I have a White "rotary" sewing machine, with serial number 43-215003

A long time ago I found the following information somewhere on the internet and have preserved it here to allow you to share my confusion.

I am not a White sewing machine expert, and it has been a while since I have even used that machine.

The following White numbers were verified through the company.
You will note that there are irregularities in the stated sequences.
Neither we nor the company have any explanation for this.
Hopefully, you can use the list for a quick check on the age of your White.
If you call the Husqvarna/Viking/White company at 1 800 446-2333, they will date your machhine for you.

VS - the White VS was introduced in 1876.
Books credit it through the 1880's but White records show it continuing into the 1900's.
VS I has round tension on upper arm. VS II came out in the 1880's.
The tension was by means of a nut on the machine head, but had no dial.
VS III came out in the 1890's and had the tension dial, similar to the FR models.

1163248 this number is from the 1800's. White records start in 1900
1368882 1903
1759040 1915
1800124 1919

Family Rotary - The Family Rotary, or FR, came out in the 1890's, and in various models continued well into the 1930's. FR serial numbers were used on badge machines as well as those labeled "White".

FR 140336 pre-1900
FR 127544 1906 (Note: It has been reported that #s 105200 - 194000 are all 1906. This conflicts with the report on #140336, above, but such conflicts are common.)
FR 238519 1908
FR 256000 1909
FR 329999 1910
FR 233914 1914
FR 2294605 1913
FR 2230955 1913
FR 2339124 1914
3 FR 2339124 1914 - per White, the "3" in front of the FR has no significance as to date
FR 2567602 1917
FR 2636433 1917
FR 2611632 1917
FR 2637707 1917
FR 2793214 1918
FR 2865473 1920
FR 7155341 1921 FLORENCE ROTARY
FR 7156168 1921 FLORENCE ROTARY
FR 7157866 1921 FLORENCE ROTARY
FR 75156168 1921 DOMESTIC ROTARY
FR 29533555 1922
FR 3009969 1923
FR 3020193 1923
FR 3020912 1923


Cast In Decoration Variation
White offered some FR's with cast in decoration, rather than decals.
These were introduced in 1928 and were all electrics.
You can substitute an earlier FR handwheel and put them in a treadle.
Some were a lovely copper/bronze color, and some had a black krinkle finish.
I believe the bronze ones were earlier than the krinkle finish.
The bronze were offered in a beautiful cherry library table of quite good size.
The entire top lifted off to expose the machine, which was then tilted up for use.
It is one of the most beautiful of all sewing machine furniture pieces.
1X990 1929
31X18031 date