Just look INSIDE or UNDER any of the old machines - they are machined opposed to stamped metal or plastic. Omark you said it well. So much has been lost in this country.
The Singer 404 is a very forgotten machine. It weighs about the same as a 301. It sews about the same. The quality of the machine is the same. They are about the same size. It is MUCH cheaper to buy a Singer 404. I gave one to my grand daughter and one to my great niece to learn on. Watch your local Craig's List - they do come up.