You are correct on the date of 1938 for that model number. If it works I would say that is a good buy, but what shape is it in? Lots of rust? Bent, broken or missing parts? A good cleaning, oiling, and perhaps replacement of the cord may be all that is needed. You can search the web site below for pics of old machines. There is also a forum where you can ask questions about this machine. The people there are nice too! Here is a link that might be useful: Needlebar.org

Does this (link at bottom) look like your machine? This website: http://www.sewusa.com/ has lots of great free info, and also sells manuals. They have posted dozens of threading diagrams for different model machines for free on this Threading Diagrams web page: http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Threading_Diagrams.htm I found the link (below) for the Kenmore 12 there. If the link below is not for your machine, you might find the threading instructions you need on their Sewing Machine Threading Diagrams web page. HTH, CMC Here is a link that might be useful: Threading Kenmore 12

I found this review of a very similar machine--also a 158, but the specific model number is a little different, so it might be a tad newer than yours: http://www.sewinginsight.com/other-brands/kenmore-158-1340-review/ That's what my Kenmore looks like! And I purchased mine in the mid- to early 1980s. But mine doesn't have the external buttonhole maker that's shown on that review. It does, however, make excellent rectangular buttonholes with a relatively easy setup. Every time I make a buttonhole, I think "why am I always so intimidated by this? It's a snap! Make a trial on a scrap, and off you go!" My machine is a workhorse. Still going strong, and does everything I need it to. (I do, however, turn my foot pedal around so that I can rest my heel on the hinge instead of on the floor.) I did sew this weekend on a newer Brother machine, and it had a much smoother operation. But I still really like my Kenmore. (I'm going to have to look and see what my model number is, exactly.)

I know Anele, I could hardly believe it when I saw the sticker! I grabbed that baby without hesitation. If you've sewn clothes in your teens sewing curtains will be a snap. It's all straight lines! Well until you get into the Pate Meadows patterns. I realize from working in fabric stores that most have trouble measuring and deciding how much fabric they need. I'd do the figuring in my head while my customers were reading the pattern. Which you don't need unless you are doing something like PM patterns. Panels, tiers and valances are a breeze. If you need help start a thread with pictures and measurements and possibly an inspiration picture if you're not making just one fabric panels. Which reminds me. I have slacks to hem for my hubby today! He needs them tomorrow. He was one, out of three picked, from of all the umpires in the state to do an allstar game and will be honored before the game. He bought all new uniforms so he'd look his best. Not that he always doesn't. He still has that military ideal of looking his best. You'd think this was his main job. He's a programmer analist for the University NE Med Cntr hospital during the day. He started umpiring for exercise when he got tired of playing softball.