My latest restoration project is “Ruby,” a Singer 99K model from 1927, serial number Y4432093.
I was so impatient to start working on her that I forgot to take any “Before” photos. So here she is, just being beautiful in the “After” stage. 
Ruby came to me in a sadly neglected state. She was very grimy and sticky, the chrome on the bobbin plate and needle plate was badly pitted, and the lid to the accessories compartment was completely rusted out. I believe she probably started her life as a hand-crank machine but later was fitted with an electric motor. The electrical plug end was the old type that fits into a light socket where a bulb normally goes. The flex cord was very frayed and twisted, and I didn’t want to risk a shock, so I removed all the old electrical bits and disposed of them.
In my treasure chest of sewing machine parts, I just happened to have a hand-crank mechanism of the right style and size to fit this machine, so I installed that. I found a replacement accessories compartment lid on eBay, and I used sewing machine oil and a cheap emery board from the grocery store to sand out the pits in the chrome. I took the tension assembly apart and cleaned that, and gave the whole machine a good cleaning and oiling inside and out.
Finally I polished all the enameled surfaces with a non-abrasive auto polish that is recommended for use on Aston Martin and Jaguar cars. I figured, if it’s safe enough for fine motor cars, it ought to be safe for my little sewing machine — but I did test it first on the underside, just to be sure!
This is Ruby’s bentwood case. I was also able to locate a square-ended key to fit the lock, so now she can be stored and moved safely in her case.
Inside the accessories compartment was this large assortment of attachments and feet, including the requisite lethal-looking razor blade! Every vintage machine I’ve ever bought has had a razor blade like that with it. It’s what people used before seam-ripper tools were invented, although my mother always used fine embroidery scissors, and so do I.
With stitch length adjusted and tension fine-tuned, she is now sewing perfectly. I think Ruby’s a keeper!
Happy Quilting!
what number sewing machine is that? I mean how many do you have??
“Too many,” says my husband! I’m not sure, actually. Some have gone out this year, others have come in. I’ll have to count them when I get a minute. Thanks for visiting and for your comment. Take care.
I think Ruby is a happy lady now that you have her cleaned up and sewing again. Great job!
Thanks, Cheryl. I am amazed at how easy it is to sew on this machine, and her bobbin winder works perfectly!
Ruby looks just lovely! I have a 99K handcrank myself and I love her smooth, smooth stitching. I hope you enjoy her!
Thank you, Angie! I’m glad you are having fun with your 99K, too. I really enjoyed looking around your blog. You have done some beautiful work — I love your Rainbow Challenge quilt!
Take care.
Good evening Rosewillow :0)
I love your Ruby ….. I have been wanting to buy a 99K for ages, and almost did on ebay, but haven’t yet. Could you tell me though …. I am only used to an electric where I have TWO hands free, is it easy to get used to turning with one hand and steering with the other?
I can see that YOU don’t have a problem, your crossed canoe block is amazing, but just how hard is it to get used to?
Thanks for taking the time to let me know …. you are part of my blog roll so I will pop back to see your reply.
best wishes, Val xx
Hi Val, thanks for visiting and for your lovely kind words!
It hasn’t been difficult for me to work out the “one hand steering, one hand driving” on the hand-crank, but I have had to retrain my brain about the foot pedal — or lack thereof! I keep tapping around on the floor, trying to find the foot pedal and then realising there isn’t one! I hope you find a wonderful 99K for yourself soon. They really are nice to work with! Take care. 
My gosh, where did you learn that, I’m so impressed. I have a sewing machine like Ruby that’s in bad shape. You’ve inspired me to fix her up. I post a pic on my blog soon.
It’s not difficult at all! I got most of my instructions and information from the Treadle On website. Captain Dick, the group leader, is so generous about sharing information, and there are many clever and knowledgeable people on the list who like to help anyone who needs help. ISMACS also has restoration information, and other things I have just picked up by reading everything I can find about vintage sewing machines. I’m just a little bit obsessed with them!
Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment! 
I found this link today and thought of you! It’s really good and has lots of pictures!