deplaylady, I would have bought the White, too. I have a soft spot for my mother's favorite.
The shipping on the 301 ZZer is $13.50 to me. I don't think so, darn it.
I have a New Home Ruby. The number on the slide plate indicates a 1895 patent with a 1904 manufacture date. She is being rehomed, but hasn't been picked up yet. I looked at a 1920s model last Spring that looked very much the same, but the cabinet had a cable that lifted the machine. Yes, the wheel turns toward the back on Ruby Rustbucket, but it does turn freely.
grannysewer, what Elna is in the storage unit? I had to repair a stuffed raccoon tonight with my 1973 SU Star. It's amazing what that machine will sew through. Poor raccoon's tail didn't survive a game of tug of war.
AnnieRose, my 301, goes to class and a quilting group. She got negative attention form the FM instructor until the instructor saw how well she did. With all due apologies, a tan one is not a pretty machine.