Can anyone tell me where to find the serial # on the 301 sewing machine? Just picked one up at a yard sale for $10, is that a good price?

Yes that's a fantastic price. Don't know where to find the number though..

no serials on it

"Singer did not keep records of actual serial number dates of manufacture for the 301 and 301A as they did with early Singer models. They only used a batch of Serial Numbers, NA-1951, NB-1956, NC-1961. What this means is we must gather our own information to come up with a serial number year of issue. With data I collected over the years from owners of the Singer 301, 301A, 401A, 403A, 500A and 503A I was able to create a year of issue of when our 301 and 301A was issued or manufactured."

got thisinformation from the attached link:

http://singer301.com/dating/default.html

Wow, what a deal!!! I paid a lot more for mine :D

Here's a good website for you

http://singer301.com/dating/default.html


It's a great machine!!! :thumbup:

Haha Barb, you beat me to it~!! :D

on that link...if you scroll down, there is a picture that shows you where to look for information to date it.

Sorry I can't help you with dating your 301 but, you paid a teriffic price for it. :thumbup: :)

I ate my Wheaties this morning!

The # is on the bottom of my machine about under the needle area. Turn the machine upside down. You'll love your little machine.

I have 2 301's and they do have a number on the bottom of the machine...I think they all have 2 letters and 6 digits too...on the same side as the extension bed..right underneath where the fold is..

$10 is a fantastic price..never pass one of these machines up ..just the bobbin case and the needle plate are worth maybe up to $100 because they fit on a 221 machine...and sometimes the foot pedal too...not the attachments though

Yup under fold down bed...

I'm green with envy!!!! :mrgreen: but congratulations! Model 301 is worth more than 301-A

why??
Other than the added A, I thought they are the same machine, no changes made?

Yes, there is a specific serial number under the bobbin end of the machine, stamped on the frame. It's there. I don't know why anyone would think there is no serial number for any Singer machine. They ALL have serial numbers. You can find out the year it was made, but not the specific month the serial number was allocated. They didn't keep that information after 1950.

There is no reason for the 301a to be any more valuable then the 301 or vice versa. All it indicates is where it was made. Where do people get these ideas? :?

All the 'A' means is the machine was made at the Anderson, SC plant. It has no affect on the pricing of the machine nor does it indicate a sense of rarity. Anderson, SC pumped out as many machines as any other Singer plant in the U.S.

While we are talking about funny notions - Singer never made machines to be badged for other companies like Sears or Montgomery Ward. If you bought a Singer, you knew you bought a Singer.

Congratulations on getting your 301! They are fantastic little machines. Your serial number is located on the join of the bed at the hinged section.

If you tell us you got a black 301 for 10 dollars I believe more than one of us will cry.

I got a black 1951 301 at a school tag sale for $30.00...Of course I had to buy a bobbin case for it and have it rewired but she was well worth it...

I am not only green, but drowning in tears. Oh, my, what a find. Did you by a Lotto ticket after that purchase? Probably should have as it clearly was your "Lucky Day".

Will do a Happy Dance for you....great price

What a coincidence! I found a black 301 at a garage sale YESTERDAY for $10. It was sold by the lady who said she had learned to sew on it. I haven't tried it out yet, but it appears to be complete - bobbin case, a few slant attachments, carrying case, and wiring that is intact.
My friend tells me that I will like it even better than my Featherweight for piecing.
This sewing machine addiction is so much fun!
Dayle

If you have questions re: 301's; go to the vintage sewing thread and look for Charlie. I do believe she has a 301 and seems to be very knowledgeable.

I bought a mocha 301 on E-Bay for $56 and considered myself very fortunate. She is in pristine condition without a scratch on her...the seller did a great job on packing. It doesn't look as though it was ever used. I sent her a thank you after unpacking and told her I was surprised that it didn't go a lot higher. When she replied she said that she was very disappointed at the final price too but that other machines she had sold made up for it. At least she has a very good home with me!! I can honestly say that I prefer this 301 over my Featherweight for piecing. My only regret is that it isn't a long bed...but I'm still looking.

great price! What color is it? Please post a pic when you get a chance!

The serial numbers are on the bottom. These are great machines, light enough to be portable and strong enough tohandle the heavy stuff, AND the feed dogs drop, so yu know what that means, F M Q!!!!!:)

Congratulations on all the 301 finds. I am so envious! I have been on the lookout for a 301 for quite awhile.

Pat

http://pages.suddenlink.net/joyof301s/301faqs.htm

Scroll down about halfway. :)

I have a 301A and just love it. Terry(named after the lady I bought her from) was in mint condition and in her carrying case with attachments. I paid $100 for her, but well worth the money.

C O N G R A T S

I want one.

J J

I LOVE my 301! Easy to clean, oil, sews great, real workhorse, fun, lightweight and just about perfect!

Check out this group- [email protected]. They are a wealth of information about old Singers.

You will love it. LOVE MY BESSY!!!!

That is a terrific price. the only way it could be better is if you got one like I did. Mine was a gift from a friend who collects machines. maybe I missed it . It came with a bobbin case right? I understand those are a little pricey. I need to get some more bobbins. I have all kinds except that kind.

I HAVE A301 LOVE IT WAS 23.00 AT THRIFT STORE LIKE NEW JUST BOUGHT A 1/4 FOOT FORE IT ALL SO GOT A SIDE CUTTER WHICH IS ASERGER ATTCHMENT FOR MY BROTHER 9000 CANT WAIT TO GET IT FROMCOLORFULLWORLDOFSEWING.COM SUZIEQ

I have a source of a 301 at an antique store. I'll put the link in the Classifieds (Buy-Sell-Trade) area. It includes a folding card table that the machine fits in. Also, anyone can access the BisManOnline site which has numerous Singers for sale. I have no interest in any of these machines, am only doing this to help anyone else find what they need! Notice I said "need", not "want". lol.

A lovly light tan color.

there is also a vintage Singer sewing machine group on Yahoo. Very helpful people with a wealth of knowledge. there is also a Yahoo group for Featherweights.
yes, if that is a black, long-bed for $10, I will cry too !! I love my black long-bed, & I thin they are nicer to see on than
the 221 (and I have several of them too). plus--they are a lot less money. the slant needle has the best lighting of any vintage machine I have tried.
congratulations !! double !!

That was a steal.

Cannot thank you all enough! You have given me several links for info for my 301, cannot wait to get started investigating. Probably won't be for awhile because my DS delivered a Red Eye treadle to me this afternoon! Boy does it need work..The cabinet is in really bad shape and the machine is very dirty and rusty. Well, winter is coming so I won't be bored.

Congrats on a GREAT machine at a GREAT price!