i have my moms 1951 singer 403 slant-o-matic special. its serial number put it in the first numbers assigned to the new plant in NC when it opened in 1951. you had to sign up on a list to get anything made of metal back then. i would not trade her for anything. she will sew anything and can do embrodary and the cams let it do all kinds of special stitches. i dont need anything else. i do how ever have my baby FW which i do use for piecing. i also do quilting on the 403. i think you will fall in love and be so very glad you have her.