Kenmore 117.812 Rotary
The 1948 Kenmore 117.812 Rotary was offered in the Sears Catalog for $109.95 around 1948.
Unmarked portable
The 117.812 Rotary is one of those unmarked Kenmore, cast magnesium, portable sewing machines. If you’re familiar with the rotary machines manufactured by the White Sewing Machine Company at around that time, you’ll know that they’re typically marked with an “MG” after the model number. They, for some unknown reason, didn’t mark the machine made for Kenmore in the same way. In fact, if you have a portable and a standard machine sitting next to each other, you can only tell them apart by using a magnet, of by picking them up to feel their weight.
Missing stitch length limit screw
When I purchased my 117.812, the limit screw that lets you set the maximum length for both forward and reverse was missing. Though they aren’t exactly the same I used parts from a 117.552 as replacements and they worked out quite well. This also gives you a chance to see what’s under the stitch length regulator plate.
Power and motor controller
This machine came with a funky foot controller and the standard three blade white plug connector. I’ve done my testing with a controller from a different machine since I clearly need to rewire this one.
Portable carry case and case bottom
The carry case is functional, but I’d still recommend only carrying it from the bottom since it’s more than 75 years old at this point. You can see the wooden base in the photos at the top of the article.
Specifications
| Brand | Kenmore |
| Model | 117.812 Rotary |
| Manufactured By | The White Sewing Machine Company |
| Made In | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. |
| Years Produced | 1948 |
| Hook Type | Rotary |
| Bobbin | White Rotary Bobbin – Part No: 744 |
| Bobbin Case | White Rotary Wishbone Style – Part No: 836 |
| Needle System | 15×1 |
| Foot Type | Top clamp |
| Construction | Cast magnesium |
| Construction Drivetrain | All metal |
| Belt | Friction drive |
