I bought a singer like the one I learned on from a woman that was cleaning out her mothers house and said it was in the way. I paid $50.00 for it and it only needed a belt ! It sews beautifully and reminds me of my mother every time I use it. Singer has a web site that you can put your serial # in and it will tell you when and where it was made. You can also download the instruction manual for free. Mine was made in Germany and is now 106 years old !!! I have also bought 2 other ones at yard sales for $25.00 each. There is also a dealer in California that has parts for all Singers. He's very reasonably priced and ships next day. Keep looking, yard sales are well known for having sewing machines.