Lot 186313: Singer Model 1280 Portable Mechanical Sewing Machine with Case, c. 1982

Auction

Estate Auction: Multiple-Estate Liquidation Roseville, CA (191)

Lot Number

186313

Status

Sold

Hammer / Price

Sign in to view realized price

Opening Bid

$5.00

Accepted Bids

37

Closed

3/19/26 7:19 PM PT

Description

A Singer Model 1280 portable mechanical sewing machine, circa 1982, housed in a hard-shell plastic carrying case. The Singer Corporation, founded in 1851 by Isaac Merritt Singer and Edward Clark in New York, became the first internationally dominant sewing machine manufacturer; by the early 1980s, the company had transitioned production from heavy cast-iron construction to lightweight, plastic-bodied domestic machines, closing its historic Kilbowie, Scotland factory in 1980 and Elizabethport, New Jersey plant in 1982 in favor of facilities in Taiwan and Brazil. The Model 1280 belongs to Singer's 1200-series family of beginner-oriented machines and features a free-arm design for sewing cylindrical items, a color-coded stitch selection system offering straight, zigzag, blind hem, and multi-step zigzag stitches, adjustable stitch length and width controls, a horizontal thread spool pin intended to improve thread delivery for synthetic fibers, and a 4-step automatic buttonhole function. The bobbin system is likely a top-loading drop-in configuration, consistent with the 1200-series design, though this has not been confirmed from direct inspection. The cream and off-white molded plastic body sits on a base tray with a black control panel. Accompanied by an original instruction manual, Schmetz Universal needles, bobbins, scissors, and a glue stick. The carrying case bears the handwritten word "FRONT" in black marker on the bottom edge. Dimensions: 10 in. deep x 19 in. wide x 16 in. high. Condition consistent with use; minor surface dust, no significant structural damage noted; internal mechanical condition not verified.