I think I was wrong
 

I bought a 221 featherweight quite a few years ago. I paid more than I should have for it but I wanted it as it was in excellent condition. Once I really looked at it I noticed that the dial showing the numbers for the tension was missing. I have been irritated about that for some time. That is, thinking I didn't have enough sense to notice that when I bought it. The serial number says it is 1936. Today I looked up a picture of a 1936 featherweight and it doesn't have the number dial on the tension spool either. I think my machine is exactly the way it is supposed to be. Am I correct.

It's perfect...check out the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rvGpxj9pKI

Enjoy, Dan

read this


http://www.singer-featherweight.com/...s/history.html

Yes, you are correct. My 1936 has no numbers on the tension dial. I think the numbers were added around 1939 or so, but don't quote me on that!

Glad it work out for you, enjoy your little beauty!!!

You are correct. Early tension dials did not have numbers.

Thank you all. I don't know why it didn't dawn on me earlier. I kept reprimanding myself for not looking at it closer but now I'm as pleased with it as the day I bought it. Thanks for all your help. The box was in good condition and had all the attachments, manual, bobbins, etc. The only think I have been working on is the smell. I read up on that and am trying everything.

Great to find out you "knew your machine" after all! On the case smell, me too...my "new" fw is in awesome shape! The box, too...even the original manuals...but the smell...and mine is not like something died smell...it is an old rancid grease smell. I changed out the original pad on the machine, but the box is seeming to "outsmart" me with the smell...I have set it in the sun, I have stuffed it full of newspaper, put it in the sun, change out, repeat.. I have wiped down the inside with weak bleach solution, dried well, set in sun. I have mixed in baking soda with the newsprint, set in sun...sprayed with febreeze, back to the sunlight, still smells like old rancid oil....I so hope it will get better as the box really looks almost new, has the 2 original keys and everything! Any help, please tell me!
K

Have you tried charcoal in your case? Sometimes that takes out the smell. Vanilla sometimes works too. I used them in a refrigerator that's smell was BAD, and the combination worked.
Janis

There is a pad in the bottom of the machine that might be smelly. Maybe you need to replace it. Also the charcoal might help. I generally do not store my feather weights in their cases, I store a bowl of baking soda in them, and I find that over time this helps. Also do the sun treatment or put them in a hot car when it is not humid. I am so glad your machine is in order.