Vintage Canadian Singer 127/128 Vibrating Shuttle Sewing Machine
Here is another wonderful piece of Singer sewing history, and a particularly handsome example with its original wooden base and matching bentwood carrying cover.
This vintage Singer vibrating-shuttle sewing machine was manufactured in Canada and bears Serial Number JB401189. The JB serial prefix is associated with Singer’s Canadian production at its famous St. Johns, Quebec factory. Based on the machine’s size, it would be identified as either the full-size Model 127 or its smaller 3/4-size counterpart, the Model 128.
The machine retains its beautiful glossy black japanned finish, gold Singer lettering and delicate decorative border decals. I especially love the contrast between the black machine, polished metalwork and warm wooden case—it has that unmistakable Singer appearance that immediately takes you back to another era of sewing.
Unlike later Singer machines that use a familiar round bobbin, this model uses Singer’s fascinating vibrating shuttle system, with its long shuttle and bobbin arrangement. These machines produce a traditional straight lockstitch and were built during a period when sewing machines were expected to be dependable household tools that could remain in service for decades.
This particular machine also has an interesting additional feature at the front: an ornate metal attachment mounted beside the needle area, adding even more character to an already unusual vintage machine.
The wooden base and curved Singer bentwood cover are included. The cover retains its original Singer name and carrying handle and shows the scratches, marks and patina one would expect from a machine of this age. The machine itself also shows normal signs of use and age, all of which can be clearly seen in the photographs.
For me, that is part of the charm of these old machines. They weren't created simply to be looked at—they were used to make clothing, mend garments and sew for generations of families.
Today, this would be a wonderful piece for a Singer collector, sewing enthusiast, textile historian or vintage sewing-room display. It could also be restored and enjoyed by someone who appreciates the remarkable simplicity and engineering of these early Singer machines.
Details: Singer Model 127/128 · Made in Canada · St. Johns, Quebec · Serial No. JB401189 · Vibrating shuttle · Straight stitch · Black japanned finish with gold detailing · Wooden base · Original-style Singer bentwood cover · Vintage condition with age-related wear and patina.
A beautiful piece of Canadian Singer history—and another machine that deserves to be appreciated rather than forgotten.