I have gotten some great ideas here, and I thank you all. We have tried the pencil rub, the play doh,and all and I think she is not going to give up the number from that usual place. I guess I am okay with this. An earlier poster here included an article about serial numbers being destroyed on certain machines on purpose. I am still unclear as to why this would be done. Does anyone know? I think I just want to determine the model now. Is it a 221? How do I tell? I will download a copy of the manual and study the workings once I determine the model. Or is that impossible to do without a serial number? She has obviously been sewn on long and hard. Some of her scrollwork has rubbed off from use and her motor has been replaced. As in life, few us age without a hiccup or two. I don't mind a challenge and will continue to research! She looks like she will be a hard worker.