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International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society

The purpose of the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society is to foster the collecting of, and research into, sewing machines.

Class 17.

Singer Model 17-1 Sewing Machine
MACHINE No. 17-1

ON STAND WITH WALNUT TABLE.

THE machines of Class 17 have balance wheel at right of operator; the oscillating shuttle mechanism is inclosed at the extreme outer end of a cylindrical bed 21 inches in diameter and 16 1/2 inches in length, the clear space from needle to base of arm being 10 1/2 inches.They may be used either as flat-bed or as cylinder-bed machines, being fitted with an adjustable cloth-plate for such classes of work as make its use desirable.

These machines are adapted for sewing either leather or textiles and for operation by either foot or mechanical power.

There are sixteen varieties in this class, described as follows:

Machine No. 71-1 has drop-feed across arm at left of needle and is used in Shoe manufacture for stitching the quarter over the vamp; in other leather work it is used in the manufacture of Pocketbooks, Portfolios, Hand-bags, etc.

Machine No. 17-2 has drop-feed across arm at right of needle and is used for closing the seams of Shot or other bags after they are filled, sewing buckram on Jean Pants, Pocketbook manufacture, etc.

Machine No. 17-3 is for leather only and has wheel-feed at right of needle and a roller-presser; it is used in Shoe manufacture for stitching the vamp over the quarter.

Singer Model 17-4 Sewing Machine
MACHINE NO. 17-4

FOR CYLINDER BOXES

Machine No. 17-4, illustrated above, for stitching in the ends of Cylindrical Leather Boxes, for Collars, Cuffs, etc., has wheel-feed at right of needle and is provided with an adjustable work-holding attachment.

Machine No. 17-6 has drop-feed up the arm for the convenient stitching of long tubular or cylindrical articles such as Shirt Sleeves, etc. Machine No. 17-10 is precisely similar to No. 17-6 excepting that the feed is reversible, which enables tying the end or any other part of the seam. Machine No. 11-1, drop-feed across the arm, has 2 needles and 2 shuttles for making two exactly parallel rows of stitching at one operation; the gauge or distance between the rows is made as ordered and may be from 1/16 to 3/4 of an inch, as desired. This machine is used in Shirt manufacture, for sewing strips on Ladies' Shirt Waists and for similar two row stitching where the use of a right hand cylinder-bed is desirable.

Machine No. 17-8, drop-feed across arm, and Machine No. 17-9, wheel. feed across arm, are provided with the Alternating Presser. This device comprises two pressers, acting separately and alternately; the first moves forward with the feed, is then lifted and returned to its position; the other holds the material down while the first rises and until it descends upon the fabric, but is raised while the material is carried by the feed. Each presser, while resting upon the work, forms a fulcrum upon which the other is raised, consequently the height of their movement always corresponds to the thickness of the material, thus allowing the free passage of material which varies in thickness, without affecting the integrity of the stitch.

By the use of this device, two or more pieces of material are moved with perfect uniformity so that their edges are even at the completion of the stitching. These machines are used for binding slippers and for similar work requiring short. turns and binding into angles.

Machine No. 17-11, for leather stitching, has drop-feed across the arm and is provided with an adjustable attachment for neatly trimming the edge of the work; by setting out the knife, the line of its eut can be adjusted from 1/64 to 5/64 of an inch, as desired. The machines shown in the following illustrations are of the highest efficiency in the manufacture of Felt Shoes, Horse Boots, Musical Instrument Cases, Gun Cases and similar articles of irregular shape requiring very strong stitching.

Singer Model 17-5 Sewing Machine
MACHINE No. 17-5

DROP FEED

Singer Model 17-12 Sewing Machine
MACHINE NO. 17-12

UPPER FEED.

Machine No. 17.5 has the usual form of drop-feed for leather; machine No. 17-12 has no under-feed, the movement of the material being effected by a special device, used in place of the ordinary presser-foot, which acts on the top surface and sets up the stitch, giving it a very superior finish and leaving the leather without mark on either side.

The work-supporting arm of these machines measures ?2 1/4 inches at its outer end and has 10 1/2 inches clear space from needle to inner end. The sewing mechanism is close to outer end, thus enabling the operator to stitch closely to edge of work.

The slight contact of the fabric with either the raised throat plate or the presser-foot enables the operator to work with facility into the centers or about the edges of concave or convex surfaces; the cylinder-bed is cut down below the line of the throat-plate so that work of irregular form can be readily passed over it.

Singer Model 17-13 Sewing Machine
MACHINE No. 17-13

FOR CLOTH STITCHING

Machine No. 17-13, illustrated above, is for stitching Cotton and Linen goods; it has left-hand feed for carrying the material up the arm, and the hem- mer is arranged for convenience of the operator in handling the work from left to right.

On Machine No. 17-14 the feed is arranged to carry the material off the arm and the position of the hemmer is reversed, each machine being most conveniently arranged for the different methods of operation. These machines are especially adapted for and extensively used in Shirt manufacture and the manufacture of Women's Undergarments; they are suitable for stitching all textile articles of a form rendering the use of a cylindrical bed desirable.

BOBBIN WINDING.

For use in winding bobbins, the balance wheel is fitted as ordered to run either tight or loose on shaft. There are two different forms of bobbin winders used with the tight balance wheel (Parts No. 5521 and No. 5523). For winding bobbins with loose balance wheel, which runs without operating machine, there are also two different forms of winder (Parts No. 5525 and No. 5527).

Singer Model 17-16 Sewing Machine
MACHINE No. 17-16

FOR LEATHER STITCHING.

Machines No. 17-15 and No. 17-16 are for stitching leather and are especially useful for the manufacture of Pocketbooks, Portfolios, Belts, Hand-bags and similar articles requiring the strong, fine stitching of short seams.

These machines afford the greatest convenience for this class of work; the drop-feed is close to the outer edge of the raised throat-plate, which forms a flat. bed of most convenient size for handling the work, and a roller-presser and a roller-guide enable the utmost facility in the passage of the fabric.

Machine No. 17-16, illustrated above, has a very effective device, conveniently located under the overhanging arm, for reversing the feed and adjusting the length of stitch. By means of this combination perfect uniformity of stitch is obtained, whether feeding forward or back; the reverse feed enables tying a seam at any point desired.

The following is lifted from John Langdon's Comprehensive Model List
 17 (class)Singer Comprehensive Model List 1905-39 Industrial Long beak shuttle and cylinder bed. For shoes and a large variety of articles made of leather, which are irregularly shaped, such as horse boots, saddles, suit cases, fine leather bags, portfolios, pocket books, music rolls, trusses, etc. 16x2 (2083)
 17-1Singer Comprehensive Model List   Industrial Drop feed across the cylinder to left of needle. Roller presser (optional). 1200 stitches per minute. For sewing shoes, belts, music rolls, footballs. (in catalog 01/1954) 16x2
 17W1 (Cancelled 12/1949) Industrial (As 17-1 but feed at right of needle) Drop feed. Bed 17 3/4" long. 10 7/8" space to right of needle. Transverse rotary, long beak bobbin. For foot or mechanical power. Speed 1500. For overseaming and zigzag stitching in medium weight fabrics and light leather. Singer suggested replacements 107W, 143-3. or 32-. 128x3 (3303)
 17-2   Industrial Drop feed across the cylinder to RIGHT of needle otherwise same as 17-1. Speed 1200 s.p.m. Roller presser (optional). For sewing shoes, filled shot bags, etc. (01/1954) 16x2
 17W2 (Cancelled 12/1949) Industrial For overseaming and zigzag stitching. Singer suggested replacements 107W3 or 32-. 130x19
 17-3 Industrial Wheel feed across the cylinder to right of needle. Roller presser. For shoe work 16x2
 17-4 Industrial Wheel feed at right of needle. Exclusively for stitching in ends of cylindrical boxes. 16x64
 17-5Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Drop feed across the cylinder on both sides of the needle. Stitching mechanism at extreme outer end of the cylinder bed for stitching close to the edge of the work. Max 800 RPM. For stitching felt shoes, horse boots, musical instrument cases, gun cases, etc. 16x64
 17W5 (Cancelled 07/1933) Industrial For closing heel seams in shoes. Singer suggested replacements 107W2. 128x6
 17-6 Industrial Drop feed up the arm. For stitching tubular articles in cloth or leather. 16x1 or 16x2
 17-7 Industrial 2 needles and 2 shuttles. Drop feed across the cylinder. Max. 1200 RPM. For two-line stitching in irregularly shaped articles made of cloth or leather. 16x1 or 16x2; 16x21 or 16x22
 17-8Singer Comprehensive Model List (In catalogue Jan 1954) Industrial Drop feed across the cylinder and alternating pressers. Long beak, high point shuttle. Max. 1200 RPM. Bed 16 1/2", 2 1/2" diam. at end. For general work in cloth or leather and binding sandals, slippers, shoe tongues, etc. (01/1954) 16x1 or 16x2
 17-9 Industrial Wheel feed; alternating pressers. One Needle. 5/16" needle throw. For hemming window shades. Cloth or leather. 16x1 or 16x2
 17W9 (Cancelled 07/1933)   Singer suggested replacements 107W5.  
 17-10 Industrial Drop feed up the arm. One Needle. Alternating pressers. 1/4" needle throw for overseaming, joining carpets, glove making, etc. Speed 1200. For stitching tubular articles in cloth or leather. 16x1 or 16x2
 17W10 (Cancelled 07/1938)      
 17-11 Industrial Drop feed across the cylinder; roller presser. Adjustable vertical edge trimmer. Max. 1000 RPM. One Needle; high arm, 1/4" needle throw, for heavy work; leather mittens, razor strops, music rolls, etc. 16x2 or 16x22
 17W11 (Cancelled 07/1938)      
 17-12Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial NO UNDER FEED. 'Superior' upper feed instead. Different 'feet' for different stitch lengths. One needle for Embroidery work on pillow cases and other light material, such as chiffon, nun's veiling, etc. Speed 1200. Also for stitching horse boots, gun cases, etc. 16x64
 17W12 (Cancelled 07/1938)      
 17-13     Drop feed UP the arm. With feller. For cotton and linen goods. Max speed 1200.  
 17W13 (Cancelled 12/1949)      
 17-14     Drop feed OFF the arm. With feller. For cotton and linen goods. Max speed 1200.  
 17W14Singer Comprehensive Model List (Cancelled 07/1938)   For ropes from 1/8" to 1/4" diameter. Bed 17 3/4" long with 10 7/8" space at right of needle. Singer suggested replacement 17W15.  
 17-15 Industrial Drop feed across the cylinder and roller presser. For the manufacture of portfolios, pocketbooks and other leather articles which cannot be stitched on a flat bed. Max. 1200 RPM. (10/52) 16x1 or 16x2
 17W15Singer Comprehensive Model List   For tacking the ends of rope and electric lamp cord in sizes 1/8" - 1/4" and stitching rope onto grain bags, etc. Makes two stitch tack; length of tack is contriolled by the operator. Speed <1000.  
 17-16Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial As 17-15 but with reversible drop feed across the arm. Roller presser. For portfolios and pocketbooks. 16x1 or 16x2
 17-17 Industrial Drop feed across the arm. 1 5/8" extension to bed at left of needle. For making caps. 16x1 or 16x2
 17-18 Industrial Drop feed; special throat plate and feed. For helmet work. 16x64
 17-19 Industrial Drop feed across the cylinder at right of the needle and roller presser. Max. 1000 RPM. For stitching leather sweat bands into straw hats and close to a shoulder or in corners - valises, suit cases, etc. 16x1 or 16x2
 17-20 Industrial Drop feed; alternating pressers; For horse boots, etc. in leather. 16x64
 17-21Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Two shuttles; drop feed across the arm; alternating pressers. Cloth or leather. 16x45 or 16x46; 16x51 or 16x52
 17-22Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Drop feed across the arm at right of needle; roller presser; For leather. C.B. shuttle; narrow cylinder bed (1 7/8"). For Leather. (Download manual) 16x74
 17-23   Industrial As 17-22 but with drop feed at left of needle. For leather. Max stitch length 6 1/3 to the inch. CB shuttle. (Photos: Mike Anderson) (01/1954) (Download manual) 16x74
 17-24 Industrial NO UNDER FEED - "special" device in place of presser foot provides upper feed instead. 'Set' stitch - different 'feet' for different stitch lengths. For fine leather bags, bicycle saddles, suitcases, etc. 16x64
 17-25 Industrial C.B. cylinder bed 1 7/8" diameter. Drop feed across the arm; alternating pressers. For cloth or leather. 16x74 or 16x87
 17-26 Industrial C.B. with removable work plate. Presser rises automatically after each stitch. NO FEEDING MECHANISM. For darning stockings, table linen etc. 16x1
 17-27 Industrial Horizontal undertrimmer; cylinder bed 2 7/16" diameter. Drop feed across the arm. Roller presser. Speed 1600. For pumps, eyelet ties, blucher Oxfords, etc. 16x99
 17-28Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial C.B. shuttle. Narrow cylinder (1 7/8"). NO FEEDING MECHANISM. Presser rises automatically after each stitch. For darning - stockings, linen, etc. 16x229
 17-29 Industrial Drop feed across the arm; roller presser; Horizontal under-trimmer. Cylinder bed 2 7/16" dia. For pumps, eyelet ties, Blucher oxfords. 16x46
 17-30Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Reversible drop feed across cylinder. HAS REVERSE. Narrow presser foot for handbag gussets, etc. (01/1954) 16x2
 17-31 Industrial NO FEEDING MECHANISM. 1800 RPM. For darning table linen. 16x229
 17-32 Industrial Drop feed, roller presser. Max. 1800 RPM. For stitching edges and under-trimming linings of pumps, eyelet ties, blucher Oxford shoes, etc., and other leather articles in one operation. 16x46
 17-33Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Single needle, central bobbin, oscillating shuttle, lock stitch, Cylinder bed is 1 7/8 inches in diameter at face-plate-end x 16-1/2 inches long  For darning socks, stockings, table linens, towels, knit underwear, etc. NO feeding mechanism. (01/1954) 16x229
 17-41 Industrial Drop feed across the arm and roller presser; max stitch length 5 1/3 to the inch. HAS REVERSE. For sewing portfolios, pocket books, etc. 1200 s.p.m. (01/1954) 16x2 (2083)
 17-42 Industrial Single needle; cylinder bed. Max stitch length 4.2mm. 16x2 (2083)
 17U242      
 17H508Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial