Champanier

I'm trying to figure out which machines to keep.

I've been so busy acquiring and fixing sewing machines that I haven't been doing enough sewing. I haven't fallen in love with this yet, so it's definitely a 'maybe'. But overall, I'm finding that even with duplicate machines, they're all different.

For example, I have three 201s now, two in #42 cabinets. I really only need one, right? Can't decide! Here's the rundown:

1. 1948 Cosmetically really great. Beautiful 42 cabinet, nice finish. I replaced the foot control with a new electronic one because the wire had been literally cut and the old one looked scary at the time. Now I think it could be fixed. Runs fine, except for tendency for the stitch length to creep upwards to tinier stitches as I sew. I think now that's an easy fix - just need to take off the hand wheel and tighten a screw from what I read.

2. 1941 Salvation Army rescue. I bought it intending to sell, because I wanted the stool that goes with the 42 cabinet. (I tried to buy just the stool, but they wouldn't do it.) Has the 'extras' in the drawers - inkwell, spool holder. It was stuck, frozen and a mess. I spent so much time getting it working and polished that I grew very fond of it. It now has a kind of glowing satin finish (very fine crazing in shellac), but it's pretty. It runs so quietly (quietest of all my machines - literally almost silent, just a low melodic hum - sounds like it's singing). I love it. I worry about whether the motor is as strong as the louder ones - just don't have enough experience to know. I cleaned the grease cups, but haven't been brave enough to open the motor to clean the commutator. Some damage to cabinet top and one side - working on repairing the shellac - otherwise nice. Stool side veneer is lifting - need to fix.

3. 1953 knee lever (I prefer these), smaller cabinet. It doesn't have the pretty spool pin plate that earlier ones had. Has a 1/2 inch circle of damage in the N on the front because they must have hit the knee lever repeatedly when lowering the machine into the cabinet. Motor very strong and zippy, but wiring is worn and should be replaced before I sell it.

The White is competing with the Supre-macy/Toyota, which may have cams that fit (eBay purchase arrived yesterday), but I already stashed it under the Christmas platform made of sewing machines, and the Kenmore 1786, which is perfect in every way, but not as cool looking.

I suspect that I also do not need to keep all seven treadle machines...