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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 52

Singer Model 52-5
MACHINE No. 52-5

5 NEEDLES AND 5 LOOPERS.

THE multiple-needle, single-thread, elastic chain-stitch machines of Class 52 arc especially devised to meet the demand for sewing mechanism capable of operation at the highest speed in order to perfectly perform the greatest quantity of stitching in the least time. These results are successfully attained in a simple, strong and compact machine having ample room under the arm, the greatest stability and freedom from vibration, containing the smallest number of wearing parts, operating in the most effective way and running easily and quietly.

These machines are now in successful operation for Cording Skirts, Tucking Muslin Underwear, Strip-stitching Corsets, etc.

The machines carry from three to twelve needles and a corresponding number of small oscillating loopers for making, at one operation, two or more parallel rows of fine, single-thread chain-stitching. The distance from the centre of needle-bar to the base of the arm is 6 1/2 inches. The distance between the needles is gauged as ordered. The greatest distance between the two outside needles is 2 1/2 inches; this space can be divided so that 12 needles can be used, making 11 spaces in this distance, or the space can be divided as desired for less needles, but the distance between every two needles cannot be less than one-eighth of an inch. Within these limits the needles can be gauged as ordered and a number of additional changes of width between the rows of stitching can be made by a removal of needles.

Underside mechanisme of a Singer Class 52 Sewing Machine

The illustration of mechanism beneath the bed of clearly the simple and effective means for oscillating the feed and regulating the length of stitch.

FOR TUCKING

The machines of Class 52 arc fitted with a special attachment for tucking that is entirely new in design and of the highest efficiency in its operation. Through its use a multiple number of tucks can be automatically formed and stitched at one operation, the device being arranged so conveniently that the operator can easily guide the work by a single mark or crease. In order to begin stitching, the operator has only to insert the fabric and lower the “crimper-foot" which forms the tucks in the fabric as it passes beneath this fout and then through guides that deliver the tucks in proper position to the needles.

The class 52 is ready for lace

READY FOR INSERTION OF LACE, ETC.

This device can be arranged so that it will make from two to four narrow tucks and one wide, or trimming tuck, for the insertion of lace, rallies, etc., as shown in the following illustration of this class of work, done on the 5 needle machine.

By removing the wide folder the device, as arranged for the 5 needle machine, can also be used for making four narrow tucks, either in clustered or solid tucking.

The wide folder can be replaced by a narrow one so that five narrow tucks can be made at one operation.

A continuous strip of any length can be tucked in the manner described or the work can be equally well done on short pieces, as the bottom of drawer legs, night-robe sleeves, yoke strips, etc., one piece following the other through the machine.

FOUR TUCKS AND LACE TRIMMING

It will readily be seen that the machines of this class are applicable to a great variety of work in all grades of goods used for women’s and children's underwear, etc.

The tucking is uniformly good in every fabric suitable for tucking and the tucks lay perfectly flat as they come from the machine, so that they are ready for market without pressing or ironing.

The following is lifted from John Langdon's Comprehensive Model List
 52- (class) Industrial Bed 14 1/2” long; 6 ½” space to right of needle. Multiple needles. Single thread chain stitch. Oscilating loopers. Drop feed. For rows of parallel stitching.

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 52W (class) Industrial Post bed (7" high); TWO needles and two belt driven rotary sewing hooks on vertical axes. Lock stitch. Drop feed. Link take-up. Foot lifter. Post is 7" high; top measures 1 7/8" by 3 1/2". Speed 2500 spm For stitching shoes and other articles of light and medium weight leather. -
 52WLST Industrial (Photos: Mike Anderson)  
 52-1 Industrial 52x7 (1604)
 52-2 Industrial Two needles, two hooks. Speed 2400. 52x1 (1601)
 52-3 Industrial Three needles, three hooks. Speed 2400. 52x1 (1601)
 52-4 Industrial Four needles, four hooks. Speed 2400. 52x1 (1601)
 52-5Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Five needles, five hooks. Speed 2400. 52x1 (1601)
 52W5 (Cancelled 04/1924) Industrial Singer suggested replacement: 52W1  
 52-6Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Six needles, six hooks. Speed 2400. 52x1 (1601)
 52W6 (Cancelled 05/30) Industrial Singer suggested replacement 52W20.  
 52-7 Industrial Seven needles, seven hooks. Speed 2400. 52x1 (1601)
 52W7 Industrial (Cancelled 08/48) Singer suggested replacement 52W22.  
 52-8 Industrial Eight needles, eight hooks, Speed 2400. 52x1 (1601)
 52-9 Industrial Nine needles, nine hooks, Speed 2000. 52x1 (1601)
 52-10 Industrial Ten needles, ten hooks, Speed 2000. 52x1 (1601)
 52W10 (Cancelled 07/38) Industrial Singer suggested replacement 52W20.  
 52-11 Industrial Eleven needles, eleven hook Speed 2000. 52x1 (1601)
 52W11 (Cancelled 07/38) Industrial Singer suggested replacement 52W19.  
 52-12Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Twelve needles, twelve hooks. Speed 2000. 52x1 (1601)
 52W12Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Post bed; two needles and two rotary hooks; lock stitch; max. speed 3000 spm For use in the manufacture of shirts, waists, corsets and other similar articles having tubular, concave or convex surfaces. 128x13
 52W13 (Cancelled 07/38) Industrial Post bed; two needles and two rotary hooks; lock stitch; max speed 2500 spm For overall and similar work. Singer suggested replacement 138W101. 128x13
 52-15Singer Comprehensive Model List   Industrial    
 52W15Singer Comprehensive Model List   Industrial For simultaneously stitching the edges and undertrimming the linings of shoe uppers and other leather work. Max. stitch length 8 to the inch. has horizontal undertrimmer. Ball bearing roller presser. Bed 16 3/4" long by 7" wide. Space at right of needle 8 5/8". Speed 2500. (12/49)  
 52W16Singer Comprehensive Model List (Cancelled 03/46) Industrial Post bed. High speed, drop feed, roller presser. For vamping, stitching in gores; back stays, etc. Singer suggested replacement 52W22. 128x4
 52W17 (Cancelled 03/46) Industrial Post bed. High speed, drop feed, roller presser. For vamping, glove stitching, etc. In gauges from 3/32" to 1/4". Singer suggested replacement 52W22. 128x4
 52W18 (Cancelled 07/38) Industrial Singer suggested replacement 52W19.  
 52W19Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Post bed; two needles and two belt driven rotary sewing hooks on vertical axes; lock stitch. Drop feed with guide to keep presser foot rigidly straight; with flat presser foot spring plus regular presser spring. Post is 7" high; top measures 1 7/8" by 3 1/2". Speed 2500 spm For staying shoes without changing their shape. 128x4
 52W21 Industrial Drop feed, ball bearing (no back) roller presser and short beak hook. It makes two lines of lock stitch. Speed 2500 spm For vamping and stitching on back stays, stitching in gores and for vamping operations in light and medium weight shoes and other stitching operations in leather. 128x4
 52W22 Industrial Drop feed, ball bearing (no back) roller presser and long beak hook. Speed 2500 spm For medium and heavy leather. 128x4
 52W30 (Cancelled 05/46) Industrial Singer suggested replacement 52W31.  
 52W31 Industrial For shirts, underwear, house dresses, corsets etc. Max stitch length 8 to the inch. Two needle, post bed. Feed cannot overthrow. Speed 3500. (12/49)  
 52-52 Industrial Two needles, two loopers.Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (In catalog 03/1950)  
 52-53 Industrial Three needles, Three loopers. Length of stitch: 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (In catalog 03/1950)  
 52-54 Industrial Four needles; Four loopers. Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000.  
 52-55Singer Comprehensive Model List Industrial Five needles; five loopers. Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-56 Industrial Six needles; six loopers. Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-57 Industrial Seven needles; seven loopers. Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-58 Industrial Eight needles; eight loopers. Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-59 Industrial Nine needles; nine loopers. Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-60 Industrial Ten needles; ten loopers. Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-62 Industrial Twelve needles; twelve loopers. Length of stitch = 6 to 18 spi. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-66Singer Comprehensive Model List (Cancelled 01/1954) Industrial For folding buttonhole facings and linings and stitching to knit undershirts. Four needles; four loopers. Stitch length 6 to 18 to the inch. Upper and under folders and tape reels. Folders can be thrown out of use. Foot lifter. Speed 2400. (03/1950)  
 52-67 (Cancelled 01/1954) Industrial For closing and taping heel seams of shoe linings. Three needles and three loopers. Adjustable lap seam guide. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-73   Industrial Three needles; three loopers. Makes three tucks. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-74   Industrial Four needles; four loopers. Makes four tucks. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-75Singer Comprehensive Model List   Industrial Five needles; five loopers. Makes five tucks. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-76   Industrial Six needles; six loopers. Makes six tucks. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-77   Industrial Seven needles; seven loopers. Makes seven tucks. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-78   Industrial Eight needles; eight loopers. Makes eight tucks. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-79   Industrial Nine needles; nine loopers. Makes nine tucks. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52-80   Industrial Ten needles; ten loopers. Makes ten tucks. Speed 3000. (03/1950)  
 52W100 (Cancelled 08/48) Industrial Singer suggested replacement 138W102