White Model 77
Last Update: 2025.01.15
The White 77 is probably one of the best known rotary hook machines produced by the White Sewing Machine Company. It’s known for it’s rugged dependability and beautiful stitch quality.
The body of the model 77 is cast iron, and the 77MG is the more portable cast magnesium version.
Buying one today
Like any vintage sewing machine, you need to carefully examine the wiring before you even think about plugging it in. It’s very common to find that the control and power wires have to be replaced. The control and power cords aren’t too difficult to rewire, although they may require some soldering depending on the plug. Some plugs use screw terminals and others are soldered in. You can also simply purchase new control and power cords from a sewing machine parts house.
You’ll also probably need the friction wheel that transfers rotational movement from the motor to the balance wheel. After you replace the friction wheel, place a shim between the motor and the machine to keep the wheel from touching the handwheel while not in use, otherwise you’ll have a flat spot that’ll go thump thump thump as you sew.
Rotary bobbin cases and bobbins
The bobbins for the White 77 and the Kenmore 117 series rotary machines are interchangeable, but the White 77 uses the new style bobbin case (Part# 69727), while the Kenmore 117 series rotary machines use the old style (Part No: 836). The Free Westinghouse Type E Rotary bobbin case and bobbin in the photo above won’t fit the White 77 or the Kenmore 117 series rotary machines, it’s just there for reference.
White Model 77MG
I’ve had my eye out for the portable, cast magnesium, White 77MG for a while, and yesterday one popped up on Marketplace. About 80% of the finish on the bed is gone, and it only has the back half of a hinged presser foot on it. I think this one is going to be a long term project, and possibly my first strip and paint machine.
If you’re wondering what happened to the finish, I don’t have an answer. The cast magnesium machines tend to have a more fragile finish, so it may have not been prepped correctly, something spilled on it, or maybe someone cleaned it with something that reacted with the metal. Thankfully the bed isn’t pitted or eroded, it’s just missing paint.
Specifications
| Brand | White Sewing Machine Company |
| Model | 77 |
| Manufactured | 1946-1953 |
| Machine Body | All Metal |
| Drivetrain & Gears | All Metal |
| Color | Black Crinkle Finish |
| Feed Dog Drop | No |
| Motor Mount | External, Friction/Traction Drive |
| Foot Type | Top Clamp |
| Hook Type | Rotary |
| Bobbin Type | White Rotary – Part# 744 |
| Bobbin Case | New Style Rotary – Part# 69727 |
| Belt | NA, Friction/Traction Wheel |
