wow! what a fantastic find... doesn't it feel nice to have a machine you can enjoy sewing on?

You may have difficulty finding a White manual. Google it...some kind person had left directions on how to get one. Wish I had written it down but as I recall I had to go thru a Singer site to get it. My White is a 1950 model so not completely vintage...like the black machines...It was my Mom's and is in excellent condition.

So happy for you! It is a nice feeling when a machine goes a great job. I bought a brand new looking Kenmore at an estate sale for $35.00, including accessories and the manual. Try to Google your machine/model number online. I did that with mine and found mine was made in 1977 before plastics were used. It is also quiet and runs beautifully. I took it to have it cleaned and tuned up, and the sewing technician was VERY impressed.

Enjoy your machine to the hilt!

There's a vintage machine sub-forum that you might check out - lots of very knowledgeable people there and someone might be able to guide you to a manual and help with figuring out its age.

I love old machines - sounds like you found a good solid workhorse! Does it have a metal body? Just think how much you'd have to pay to get similar quality new, now. If you could even find it.

Whenever I go to thrift stores, the first thing I do is check for old machines and accessories. I'm always hoping to find a treasure! :)

Sounds like a "steal" to me.

I don't think this thing is vintage-maybe 80's or 90's

Hmmm. Still don't know if this thing is vintage or not but it looks an awful lot like a Singer So Fro I had back in the day. Those are being sold as vintage.

Maybe I'll ask on the other forum...

Good for you! What a wonderful find. I don't visit our thrift stores often enough, but I did find a "ball gown" at SA last week for $5.00 that fit perfectly for our AZ Guild's Spring Meeting. We were asked to wear a ball gown because the theme was "Cotton Ball".

I'd say you got a good deal, depending on how fast a "scalded ape" runs. I've never heard that phrase before. Cute.

That is a great deal, and some other great deals you girls are telling about also. I love finding those bargains.