I'm considering a purchase of an old Singer to put in Mom's old 'art deco' cabinet. She replaced her grand old Singer 201 with a 1970's model Singer that she never did like - thought she needed better stitch variety, I guess, especially zz, but she always missed the oldie.
Anyway, if any of you have the Singer 201, 201-3 or 201-2, or the 15-91, I'd appreciate learning a bit about the pros & cons of each prior to making my decision.
I welcome suggestions.
Thanks,
Jan
montanajan

I have the 15-91, it was my mom's wedding present in 1950, she taught me to sew on it in 1962. She gave it to me 12 years ago and I still use it today. It has never failed. She did replace the light at one point, not sure when. It is my favorite machine.

All I can tell you is what I found when I faced the same decision several months ago.
The difference is, a 201 has a drop-in bobbin, which means the thread has to make a 90 degree turn. The 15-91, which is what I ended up buying, and absolutely LOVE!!! has a vertical bobbin, and thus, no turn for the thread.

I just got a 15 and I don't think it does reverse stitch. Let me know if I'm wrong.
I have both and love them but just started on the 15 :D:D

Which means that the 15-91 with it's vertical bobbin is fantastic to use for FMQ. The machines with horizontal drop-in bobbins don't do so well because the thread has to turn so much more to make a stitch, making it hard to free motion. Or in the case of my 403, near impossible. Which is why I searched out a 15-91 to use for FMQ (when I learn how to that is :))

Both machines are some of Singer's finest. So you have to ask yourself what you want the machine for? Quilt piecing? FMQ? Or both?

There are 15 models that have the reverse stitch. Depends on when it was made.

I just looked it up and you're right. Mine was made in 1941.
The ones with reverse were made later.

Jan - Good luck on your search. Was thinking about you today.........MOMIMI

Both of those machines were the only ones to be sold in the art deco cabinet, originally... so you will have an authentic set up, whichever way you decide to go!

Cant wait to hear what you decide!