Originally Posted by
manicmike
Wheeler and Wilson factory in New York. The serial number is underneath the bed. Tilt it back and look underneath on the left side. Go to ISMACS, look up the number and you'll know much more. 1957 sounds about right. I've only ever seen the handle on the earlier ones.
You don't have to use a 206x13 if you modify the bobbin case. Google "modify 319 bobbin case".
I think you skimmed my post.
I did look up the serial number - it starts with a "W" and there are no listings for "W" serials on ISMACS or the Singer site.
I'm ok with using the proper needles - I prefer to keep the machine as original as possible so I'd rather
not modify my bobbin case since I can still buy the 206x13's. In limited sizes, it seems, but that's OK - I don't really use a lot of specialty needles and I have 15 other machines I can use if I need to.