Is this a 201?
 

Trying to identify Singer machines.

Is this one a 201? It looks like the tension dial is in the front - but I do not know which other machines have the tension dial in the front. I know 15-91's are on the side, and 301s look more boxy.

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Im not sure but its GORGEOUS!!!

I am looking at pictures of 201's - and I think they have a lever and dial for the stitch length choices. This one looks like it only has a knob. It is on Craig's list for $45 (in a city I don't live in - but my parents do - and only about 5 miles from the seller!!). The seller indicates it is a circa 1930's machine. Wish they would post better pictures. Don't think they know anything about the machine. They just want it gone!

I am currently obsessed with these vintage machines!!! I never would have thought this of me. I keep telling myself - you just acquired a 15-91, be happy with that (and I am very happy!). But that said, in all of my researching I have also determined that I would also like to get a 201 model as well. So keeping my eyes out for a really good deal. Not so afraid to purchase one that needs some work, re-wiring, etc.

Would prefer to wait a bit before purchasing another sewing machine (even if only $45) - but deals come when they come.

uh oh.. look who caught the bug! I'm not great at identifying the machines... but here's what I noticed. The machine is smaller than the hole in the table... so it's either a 3/4 machine in a full size cabinet (a 99 maybe), or it's a kenmore cabinet, or of course I could be half blind and crazy :)

Machine is still available. I do ultimately want a 201. Know nothing about a 99. But if I offered $25 and to have it out of this person's hands TODAY (the add said they wanted it gone today - and the add was posted a few days ago) - worth it to me I think to just be surprised!

Is it possible to know the model of the machine from the model #? The seller indicates they have that (well, I am guessing they will take it off the machine).

If one can't tell the shape of the machine (this one looks worn, can't tell if that is rust on the machine) - can all of that be spiffed up? Thinking more about if it has rust.

Yes, having the serial number will definately enable us to look up the model of the machine, which I agree looks like an early 99... :) (Keeping in mind, of course, that I've been wrong in the past, and most likely won't change that behavior! :D )

Looks like a 66 to me, but it's hard to tell in that cabinet. Like Charlee said, it would help to have the serial number. Pretty machine.

Pat

You might be right Pat, the faceplate looked flat to me, but looking at it again, it could have a curve to it!

Well, I decided against pursuing this further, though I read a lot on Singer 66 and 99 models - so more knowledge for me!! When I came across this - I was looking for a 201. I decided to stick with my original plan. Also, I decided that I would so much rather find something that I can go and see, and that if I am patient, the right machine will come along at the right price. But it was an enjoyable read this afternoon - and now I have an idea what the 66/99 look like (as compared to the 201-301 and 15-91), so will be better prepared in the future.

Check out this blog entry:

http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/07/vi...ingers_30.html

This is an awesome blog for anyone interested in vintage machines.

Thanks for the link! Wonderful reading, very helpful info to help in identifying different models. :)

Looks like a 66 to me, too. An early one.

Doesn't matter if it is a 66 or a 201 - they don't make them like that anymore... It will sew just about anything

A 201 has a light on the front of the machine. That is a 66.

Almost sorry I let the seller know I was going to pass. Probably good I get my feet wet with the lovely15-91 I just acquired. Going to arrange a service call for her for a check up and to verify what will need replacing and how soon (wire-wise). There is someone in my area that services these machines (and others). They do housecalls, so I don't have to figure out how to get it out of the cabinet. I will be watching everything he does and asking lots of questions! :o Then I will feel more confident in the future with cleaning and doing a bit more on my own machines.

i used a 201 for my job in a yarn shop for years in the early 60's... the stitch regulator should be a lever that slides up and down... it's a super machine....

This is a 66. I have one and LOVE it... but mine is a treadle. These machines do not have a "reverse", just so you know. All they do is stitch forward-- beautifully.

It's not a 201 as I have one. I think sewbizgirl is correct and it is a 66. Just for your information, there are four slight variations of the 201. The 201-2 has the light at the front, a potted motor and is more common in the US while the 201-3 has a belt driven motor and the light at the back and is usually found in Canada.

One way to always tell a 201 is under the hand wheel, facing the front, there should be a white plastic toggle switch for the lamp. I have yet to find one without the white switch; I'm sure they are out there due to people rewiring and such, but usually it is there.

I have my Mom's 201 and it has 201 and the serial number on the bed just under the gold oval plate on the right side. With the serial number I found out the machine was made in 1956 in NC

Did you buy that 15-91 that was in the painted cabinet with flowers on it? If so was the cabinet as pretty in person???

Hi Dawn, that's an early model 66, with no reverse or backtack.

- Rain

I don't know which machine it is, but I'd probably have her anyway! But I'm becoming a machine junky!

Looks like my 66.

A 201 Singer has no belt as it is gear driven. The 66 has a belt. I also think its a 66.

Hmm, I have a 1947, it looks similar, but the picture is not all that clear for me to take a close look at it. Have you looked up the serial number to see if it matches any in Singer's 201 catagory. You can also go to ISMACS and get the information.

Yes, I sure did!!! I just took her in for re-wiring today, and a cleaning. Here are a couple of pictures. I really like that cabinet as well. It's in good shape too! Few scratches - but with the kind of finish it has - doesn't look out of place. Flowers are pretty on the front. :o[ATTACH=CONFIG]307288[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]307289[/ATTACH]

I really like that cabinet - I have one like it in miserable condition. Goes to show what can be done with just a little talent!

Okay, so found another machine off Craig's List. After reading and re-reading The Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Blog about identifying machines - I think I've got this one right (http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/07/vi...ingers_30.html).

Can someone confirm that this is a 201-3? Has the round plate for the stitch regulator, has what was referred to on the blog site I referenced above as the steep ski slope on top left, has the tension dial on the front, has the little white light switch on the front. Also looks like potted motor (which is what would distinguish this from being a 201-2 - which has a belted motor). Additionally I noticed that it looks like it is a flat plate under the spool pin.

I can see that there is a beige cord hanging down from the bottom right side of the cabinet. That tells me that at least part of the machine has been rewired (because aren't all original cords black)?

Did I do okay identifying this one? They are asking $40 for it. It has been posted since the first of January on Craig's List. The machine is located a little over 2 hours from me, so trying to decide if I want to make the drive. Machine looks reasonably clean. I have emailed the seller to ask if it has the bobbin case and any feet. The cabinet would need to be refinished, but seems to be in decent condition (compared to many I see).

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201s have a drop in bobbin - no bobbin case is used
201-3 has a belted motor
201-2 has a potted motor
They are very nice machines - really good price

I'm learning! Thanks for the info on the bobbin. I knew it was a horizontal bobbin, didn't realize it didn't have a case. My Janome is a drop in bobbin but has a case. Now I am wondering if I am thinking of the right part. My 15-91 - vertical bobbin - has a case. Feel like this is such a dumb question to ask - but the case is the piece that the bobbin goes in, then you place the case in the machine, right?

Is there any other question I should be asking about this machine? Seems a good price for this area - everyone is asking $200 to $300 easily for machines that look in very bad shape and with no cabinets or cases.

the case is the piece that the bobbin goes in, then you place the case in the machine, right? yes but the 201 'case' doesn't come out to re-fill - the bobbin just goes in.
I think you are out of questions - go and turn the machine. Does it turn smoothly? Does it stitch? Does it need tension attention? Is there any rust? Is there any dried up oil slowing things down? Are the wires in good shape? Does it have a knee or a foot control? Are there attachments? You can always offer less money but do it before you travel 2 hours. Those 201s are a nice beast but if you have a 15-91 you will favor the 15-91 if it is in good shape. The 15-91 will FM better than anything. Both will sew about anything you put under it. I think it is an excellent price if it is in good shape. I still favor the Japanese 15 clones...

Okay, I see. I went and googled it after reading this - and I see pictures of the bobbin on the blog I mentioned above.

I'll have to ask the seller if she sews - I did ask her if the machine turned on when plugged in and ran. I do think that's a good price - but it is a 2 hour drive. And I am considering what you are saying to me about the 15-91 versus the 201. I already know that someday I would like to have a treadle (totally different machine/sewing experience). I have also considered that the final machine I would like might be a 301 (because many note that they love their 301's for quilting - and because it is also different in look than the 15-91 and 201 - but apparently has the smallest bobbin of the bunch).

Think I won't be in a rush to drive there (would have to find time in my schedule). If it is meant to be, it will be if it is still available when I would have time to make that drive (probably the soonest would be 2 weeks from now).

http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/01/...-machines.aspx Jenny did a comparison between the 15 & the 201 machines
Don't discount the ability of the 15 clone machines - they are cheap and pretty simple to fix