I opened the case of my $5 mystery sewing machine and this is what I've found.

Brand name HILTON
Titled as ZIGZAG STITCHER
Made in Japan

I didn't look too far for a serial # and such. It weights a ton and it's still in the trunk of my car. So when I can get it in the house to look farther, maybe I'll find out something.

I did check on the net for some more info. I found on reference that says the Hilton brand was bought by White. Haven't looked there yet.

The only thing that scared me about the machine is that it's driven by a short ornage exterior belt. May be one of those things not easy to find.

When it gets in the house, I'll get a couple pictures of it.

Actually, I think those belts are still available online. There were Singers that were made this way. It's probably a Japanese version of one of the Singer models. Comparing it to Google images for Singer machines may help you identify exactly which model it is.

Sounds like Japanese clone of a Singer 15. Those are usually well made machines.

Thanks, Ladies. I'll get my nerve up tomorrow and bring it in. I think the ID plate is on the bottom back inside the bottom of the carry case.

I may have wasted $5, but it's worth it for noseyness!

Oh, yes! I would consider that $5 to have great entertainment value at the very least!