sewbeadit

I found a nice 201-2 today a centennial model and it sews and all that but needs cleaned and oiled because of sitting and non use. I was wondering if the 201 K is the same machine on the inside as our 201's and just looks different? I don't know where to look that information up for a comparison.

Also my centennial model does not have the spool plate, like other 201's I have seen and I always thought all the 201's had that plate, so is it gone or is it made that way. The book shows one without it and also one with it. Am wondering if this was a cheaper model brought our or just a different one? All that rambling on does anyone know the difference if mine is just a regular one or what? I am so happy I found the 201 it was on my list of must haves. I have found several machines this past month on my wish list and I have been that happy camper for several weeks! Hope everyone is having a nice weekend and not bothered by bad weather.

Mickey2

They are exactly the same. The equivalent of the 201-2 produced at the Kilbowie Factory in Scotland was given model number 201K2. For some reason the potted motor wasn't as common as the belt motor version, and I have never found an explanation for it. There are a few of them though. Unless it is the bit more angular and later aluminum version, I think the spool plate is missing. The spool plate easily comes off, it's just pressed on but usually it stays in place.

Mickey2

This guy goes on and an about the 201, lots of interesting information. For the most part the Singer factories were very good at producing identical machines and parts where ever their factories were situated. There's usually sub model number where there is any difference. Regarding the 201, I suppose most were fitted with motor and light but I regularly see treadle and hand cranks. Treadle and hand cranks were much more common than I previously assumed, still being made way into the 1950s. I have seen two types of decor on the chrome plates of the cast iron version; an art nouveu pattern which I like a lot, and around 1950, or just before they introduced a pin striped version. Decals might have differed a bit too over the years, but always rather simple gold and black, nothing elaborate compared to earlier models.

As the piece on the 201 says; the last 201s were aluminum in stead of the heavy cast iron, it was given a different look, more angular and modern looking for the time. The internal parts are as far as I know inter changeable. My 201 is from 1950, heavy cast iron, just a few years later they were all aluminum, and the last ones came in a two tone beige and brown. This should account for the different looks of the 201.

mo-rie

My Centennial 201 does not have the spool pin plate as well. Love that machine and would love to find a 201k! My sewing friend found a 201 treadle at a yard sale and I would LOVE to have one also! Have fun with your new treasure.

manicmike

The 201Ks were made from cast iron until 1954. The aluminium ones look quite different but the stitching is identical. I prefer the latter because they're so much easier to carry (about half the weight). The aluminium ones were designated 201K23 (treadle 201K21, hand crank 201K24) and made until 1962. A lot of these were made though. They're extremely common here in Australia and sell for as little as $10.
The older cast ones were 201K3 for the external motor version (by far the most common - I have owned about a dozen of these), 201K1 for treadle, 201K2 for the potted (never seen one of these in person or for sale) and 201K4 for the hand crank.

Cari-in-Oly

Let's simplify this.
201-1 Treadle machine, no matter where it was made.
201-2 Pot motor machine, most were made in the U.S.
201-3 External motor and belt, made in the U.K.
201-4 Natural born hand crank, again made in the U.K.

Now this is just for the older cast iron versions, but we see very few of the others here in the states. The K and the -1 etc weren't on the machines, they just say 201. Even the 1200 version until the last few years of production says 201 on it.
And the chrome spool pin plate? Some have it, some don't. I think it may have been another early 1950s change like the decal and face plate changes.

Cari

WIChix

Good to know, especially about the spool plate.

Mickey2

I see quite a few 201s, and all the cast irons have the chromed lid, regardless of age and decor on the chromed plates. The ones with the pin stripes, have stripes on the spool pin plate too. You can pick it off, on some machines it's quite loose if the pin has come off, on other's it sticks well in place. I have seen one machine with out the plate, and I assumed it was missing. It would be sloppy just to omit it?

manicmike

Nope. 201-1 made in U.S.A.
201K1 made in Scotland
Etc.

Cari-in-Oly

If you've only seen machines with that spool pin plate than you haven't seen very many. I've been at this for years and have seen plenty without them. My 1955 machine doesn't have one, never did.

Cari
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