I notice as I look around at the featherweights that some have the 221 plate below the gold medalion seal and some do not. I was just wondering why?

I've wondered also, mine has the 221-1 plate on the front.

Perhaps its a question of age.

I believe the gold medallion was only issued on the centennial model in 1951. I would love to have one since that's my birth year.

The 1951, Centennial badge has a blue outer ring with "1851-1951 A Century of Sewing Service" in gold letters.

Needlebar has a picture library of the special Singer badges, I just can't seem to find the link just now.

wow, that is cool, hope we can find the link

Only Featherweights made in later years had 221 on them. My 1957 model has it but my 1953 model does not. I think the switch happened after 1956.