This machine was found sitting on a blanket in the last aisle of an outdoor flea market in Mashpee, MA, on Cape Cod, on my birthday in 1996. It's a portable, with a wooden case and base, knee lever, the complete box of attachments and original manual. Price: $50. Purrs like a kitten. Only sews a straight stitch (no reverse, even). What is not visible in the picture above is the beautiful gold embellishment around the Singer name and on the base. From what I've read about machine condition, mine is about a 7.5. In great shape, but a few tiny chips in the enamel. The laminated wood on the base is damaged, too...probably was stored in a wet basement. But it's only a cosmetic problem.

I use this to piece and quilt my quilting projects. Here's what I've done so far.

I contacted Singer (you can call 800-877-7762 for Singer Customer Service to do the same) and was told that, based on my serial number, my machine was manufactured June 26, 1928, in Elizabeth, NJ. I would love to find out how it got from NJ to MA, but I guess I'll never know. I have since learned that the $50 I paid for it is approximately $20 less than what it would have cost in 1928. Unbelievable.

The most amazing thing about this machine is actually the company that stands behind it. Though it's almost 70 years old, all parts are still available for it! That includes the bayonet-style lightbulb, proper lubricants and oils, bobbins, needles, feed dog cover plates, feet and just about everything else. I can't think of another mechanical product that has been so well supported by its parent company. Thank you, Singer! (no relation, by the way...)

Recently, I took the machine into my local Singer repair shop, and for $60, now it REALLY purrs. The hook timing was off and it needed a real good cleaning. Now it runs even better. Worth every penny.

My wish list:

• a featherweight (found!)
• a Singer late-model treadle (found! pictures to come...Alan has one!).
• an Elna #1 (aka Grasshopper) -- found!

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