kwendt

Sure... here is what I've gleaned off of a few, very sparse, website mentions:

In 1915, Singer would introduce the first true electric sewing machine, the Model 101. Due to its incredible cost of $250, the 101 was not very successful.

The 101-3 and the 101-11 were the same, except that the -3 was cast iron, the -11 was aluminum. (precursor to the 221). Also, another site noted that the 101-3 arm and bed were not nec. cast as one piece. (I have not verified that info yet.). The 101 did not have backtack or reverse. The stitches were backtacked by means of setting the stitch length to "1" and sewing a few stitches.

(Different sites reference different build dates). According to ismacs, the 101 was made from 1920 to 1937 as the first fully electric machine Singer made. Therefore, the inference is that it was always electric, never treadle or handcrank. Notice the different bobbin winding mech. and the round, clicking stitch length knob on the BED of the machine. It also has a twist off, i think... aluminum cover over the motor. Round, not the rounded rectangle of the 'potted' motors.

The machine I found, has no model or S/N plate on the front bed/arm. It is in the special 'deluxe' library cabinet 40... that according to Singer/ismacs was only used for the 66k, 66-9?, 66-16 and the 101-3. The 101-3 was the cast iron head - and there happened to be a magnet stuck to the bed of the machine when I looked at it. So it's not the aluminum head version.

You'll note the similar faceplate scroll work and bed/arm decal scroll designs - similar to the Featherweight 221. But I do believe, based on what I saw... the 101 is a full sized machine.

I've attached some pictures from others' machines, craigslist and such. I had no camera with me when I found the machine.