You got a deal!

There is one at the pawn shop in Franklin, TN you can buy for $200. By the smell, we must assume it doesn't smell like mildew. Most of them do, unless they have been used a lot. The FW expert, Fred, from Florida says to put 1/2 of a bar of Safeguard soap (in the box) inside the case. I tried it and it works. Change the Safeguard every year on your birthday to keep the fresh scent Sure smells better. Don't let the soap touch any of the contents or metal though. I spent more than an hour with them at Paducah, learning about FWs and it was time well spent.
Some QB members have purchased on Ebay for around $100 in special circumstances according to their posts. FWs aren't as high as they once were. I have one and prefer my 301 as it is not as tempremental as the FW. It is heavier though even if it is aluminum. It all depends what you like. Keep looking ,or drive a hard bargain.

Thank you Donna! All things to consider! I worry about buying machines from eBay. I'm afraid I'd buy something from a seller who couldn't pack thing and it end up doa!

Buy it and enjoy it! THey are wonderful little machines and easy to maintain. You can make a small cloth bag and put some shaved bar soap in it and put it in you case for the smell.

Buy it and enjoy it. I have two and love them. I have made the tops to several quilts on mine. I just oil it after a day's sewing on it, and keep going. They are so easy to maintain. I bought my first one on Ebay, and was very forunate that the seller packed it well. I too was hesitant about buying there, but I truly wanted one so I took the plunge.
When you get it and start using your little gem, you will wonder why you waited so long to buy one. I haven't found mine to be tempermental, but machines are like people I guess they are all a little different.

One quick reminder, A couple of times I have had thread to catch in the bobbin case area, and have had to take that section apart. There is a tiny and I mean tiny screw that holds the bobbin section together. I have a small plastic cup like those on the top of cough syrup or dayquil bottles that I keep in my case just for this tiny screw, to keep from losing it. I also place my featherweights on a towel when I get ready to service them, and this helps to keep the screws from rolling off of the table.

I am not advertising for this individual, but I purchased the book (in black and white) titled "The Featherweight 221 and I" by David McCallum, it is the best purchase I ever made I think. The book is fully illustrated and every time I need to do any thing to my babies, I drag this book out. (I took it apart put the pages in plastic sleeves and put it all in a 3 ring binder, along with all other books or notes on Featherweights. I have manuals for mine, but this book is much better I think. A good site is Featherweight RX.
Have fun.

Someone offered me a featherweight.
 

I would like to say it sounds like a good deal. However, if you have a sew. m. tech in your area, I would have it evaluated by that person.
I have a f. weight I bought 9 yrs. ago for $500. My tech. said they come and go in supply, and there weren't many around at that time; hence the higher price.
Have the tech. check out the bobbin area. That is where the biggest wear is and can cause the most problem. Mine needed a new part in that area, as we were seeing him very often. Double ck. that it is okay.
Otherwise, if it sews a good stitch, you have a good deal, in my opinion.
Mariah.

Nope, can't go wrong with a FW. I have 3 and love every one of them......

nanna

I have a 301 and it takes slant needle feet , but the bobbin and case are the same as the FW

Aw kitty. we are just EXPERT enablers.

Grab that baby and go. Feathereeights sew a beautiful stitch.With the button hole attachment..you wont need a Phd to use it.I take mine to classes since its so easy to transport. Happy birthday!