Friday1961

Please, someone, tell me all you know about the Singer 401A. I just acquired this machine, which belonged to my cousin. I'm fairly certain she bought it new, probably sometime in the early 60s (I don't really know the dates of these machines, and don't remember when she got it but am almost sure she did not buy it used, since that was not her habit...and cost would not have been an issue).

I assume it works though I have not yet tried it, and needs a good cleaning, and oiling, of course, but otherwise looks in great shape except the bobbin cover plate is missing. Her kids have two boxes of attachments, and I hope, a manual, which they have promised to bring to me at Easter. They had an estate sale last year but the machine didn't sell (I wanted it then but I already have 4 machines and no room, so reluctantly passed it up). Now they have quite generously given it to me and because Carole (my cousin) was like my sister, I'm proud to have it, mainly because it was hers, but also because I hear such good things about these machines. I'll just have to find room and because it's a portable, I can manage.

I thought of all of you, by the way, when I was at the house on Saturday to pick up the 401A. There was also an black Singer, which appeared beautifully maintained and cared for, that had belonged to the daughter-in-law's grandmother (she had added it to the estate sale last year). I didn't look closely at it and am not sure if it was a treadle that had been electrified, but am guessing, both by the deduced age of the grandmother and the look of the machine, that it dated from the early 1900s. I did notice that it was a different style (much older) than either of the black Singers I have (a 99K and a 15-91). Its fate is a sad business, because my cousin's kids were leaving everything in the house that didn't sell to the mercies of the fellow who bought the house -- a speculator. That fine old Singer may end up in a landfill, depending on how these people deal with things left in the houses they buy.

Nothing to do with sewing machines but some Desert Rose pottery, some china pieces, some silver pieces, etc. were also being left, as well as an oil painting, some nice furniture and many other useful, quality things. Broke my heart to see belongings of someone I loved so much so casually discarded. On the other hand, I understand that families cannot save or keep everything.

Anyway, any thoughts on the 401A? I'm very grateful for anything any of you have to say about it.