This is an 1885, fiddle base, Singer IF, or Improved Family, on loan from a private collection. The Singer IF was the predecessor to the Singer model 15.

Long beak shuttle

The Singer IF uses a long beak shuttle and class 68 bobbin. It’s quite difficult to change bobbins in this machine, so the design was updated to the more conventional class 15 bobbin and “11 o’clock” bobbin case in all of the later model 15 machines. 

Disassembly

I was planning on cleaning this machine with all of it’s major parts in place but it’s just impossible to reach everything so I’ve removed everything except the needle bar connecting rod, main and hook shafts.

Cleaned parts

Back cover removed

The Singer IF back cover can be removed so you can see the internal parts in action.

I had to modify the bottom of the check spring to make it work with the old style split post, but this old Improved Family is up and running again.

Specifications

Brand	Singer
Model	Improved Family
Made In	United States
Years Produced	1879 -1895
Hook Type	Oscillating
Bobbin	Class 68 bobbin
Bobbin Case	Long beak shuttle
Needle System	15×1
Foot Type	Low shank
Construction	All metal