Goodwill Ambassador
 

I was complaining this morning that I hadn't stumbled across any good mid-century machines yet. That's over. I just picked this up at our local Goodwill this afternoon.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]489611[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]489612[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]489613[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]489614[/ATTACH]
It's an Ambassador Automatic 305 Deluxe. Basically a Singer 15 clone with zigzag and cams added. I love the see thru door for the cams though unfortunately it didn't come with any. It also has a fold down spool pin. I just got it unloaded. It turns fairly freely but I haven't tested to see if it actually runs or sews.
Does anyone have one of these and some cams so I can see what they look like? Also would anyone have an approximate year of manufacture?
Thanks,
Rodney

Not a 15 clone, but very cool nonetheless. What is that compass looking thing in the upper right?

That machine is similar to my White - including the exact same clear cam door, and the fold down spool pin.

So I'd expect it takes the same cams, and was made by the same company White was using (no idea who that might be though). I've been using mine for satin stitching ribbon and is she ever sweet!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ps490d7092.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ps6b4e1943.jpg

I also have a PDF manual for my White - send me a PM with your email and I'll send it to you.

Thanks Macybaby!
Rodney

Macy beat me to it. You have a beautiful rebadged White. Beside the Radiomatic pictured above, here's another very similar White I bought not too long ago with similar levers and see-through cam window (and the Radiomatic):

[ATTACH=CONFIG]489619[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]489620[/ATTACH]

There's a Morse that's very similar too, though I don't remember the model number.

Edit to add: I really like the table it's in, too. Most tables I find are in terrible condition but that one is choice! You found a gem, Rodney.

Now that's a cool one Rodney, see I told you your Goodwill gets cool machines.

Cari

Pretty sweet machine there Rodney! That cam door is really cool.

The bottom is based on a Singer 15 even if the top doesn't look anything like one anymore.
It sure looks like all three of them left the same factory. Those are both great looking White machines. I'll have to flip it over tomorrow and see if there's anything there to identify it. The cabinet is decent though I'm not a fan of pickled oak. The only problem is that I'm out of room for cabinet machines. Anywhere big enough to have a cabinet already has one.
Rodney

Rodney it's not considered a clone becuase the Japanese took the 15 class mechanics and ran with it, so by the time this machine was made the only thing left it has in common with a Singer 15 is the bobbin works. From the mid 50s on, Japanese engineering started to leave Singers' in the dust. For example, I have a 1956 Brother that has capabilities that Singer machines didn't have until 1968 or thereabouts. By then Singer was already sinking fast and the writing was on the wall.
Pickled oak? Never heard that before I don't think. I have two desk cabinets that look like yours, maybe mine are pickled oak. Whatever they are, I want to refinish them someday.

Cari

I love the color of that machine. That looks to be in very good condition. Nice find