it is still running, that thing just will not quit.

What a beautiful machine! ❤️

My first machine was a Kenmore and it was great! It is a workhorse. My daughter now has it. That is a beautiful machine you have there.

This is a beautiful machine. 💗💗💗

this machine is a beauty!❤

I love my Kenmore! I learned to sew on a 1603 that my grandma bought new in 1973 (I think) and it is the most faithful machine! I also have a Singer 66 treadle (recently acquired), a Janome, a Brother, possibly soon a “something” 870 (the name plate was taken off and I don’t know if it was a Sewmor or Bel-Air or maybe there’s a third option that was the exact same machine).

That is a good looking machine. Fancy

I have a "Modern Electric" (that is the model name?) sewing machine made by Eagle (according to the seal and name on the casting in the base. The manual is from 1954, it's a straight stitching machine made in Japan, and it is definitely a Class 15 clone. Used to cost $199.50. Very similar to your Kenmore. Also needs to be threaded on the side like yours. I have looked at hundreds of images of Japanese machines from that era but have not been able to find another one. I am in the process of overhauling and also rewiring it (insulation was crumbling). The previous owner(s) did not really maintain the machine but also treated it very kindly and protected it from getting damaged. The paint (same color than yours) is almost in perfect condition and after some fuzz removal in a lot of places and oiling the machine, it moves/runs super smoothly. Motor made in USA (also "Modern") and they had the color matching issue you talk about. The belt on the machine when I bought it was a round one and it was close to breaking. I replaced that with another round one but it looks to me that it needs a v-belt. The round one slips a little. I looks like your Kenmore takes a V and the profile of your motor and machine pulley look like mine. Would you know what kind of V belt your machine takes? I am not sure how to spec it to find it online. Any info would be apprectiated.Thanks!

I just purchased a Bernina Record 5030-2! 🤓 They don't make them like they used to.

Picked up a Morse sewing machine model 4300 which has almost the same color...teal. Works great.

I love the Jade color Kenmore. I would love to buy it

I bought a vintage Kenmore about six months ago. It is from the 1970's and was made in Japan. It's all metal and I'm really pleased with it. I wanted a sewing machine that was from the era that I grew up in. And sears was a big deal when I was a kid. So I've got my vintage Kenmore and my new Juki DX7 and a Bernina from the 1990's and a Janome from the 1990's. They're all great! I do need to size down here so I'll probably get rid of the Bernina and the Janome. We'll see. I keep going back and forth on that. Thank you for the video! What a beautiful machine!

some of those kenmores are pretty solid

Brand loyalty... I must confess, I've got some. I just love my vintage Bernina machines. Maybe because I'm Swiss, maybe because the machines I own are briliant sewing machines. But here some things are different anyway: Countless vintage Berninas are on the market. This large supply of this brand (and also Elna and some German Pfaff and Dürkopp, as well as Singer) machines makes the other (the "unknown") brands extremely rare. So they are often more expensive as the famous brands! Example: the Bernina class 117 (imo a perfect sewing machine) can be purchased from 50 swiss francs (is amlost equal to US$) upwards. I've even seen several 117s to pick up for free! An unknown but good (durable and strong) machine like this Kenmore would cost way more as a 117. Here it is more like "so You are not content with a common Bernina, You snob must have something rare and exotic..." (Okay, some snobs also own Berninas. But the vintage models are absolutely unsuitable as a status symbol. Snobs own those modern and expensive ($ 4-7k) sewing computers with stitching module.)

Very pretty machine...I would keep it if I were you! I have a Kenmore 158.19461 that was purchased in 1977 from Sears. I have been learning to quilt on it. It’s all beige so not as pretty as yours but it’s still going strong!

The 2 vintage Kenmore's that I have we're both made by the White Sewing Machine Company. They don't look like the white rotaries, but many of the parts are interchangeable between the two.

kenmore made machines for white the zig zag deluxe . i also have a benz . i have a few singers . i agree there were many good machines made by many different companies pre 1970s.

Sold an old dressmaker swa 2000 a while back on ebay. It was is excellent condition. Very little use. Super clean inside. I wanted to keep just because of the beauty. Just picked up a Kenmore 158 1970s with original table for free. Gummed up a little bit I can get it clean. it's a gift for the wife.

lovely old machine, i got an old blue Kenmore , & 2 olive Kenmores, in among my collection, still good machines, have Singers , Kenmore's, White

I have a c877.69 zig zag. It looks like the Rolls-Royce of sewing machines.

yes hi I got two kenmore 15817511 from a Ladie who makes my alterations but she was moving to another state I love this machines one is white the other one is 🍏 green amazing machines but this one use some cartridges on top for diferent paterns I just make straight sewing but your video is amazing...

What a superb machine. Such quality. I live in Connecticut, and have never seen anything like this. And the motor looks very beefy. I would call its color aqua.

I have one labelled as a ford deluxe. Simple difference in the dial for the stitch length. It is fantastic. Cooler two tone blue paint also.

VSMG: do a future video on how the part numbering systems on these machines worked -- any descriptive features in the model # to tell something about the bobbin type, zig-zag type features, etc from just seeing the model number? The advantage of staying with vintage Singer machines is you have more aftermarket and used parts available to fit (many old Singers are still used in China and India and elsewhere to manufacture clothing). However, many of the Kenmore/Sears/M-W/JCP/etc machines were made by White and labeled for the retailers so many of the components inside are interchangeable and thus easier to service.

That's a beautiful machine. I have a Kenmore 148.210 dated 1963. It's a lovely lavender and cream color heavy all metal machine that luckily came with the manual. I cleaned and oiled it and it works fine except the bobbin has messed up a few times, seems to loosen or something and I have to take the whole thing out and apart. It's difficult to get back in without it coming apart again. Other than that I love how it sews - just straight, zigzag and reverse. If I take it out of the cabinet will it be easier to access the bobbin compartment? I really don't like the cabinet and I keep the machine up and out and covered to avoid having to lift it out of the inside. I also have a newer Kenmore model 385 155116 that I like very much, simple to use and must have some metal insides since it's heavier than my computerized Brother is. I would buy another Kenmore in a minute.

Minesota was Sears first 1900s My older riccar and my Kenmore Like yours are very similar.good quality

I have to agree with you there 100% I own quite a few vintages and newer machines from all brands. But I actually am a seamstress or tailor. One of my favorite machine is also a vintage Kenmore model 158.130 from 1965 era. It’s green, simple operation and it’s a work horse. I would even say it’s almost as fast as an industrial, almost...1.2 amp is plenty if you compare the feather weight at 0.4amp for example and most other domestic at about half of the Kenmore. Not the prettiest buy all comparison to more fancy schmancy ones with a 1000 stitches. But as we all know, straight stitches and zigzag goes a long way. Having the power is very nice, not only for the speed it give you let’s say in a straight long lines but also to penetrate layers of fabric. This Kenmore never fail me. She’s smooth and always have a beautiful stitch no matter what I sew. She was totally frozen when I got her, and not a scratch on it. I’m happy that I took the time to clean it and service it. She paid me back a thousand times with beautiful items that make me proud.

I have a 1912 new home, a 1940-50 New home, 99k Simger, a HD singer and a B560 Bernina

I think you meant to say the early 20th century, not the 19th. Great history, otherwise. That side plate is amazing! Tiki decorations were very much in fashion in the 50's after American involvement in the South Pacific during WWII, , and the bamboo poles that adorn the sides of that side panel are a typical element of that style, as are the alternating orientations of the needle motif in the center. I own a Kenwood model C877.67 myself. It lacks the oiling access holes on top but is very similar, and the body is more block shaped and not as curvy as your machine. The motor looks identical and was made in Toronto. I assume, therefore, that the C in the model name refers to Canada. It has a plain side panel with only a push button for the light. Overall it looks like a two-tone brown locomotive and works like one too. They're great machines, thanks for the video.

Looking at one similar now....how heavy fabric can it sew? I need something somewhat heavy duty as I am sewing a large amount of shade sail material....could this handle some light upholstery?

Kenmore's get overlooked, and that's a shame. The Sears buyers knew what they wanted and they demanded a very high degree of quality control. The worst you could say about them is that they sold a lot of them.

that kind of blue metallic was popular around 1960 have seen it on other things

My Good Sir, Have I purchased trouble, again? I picked up a lovely White rotary machine in a really nice table and I also picked up a Free Westinghouse machine. If I re-wire the White, is the knee lever switch ok to use? Or am I better off just going with a new switch/pedal? Same question as to the Free Westinghouse? Have I gotten another badged machine, like the Ken-Quilt? The long arm type machine that taught me oh so much about timing and thread lock. New adventure!

Love your review. Help! I need to replace or rebuild motor for my Kenmore Sewing Machine (1960). Motor is 110.120 volt, 25/60 cycles, 1.2 amp, Model 1120.

I was blessed with a lenco style 414 - it’s a straight stitch very similar to this machine!! I believe it was a clone. I wasn’t expecting much from it but I cleaned her up and oiled her and she had the most perfect straight stitch that even beat my 201- 2! I just can’t find much info on it. It was made in Japan and I think it was branded under many names like sewmore and Kenmore. The only thing is the wiring- which is attached to the decomposing base it is in. Can I just carefully pull it out you think?! And remove the base? I need to build or find a new one.

That looks exactly like my Atlas. It's just as smooth. I was wondering what the cutout above the motor was for. My Atlas just has a plate over it as if it had an optional feature that this one didn't get.

I have one just like that same color but the knob is a little different good machine

i have a sears kenmore 158.923 i don’t know anything about it it came with all the cams and button hole maker at goodwill for 10.00 can you tell me anything about it

Kinda looks like a De Luxe... I'd call that color "seafoam blue" they feel smooth, tight-tollarance. I just got a pushomatic at a thrift store for $15. Mint condition in a mint cabinet.... I had to rewire it but that's to be expected, and an easy fix. I have found a new hobby collecting and fixing thes things..... I don't even sew stuff.... maybe I'll start .😂 mine is labeled "memphis by bell." I also have my families old singer 15-91. But that motor is getting real loud and weak so I wanna keep it aside until I can have it rewound. But the older Japanese units are as good if not better in some cases.

Would you know where i might find a video on how to thread this machine. I habe my mothers old C877-15 super delux. Loved this video. - Richard

Gorgeous machine...notice the feed dogs are down and the pressure foot pressure released. Somebody did some darning or FMQ.

What kind of cleaner would you use on the paint surface of this machine? I have a Morse from Montgomery Ward that is really similar. My Morse is a Model R-5LP 30790, teal and all metal. Great video!

I have the Kenmore C877.701. Can’t find much info about it. Would love the manual for it…

Some of the Japanese machines from the 60s used automotive paint that was identical to I believe Toyota vehicles.

Very nice machine, is the tension knob original to the machine or was it a replacement. Thank you

I am currently servicing a Kenmore C877.82 for a friend of mine. It was found on the side of the road and is not seized but is "sticky". It looks nothing like the one in your photo. It is a zig-zag model and all metal. It looks more like the Kenmore free arm that you unstuck. I was wondering if you could help me? It is missing a bobbin and a bobbin holder. Therefore I cannot see how it stitches. I cannot find any literature, unlike Singers. Can you recommend a part number for a bobbin and bobbin case? The hook has a number J-G8. Thank you

I have acquired a Signatory (Wards). Model UHTJ260F. I keep reading that these old machines are workhorses, is it worth having it clean and try to use it

Would you know where to buy parts for the Kenmore 158.10300. I need the stitch selector and the reverse selector knob.

do you ever do a video on Kenmore model 117-740

Needles and the lines look like threads. The rough background mimics cloth.

I am interested in buying this machine for quilting and garment sewing. Please let me know how to get in touch with you. I tried the "about" tab but did not see an email address.

I beleive that was made by Toyota, same as Morse.

This machine looks a little like my Singer 191K1.

Would have been nice to actually see and hear it run.

I'm very interested in this machine if you decide to sell it or a Singer 301 model. I've tried several times to locate your email address under the "about" tab but I scroll down as far as I can and there's no greyed out email address. I can give you my email address if you think it's ok. Is there a way to find you on Craigslist?

Can u turn these into a treadle machine?

Why do some vintage machines motor smells when you sew on them ?

When America was great quality was everything now everything is built to fail.

Hello. I found your channel and it is very informative. Do you have an email or a website?

i found a dressmaker no numbers made in japan HELPPhyllis