This is a 1902 or 1903 Singer 48K2 on loan from a private collection. It was made in Great Britain (Kilbowie Scotland), for the Chinese market, but for some reason never left the U.K.. It sports Ottoman Carnation decals, along with a bed decal unique to the Singer machines bound for China.

The Singer 48 is much like the model 13, but with more space below the arm of the machine.

The gallery above gives a better look at the decals. My understanding is that the characters in the middle of the bed roughly translate to “Good fortune, and longevity”.

Carry Case

This machine arrived in a beautiful Bentwood carry case.
Note: Never lift a Bentwood carry case with the machine inside it, the handles have a tendency to tear free, ruining the case and sending the machine crashing to the floor.

Detailed view

I didn’t have this machine for long, so that’s it for now. I will see if I can get it back in the shop to add more detailed information and photos.

Suggested Reading

• Singer 48k – By Alex I Askaroff
  • https://sewalot.com/singer_48k.htm
• Singer 48K Transverse Shuttle Sewing Machine
  • https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/48
• ISMACS Singer 48K ‘Oddities’
  • https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/decals/domestics/48k_odd.html

Specifications

Brand	Singer
Model	48K2
Made In	Great Britain, Kilbowie, Scotland
Years Produced	1900 – 1913 (I’m not sure about this)
Bobbin Case	Boat type shuttle – More than one size over the course of production Shuttle #92879 and Shuttle #92879
Bobbin	Singer 28/128 VS long bobbins
Needle System	15×1
Construction	All metal
Construction Drivetrain	All metal

Would you like to know more?

• Wikipedia – Singer Corporation
• Facebook Group – Vintage Sewing Machines