While the 1950's saw many changes for sewing machines and the companies that supplied Sears & Roebuck,
the next decade would become considerably quieter.
It takes a year or two for it all to settle, but by1961 White no longer supplies machines
and almost all of the 1960's machines are built by Soryu and Maruzen of Japan.
There were very few exceptions:
According to the numbers available to us, the New Process Gear Company of Syracuse New York
will make the model 120.760 and 120.761 model between 1960 and 1962 before their contract ends.
By1962 sales of the Lady Kenmore model 89 made by Gritzner-Frayer will end as well.
From then on in the suppliers are either Soryo or Maruzen. This makes it a little easier to identify the maker.
It doesn't make it any easier to figure out the model code numbers, and there's a big change in '67 when the numbers went from two or digits to four and eventually more than four.
1960 Kenmore Sewing Machines
1960 Soryu:
Soryu continues with the Model 27 above (148.273 & 148.274)
*I will attempt another post to explain the unusual
Kenmore Class 15 Clones.
New Soryu Model 28 (148.280) above
New Soryu Model 29 above (148.290, 148.291, 148.292)
Soryu made Model 39 (148.392 148.393)
and new Soryu 86 models (148.861)
*I will attempt another post to explain the unusual
Kenmore Class 15 Clones.
1960 Maruzen:
Maruzen Model 44 (158.442 158.443)
Maruzen introduces the new Model 46 (158.461, 158.462)
Maruzen Model 47 (158.470, 158.471)
Maruzen Model 48 (158.480)
Maruzen introduces the new Model 50
(158.500)
(158.500)
1961 Kenmore Sewing Machines
1961 Soryu (148):
1n 1961 Soryu (148) offers many models from 1960 with only a slight change in model numbers:
Model 27 (148.273, 148.274)
Model 28 (148.280)
Model 29 (148.292, 148.293, 148.294)
Model 39 (148.394, 148/395)
Model 86 (148.861)
Soryu introduces the following new models for 1961:
Soryu Model 40 (148.400)
Soryu Model 87 (148.870)
Soryu Model 1204 (148.12040)
1961 Maruzen (158):
Maruzen continues production of the model 44 (158.444, 158.445) from 1960
as well as the model 46 (158.460 158.462) model 47 (158.470, 158.471)
model 48 (158.480) and model 50 (158.500, 158.501, 158.502)
model 48 (158.480) and model 50 (158.500, 158.501, 158.502)
43
(no photo)
Maruzen introduces the new model 43 (158.430)
1962 Kenmore Sewing Machines
1962 would mark the last year for Kenmore sewing machines made by New Process Gear Company of Syracuse New York with the model 76 (120.760 &120.761) and there may still be a final few Gritzner Lady Kenmore model 89's. The sad truth is that the information available does not include any information of the Gritzner machines.
13 models
1962 Soryu (148):
Soryu continues to offer the model 28 (148.280) model 29 (148.294)
model 40 (148.400) and the 1204 (148.12040)
1962 Maruzen (158):
Maruzen offers the model 43 (158.430) the model 46 (158.463) and 47 (158.470, 158.471)
as well as the model 48 (158.480) and 50 (158.501, 158.503)
34
34
(no photo)
and introduces the new Maruzen model 34 (158.340, 158.341)
1963 Kenmore Sewing Machines
17 models
1963 Soryu (148):
Soryu continues to make the model 29 (148.294 & 148.295)
and brings back the 1961 model 87 (148.871 and 148.872)
and continues with the model 148.12040
Soryu introduces the new model 20 (148.200 & 148.210)
and new model 21 (148.210)
1963 Maruzen (158):
In 1963 Maruzen continues to offer the model 34 (158.342)
the model 43 (158.431, 158.432) the model 43 (158.431, 158.432)
the model 47 (158.472) the model 48 (158.481) and model 50 (158.504, 158.505)
Maruzen introduces the new model 32 (158.320 and 158.321)
1964 Kenmore Sewing Machines
14 models
Soryu (148):
1964 Kenmore models built by Soryu include a continuance of the following models:
The model 29 (148.294, 148.295) the model 87 (148.871, 148.872) and the 1204 (148.12040)
the model 20 (148.200) and the model 21 (148.210).
Neither company offer a new model in 1964
Maruzen (158):
Mauzen continues producing the model 32 (158.321) model 34 (158.343) model 43 (158.433) model 47 (158.472) and model 48 (158.481) and model 50 (158.504 and 158.505).
Neither company offer a new model in 1964
Neither company offer a new model in 1964
1965 Kenmore Sewing Machines
12 models
Soryu (148):
In 1965 Soryu again does not offer a new model and continues to produce the model 20 (148.200) the model 21 (148.210) the model 29 (148.295) and the model 1204 (148.12040)
Maruzen (158):
Although Maruzen offers the model 32 (158.321) model 43 (158.433) and the model 50 (158.505) the company did offer four brand new models in 1965:
New from Maruzen for 1965 is the model 12 (158.120)
Maruzen model 13 (158.130)
Maruzen model 14 (158.140)
Maruzen model 15 (158.150)
and the new Maruzen model 16 (158.160)
1966 Kenmore Sewing Machines
13 models
Soryu (148):
Soryu continues with the model 20 (148.200) and 21 (148.210) the model 29 (148.295, 148.296)
and continue with the model 1204 (148.12040).
Soryu introduces the new model 23 (148.230, 148.231)
and the new Soryu model 53 (148.530)
Maruzen (158):
Maruzen's offering fro 1966 include the model 12 (158.120, 158.121)
the model 13 (158.130) and the 43 (158.433)
New for 1966 was the Maruzen model 33 (158.330)
1967 Kenmore Sewing Machines
17 models
Everything you thought you knew about Maruzen and Soryo numbering goes out the window in 1967. For reasons only known to themselves and perhaps Sears... model numbers leap ahead to four digits.
Soryu (148):
Continue into 1967 for Soryu is the model 23 (148.231) model 53 (148.530 148.531)
and the ever present 1204 (148.12040).
New for 67 is the Soryu model 40 (148.400).
New model 42 (148.420).
Maruzen (158):
Maruzen model numbers are the first ones to go to the new four digit code.
In 1967 they continue to offer the model 13 (158.130)
In 1967 they continue to offer the model 13 (158.130)
the model 15 (158.152) the model 16 (158.163) the model 22 (158.221) and the 33 (158.331).
New for 1967 from Maruzen include the following:
1525
(no photo)
The new Maruzen model 1525 (158.15250 158.15251)
1551
1525
(no photo)
The new Maruzen model 1525 (158.15250 158.15251)
1551
(no photo)
The new Maruzen model 1551 (158.15510)
1581
(no photo)
The new Maruzen model 1581 (158.15810)
1641
(no photo)
The new Maruzen model 1641 (158.16410)
1649
(no photo)
The new Maruzen model 1649 (158.16490)
1968 Kenmore Sewing Machines
34 models
Soryu (148):
Not to be left behind, Soryu came into 1968 with five new models,
each stamped with the new four digit model number
New Soryu Model 1201 (148.12010)
The new Soryu model 1203 (148.12030)
The new Soryu model 1204 (148.12040)
The new Soryu model 1300 (148.13000)
The new Soryu model 1302 (148.13020 148.13021 148.13022)
Maruzen (158):
Maruzen, however, must have been planning for this new four digit model code all along.
They entered 1968 with no less than 19 new models!
New Maruzen model 1200 (158.12000)
1202
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1202 (158.12020)
New Maruzen model 1301 (158.13011)
New Maruzen model 1500 (158.15000)
1501
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1501 (158.15010)
1600
(No Photo)
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1600 (158.16000 158.16001)
1650
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1650 (158.16500)
1651
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1651 (158.16510)
1652
(No Photo)
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1652 (158.16520)
1653
(No Photo)
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1653 (158.16530)
New model 1654 (158.16540)
1700
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1700 (158.17000)
New Maruzen model 1701 (158.17010 158.17011)
1749
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1749 (158.17490)
New model 1750 (158.17500 158.17501)
New Maruzen model 1751 (158.17510 158.17511)
New Maruzen model 1752 (158.17520)
1800
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1800 (158.18000)
1801
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1801 (158.18010 158.18011)
New model 1802 (158.18020 158.18021)
1969 Kenmore Sewing Machines
37 different models
Soryu (148):
In 1960 Soryu continued to offer the 1204 148.12040 the 1300 (148.13000)
and 1302 (148.13020 148.13021 148.13022) models and added the following:
New Soryu model 1100 (148.11000)
New Soryu model 1101 148.11010
New Soryu model 1206 148.12060
Maruzen (158):
Maruzen again offered the model 1200 (158.12000) 1301 (158.13010) 1500 (158.15000) 1650 (158.16500 158.16501) 1651 (158.16510) 1652 (158.16520) 1654 (158.16540) 1751 (158.17511) 1752 (158.17520) 1801 (158.18011) and 1802 (158.18021, 158.18022)
Maruzen also offered the following new for 1969:
New Maruzen model 1303 (158.13030 158.13031 158.13032 158.13033)
1304
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1304 (158.13040)
New Maruzen model 1400 (158.14000)
1503
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1503 (158.15030)
New Maruzen model 1601 (158.16010 158.16011)
1701
(No Photo)
(No Photo)
New Maruzen model 1701 (158.17010 158.17011)
New Maruzen model 1750 (158.17500 158.17501)
New Maruzen model 1753 (158.17530)
New Maruzen model 1754 (158.17540)
The number is typically stamped into an ID plate that has been riveted to the casting. I always use caution in rocking the machine back the couple of inches required to read this plate. Any loose hinge pin or damaged mounting can make this very challenging - if not dangerous. I always make sure I have unplugged the machine and inspected the pivot area of the cabinet or case for structural integrity and loose pins. If there is a locking tab or screw in the front, I'll unlock or unscrew it to allow tilting the machine back just far enough to read the number. The change in weight distribution when tilting an old all-metal machine can cause a portable to slide away and a cabinet to lean.
For example:
The very first model 35 Kenmore would be a 158.350.
It's been suggested that this .350 number indicates it's the first year for the model,
and that the machine would be in a cabinet.
The model 35 with the model number: 158.351
would also be a first year model, but sold as a portable.
The second year of production for that same model 35
would change the last three digits to 158.352 (the cabinet model) and 158.353 (the portable).
Since no one seems to know the truth behind the often confusing model numbers, this theory seems to fit for a few years. Where it gets confusing is that the model 35 predates the model 13. I don't think anyone will ever understand this mystic manner of Kenmore model numbering. If it's not confusing enough, between the two suppliers Soryu and Maruzen one of them may have made the model 13, while the other may have made the 14
and it could have been years apart...
I'm sure that in retrospect no one at Sears, Maruzen or Soryo had any idea that at the time that they
began something that would continue for well over a decade.
The story behind who made all of the Kenmore 15 clones
is as mysterious as the manufacturers of the odd Canadian machines.
Items we will try to cover later. =)
**Addendum: this list of models offered by Sears seems very incomplete. There is no mention of the model 52 or 88, so any information regarding missing models would be most welcome. This list also does not include the various machines sold to Canada under the Kenmore label that were not sold in the US.
Here's a Kenmore Manufacturer List and
perhaps the best updated list of JA/JC numbers currently available online:
http://www.doubleveil.net/zssmp/resources.htm#sears
There are several Kenmore groups online
I have not yet personally signed up and checked them out
Here are the addys:
io group
https://groups.io/g/VintageKenmoreSew
Yahoo groups
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/VintageKenmoresSew/info
and
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/OldKenmoreSewingMachines/info
This isn't the end all of Kenmore Sewing machine identification for the 1960's models,
but perhaps it's a start.
To find the model number on -most- Kenmore sewing machines of this era:
It is usually located just under the lip of the deck as the machine is facing you as if you were to sit and sew.The number is typically stamped into an ID plate that has been riveted to the casting. I always use caution in rocking the machine back the couple of inches required to read this plate. Any loose hinge pin or damaged mounting can make this very challenging - if not dangerous. I always make sure I have unplugged the machine and inspected the pivot area of the cabinet or case for structural integrity and loose pins. If there is a locking tab or screw in the front, I'll unlock or unscrew it to allow tilting the machine back just far enough to read the number. The change in weight distribution when tilting an old all-metal machine can cause a portable to slide away and a cabinet to lean.
What do those numbers mean?
There are theories as to why two seemingly identical machines have only slight differences in model numbers. Some say a single digit change between models indicates cabinet or portable, and I've also heard a theory of changing the last digit again because of a new model year.For example:
The very first model 35 Kenmore would be a 158.350.
It's been suggested that this .350 number indicates it's the first year for the model,
and that the machine would be in a cabinet.
The model 35 with the model number: 158.351
would also be a first year model, but sold as a portable.
The second year of production for that same model 35
would change the last three digits to 158.352 (the cabinet model) and 158.353 (the portable).
Since no one seems to know the truth behind the often confusing model numbers, this theory seems to fit for a few years. Where it gets confusing is that the model 35 predates the model 13. I don't think anyone will ever understand this mystic manner of Kenmore model numbering. If it's not confusing enough, between the two suppliers Soryu and Maruzen one of them may have made the model 13, while the other may have made the 14
and it could have been years apart...
I'm sure that in retrospect no one at Sears, Maruzen or Soryo had any idea that at the time that they
began something that would continue for well over a decade.
Notes and links:
*trying to sort out all of this information has been an absolute nightmare. I've made an attempt, but I'm sure it's full of errors. Please let me know if information is incorrect. To save on space, only one set of photos for any particular model are offered. Once 1960 is set, I included only photos for the new models. If there are omissions, they are not ones I made knowingly.The story behind who made all of the Kenmore 15 clones
is as mysterious as the manufacturers of the odd Canadian machines.
Items we will try to cover later. =)
**Addendum: this list of models offered by Sears seems very incomplete. There is no mention of the model 52 or 88, so any information regarding missing models would be most welcome. This list also does not include the various machines sold to Canada under the Kenmore label that were not sold in the US.
Here's a Kenmore Manufacturer List and
perhaps the best updated list of JA/JC numbers currently available online:
http://www.doubleveil.net/zssmp/resources.htm#sears
There are several Kenmore groups online
I have not yet personally signed up and checked them out
Here are the addys:
io group
https://groups.io/g/VintageKenmoreSew
Yahoo groups
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/VintageKenmoresSew/info
and
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/OldKenmoreSewingMachines/info
This isn't the end all of Kenmore Sewing machine identification for the 1960's models,
but perhaps it's a start.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI just found your wonderful and informative blog. Thank you for giving out so much useful info on the vintage Kenmores. I saw the picture of the 158.330 from 1966. Do know where one could get a manual for it?
ReplyDeleteSamiamfromNC
This is very interesting I hope you keep posting as you get updates on information.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see a 158.510 model 51. I have a portable one. Nothing with it though.
ReplyDeleteAre models 1755 and 1752 all metal?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for compiling these amazing listing. Finally found some information and a picture/year of my brute. 148-1300 couldn't find out anything about my "Bertha" She has to weigh almost 40 lbs and to think she was a portable in a case.. albeit the plastic handle had snapped in two but not a scratch on her and soo smooth? Thanks again
ReplyDeleteAdmiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!..
ReplyDeleteSewing Machines compared by expert
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ReplyDeletePretty nasty putting your ad on someone blog. Dude!!
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DeleteHopefully, all of that nightmarish shit that's going down in the Ukraine came special delivery; directed towards your sorry-@$$.
This wish also extends to others out there trying to grift far too trusting individuals for their own selfish gain; giving no thought to those who's lives y'all were/are responsible for destroying.
There is clearly no thought or remorse with you leaving your victims with nothing but regret...and little else due to your evil acts of planned malice!
This is no less life-altering than rape. Instead of violating a person's body, space and emotional well-being, you've violated them financially, emotionally and forced some into dire circumstances that they may well never be capable of escaping.
You did this and I'm betting laughed at their gullibility. You likely did so while you counted the loot you've siphoned out of their bank accounts.
The only thing that entered your mind on their behalf...the word "Sucker"!
I normally do not wish ill will on others, but for scum bucket douche nozzles like yourself, I will make an exception.
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You deserve nothing less than total devastation, and here is to hoping you live to enjoy that!
Top Rated Sewing Machines i never know the use of adobe shadow until i saw this post. thank you for this! this is very helpful.
ReplyDeleteI have a model 148-1240 and am having oodles of trouble finding a manual ir instructions on how to back/reverse stitch. I think its stuck in reverse. Hopelessly confused. Can you help please?
ReplyDelete*
I'm no expert, but do you have a 148.12040 instead of 148.1240. I got a manual from ebay and previously downloaded a free copy online but, sorry don't remember where - I found by google search. I wish to tip my hat to this site for much info. Also, like Beth Ann above, I have in my posession 2 158 machines, a 158.510 with extended table length below handwheel and a 158.510 with short or common length table.
ReplyDeleteI have a kenmore sewing machine mode 158.342 and cannot find a manual. Can someone give me some info
ReplyDeleteTry ebay or etsy. Be prepared to be ripped off
DeleteI'm in need of a belt any ideas as to were to look
ReplyDeleteI purchased a couple of belts for LK 89 and Tri-Span. Just would not kit, so ended up opting for the stretch belt. They worked. What I learned as a Model was upgraded the belt Aldo changed.
DeleteSears Parts direct, while they have few old parts available sometimes have manuals for free download. I was able to find one for my 148.12501 there. A much newer machine, but doesn't help to look...
ReplyDeleteI have a Kenmore 158.16530 that I am willing to provide pictures of. However I am no expert on this machine as I feel it is missing a bobbin case
ReplyDeleteI have a 158.471 model 47 kenmore. It's made in the U.S.A, apparently. Which is odd considering many other of these models were made in Japan. Confused.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your informative article. sewing thread
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info. I have my grandmother's old machine model number 158 430 and was trying to see how old it was.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting this together. It helped me find out the age and manufacturer for my 148.210.
ReplyDeleteHello, I have that same kenmore sewing machine. It's in a wood cabinet.
DeleteThanks for the info on the older Kenmore machines. If you ever decide to add the "385" series, I would be able to provide you with photos of many of them as I refurbish and re-sell them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I was able to figure out the year for my new to me machine 158.13040. I see that you have no photo for this model and I would be happy to provide one if you like
ReplyDeleteI have a Kenmore 158.19461. When was it made?
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame you suddenly stopped in 2019 with these posts. I'm hoping if you see this post that everything was/is alright in your world.
ReplyDeleteYou did an outstanding job at compiling that Kennie history, and I was so looking forward to the last great Kennie decade, the 1970's. Alas, there is none (that I've discovered so far).
I'm also not seeing any replies from you on this thread of postings from your readers; save for you removing a post (and clearly not seeing another scammer's post a few comments below). The only post you've interacted with on this particular thread of comments.
It's actually kind of sad, as you were starting to attract traffic, and if you had continued, you would have grown a pretty solid fan base. Your research was sound, your knowledge beyond reproach, and your subject matter...engaging! There are not enough people like yourself out there, doing what you have done...which is to fill in the gaps as well as present solid, well documented information in your Kenmore threads about the 1950s and 1960s.
Here is to hoping you just got tired of writing and vanished, and that everything in your world was and is as good as gold for you. Thank you for the effort.
I'm sad it ended so abruptly, but appreciate what you did give the world at large. It was awesome reading.