I bought this Singer yesterday and have had problems finding information about it. The Singer site just says 1954. The serial # is JD371539. There is a sticker underneath that indicates it was made in Canada, and I have confirmed that the 191J's were Canadian. It is very heavy, cast iron, came with what I think is the zigzag attachment and a few inserts to make different patterns. I do have the original manual. The cover for the electric cord, where it plugs into the machine, is broken but other than that it looks pretty good. I'm not sure whether this is an original case - doesn't look like it to me. I haven't done any cleanup yet. Anybody have any information on the 191's?

Looks just like my 191 but it was made in japan. My manuals are in Japanese. Any chance you would be willing to copy/scan yours and share it with me?

Mine came in a treadle cabinet but had the electric motor added. I have removed that and Mitsuko is now in for Billy's spa treatment. I hope to have her back together this week. But some of the oil goo is taking longer to soften. It really makes me practice my patience.

Looks to me like the attachment is a button holer. I am not sure about the case either.

I would be happy to scan the manuals and share. Give me a day or two to get it done. I'd love to see pictures of yours (before and after). Are you having it painted too? He does such wonderful paint jobs.

You know, you are right. When my husband first asked me what that thing was, I told him it was a buttonholer. Then I looked through the 191 manual and saw the pictures of the automatic zigzagger, and thought maybe it was that instead. Now I finally got it out of the box, checked the numbers on the back, and it is indeed a buttonholer. The zigzagger (shown on the following link) looks very similar and probably works in a similar fashion, at least as it zigzags down each side of the hole. And they both use cams.
http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...tachments.html

I'm working on this one myself. It is tan and the paint is in good condition. Besides, I cannot afford Billy's prices. But hopefully we can work out a deal while he is visiting. I have a Necchi BU that the paint is falling off of that I would like him to paint.

Here is the before picture that I had posted in the shop last week.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-242.htm#1340851

No hurry on the manual. I am going to visit my Mom next week so probably will not be sewing before then.

Lisa you go on and send me the Necchi and tell me what color you want and we will work it out in the wash.

Billy

Thanks Billy! I am sure that wash will clean out my garage so I will have more room to buy more machines!

I am having a hard time deciding on color and if I want any fancy details. I hear them called the Ferrari of sewing machines. So maybe I will look at some paint schemes they use on them..... :-o

Ferrari Red, Black, Blue or Yellow I can more than likely put the Necchi back on there by making the decals for it.

I vote for the real deal Ferrari Red with Gold Necchi decals.

Billy

[quote=Lostn51
Ferrari Red, Black, Blue or Yellow I can more than likely put the Necchi back on there by making the decals for it.

I vote for the real deal Ferrari Red with Gold Necchi decals.

Billy[/quote]

Sounds wonderful. I know whatever it is with you painting, it will be beautiful!