I found a 301 at a garage sale for $10-it was totally frozen, nothing moved, but I knew the accessories were worth that much. Cleaned it, oiled & lubed it, let it sit for a day or two-and gradually it started to move, after a few days of soaking in the oil & lube it starting sewing like a champ, smooth , strong & quiet. So it pays to take a chance on a machine that looks hopeless.

The only machines I have are vintage, bordering on antique (one of them). I have a Singer 328K -purchased new in 1963; two Singer Touch 'N Sews 750 -age unknown); a White Featherweight - 1954; a Singer 1425 - age unknown; a National Two Spool Treadle - estimated - early 1900's; a Singer 403A - 1950's; a Baby-Lock Serger -age unknown); a Singer 201-2 - 1952; a Singer 185-J -age unknown right now; and a Singer Athena 1200 (I think) and age unknown. Most of these were inherited, but the 403A was purchased from Goodwill for $41; and the White Featherweight also from Goodwill for $50. I don't really claim to collect these vintage machines -- mostly my son picks them up if he finds one in good condition. Since he worked as a Sewing Machine Mechanic for 14 years, he can tell when one is in good condition. I am hesitant myself to buy machine off E-Bay, but that is more a phobia speaking than experience. I can tell you that the White Featherweight and the 403A are both very good machines -- I've used both of them for piecing and find them both excellent for that task. I don't buy and sell machines (or anything else) but just from a practical standpoint, NEVER buy anything and have it shipped without it being insured for the purchase price and your shipping costs. I wish I were qualified to give you more advice, but truly, I'm not! LOL Welcome to the Board. I hope some of us can be of assistance to you! Happy Retirement!

Jeanette

Thank you for your advice. I will keep looking.

I just brought home a longbed mocha 301A, made in 1953 same year I was born. She is a beauty and after lubricating and oiling she runs like a dream. I didn't get the great deals you talk about, but I got one!

As long as it makes you happy it was a deal. I've paid anywhere from nothing to several hundred for my vintage machines, to me all of them were a deal for the happiness they bring me.

Cari

Congratulations on finding one! You will enjoy it for years to come!

Thanks it does make me happy!

Goodie goodie gum drops!! Well done! Happy new old sewing machine :)

Hey fellow Cheesehead, glad you were able to find your machine! Today I was in my local Goodwill and picked up a black 301 in a cabinet for $12.75, the manual and attachments were not with the machine but it's in great shape. Didn't plan to look for a machine today, but DH was with me and he can be such an enabler. Two weeks ago he came home with a pretty little green Singer 185J for $35 in a mahogany cabinet that was in excellent condition. Jan

Are you finding these in Wisconsin? I have been to the local goodwill and all I find are pretty trashed newer machines.

I would love to find a black 301!! I have a mocha 301A short-bed that is an awesome machine. Mine came with the case and manual. The manual even has little notes from the original owner written in it.

The 301 we purchased at a Goodwill in West Bend, which is about 15 minutes from our home. The tag on the machine showed that it had been on the floor for about 2 days. It was originally priced at $14.99 but on Wednesday's it's senior day and you receive 15% off of any items. The 185J was purchased at a Habitat for Humanity store, there that machine had been there for over a month and just had been reduced 20% when DH picked that one up.

I agree, many times when I am out looking I see the newer plastic machines. Apparently this was my lucky day, I never dreamed I would be coming home with a 301! Jan

Here are a few pictures I just took.[ATTACH=CONFIG]524072[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]524073[/ATTACH]The cabinet is not perfect, it does have some dings on it.[ATTACH=CONFIG]524074[/ATTACH]

You are very lucky to have such great finds. I am looking for my next VSM. Go Packers!

Beautiful machine!! DH and I are going to Florida tomorrow. My sister is moving to Largo. I hope to shop at some thrift stores and quilt stores on our way back home. I would be thrilled if a "new" machine came home with me. LOL!! DH, not so much.:D