DH & I love auctions, yard sales, thrift stores, etc.!
In April, I got a featherweight and table at an auction for $110.00! You can see it here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-115117-1.htm
Well...last night I got her "big sis" at an auction...a Singer 301 for $2.00!!!!
Her carrying case was water-damaged beyond repair and she had the wrong foot controller with her, but she did have a couple of feet, about a dozen bobbins, and her original manual with her! :)
Fortunately, she takes the same foot controller/power cord that the 221 uses, so after some much needed oil and lubricant (she was BONE DRY! but very clean inside...no lint, dirt, etc.), she fired right up and sews like a dream! :D I had to work a little to get the tension set correctly.
I actually think I like sewing with her better than the featherweight! (Don't let the featherweight hear that, though!)
I can tell that the featherweight has been used a lot more than the 301...the FW has pin scratches, etc. on it, but the 301's paint is perfect! If it weren't for the thread on the bobbins, I would think that it had never been used!