What is the difference in these two machines? I know that the 500 is sought after, but separates it from the 503? I'm asking because there is one (503) for sale in my area and looks pristine and so does the cabinet. Thanks!

I think there are only slight variations between them. It is basically the same model or series (the 500 series).

Here is a website that talks about the 500 and 503. http://www.newenglandsimpleliving.co...r503aslant.htm. How much are they asking for it? If not out of your budget, then I would probably get it.

I have the 503.

After looking at the picture, I'm pretty sure that's a Rocketeer -- a very desirable collectible machine, and still easy to get parts for.

They are pretty much the same machine - but the 500 has a lot of decorative stitches built in and the 503 requires cams to make those stitches. (or even a simple zig-zag)

They're wonderful in their Jetson's design and very nice sewing machines.

Here are some pictures of this (Singer 503 Special) machine. I think I'm in love.

Mine looks just like this, but my cabinet is not pretty like this. My late husband found it somewhere because he wanted a cabinet.

It looks really clean in these pictures - and the paint on the handwheel still looks good - normally, the paint is chipped off there.

Does it have a full kit of attachments? If not, you can pick up slant shank sets pretty cheap on eBay. You just buy a set that's intended for the early Touch & Sews - those can sell for $5 or $10 because there isn't much demand for them - but the 503 takes the same needle plate, cams and feet as the early 600 series.

It takes an ordinary 15X1 needle and a class 66 bobbin. It's not very good for free-motion work, but you can use it for darning type repairs and even free-motion if you don't care about the appearance on the back of the piece.

The mechanical buttonholer makes beautiful buttonholes and the machine can take on most household sewing tasks easily. It doesn't handle heavy loads - you will often get broken needles if you try to sew over multiple seam allowances in heavy fabric like jeans or twill. Better to use a vertical needle for heavy stuff like that.

These are still very cool machines and they sew beautifully. :)

I have the manual I can send you by email if you'd like it.

I love my 503. Great price and I love the looks of it too. Works great too!