Is that crinkle Godzilla finish really as rare as they say?
 

There are sites on the internet that lead you to feel that way, and yet, Ebay seems to have a ton of them for really cheap! I guess it depends on model? The 221s are apparently quite rare in that finish.

a bit unusual, but not rare.
YOu also see sellers who use the word industrial for all vintage machines too.

no, and neither is the "blackside" stuff. Singer used the finishes as an alternate, they didn't consider them anything "special" at the time. Several other manufacturers use a "crinkle" type finish at that time too.


like you pointed out, it is rare with the 221 (crinkle) You can find 128 easily, and also 66. I don't think I've ever seen a 15 or 201 with an original crinkle finish.

And don't forget about "rare" knee controllers.... yawn.

It depends on how rare they claim them to be. Originial Singer crinkle fishin aren't that common, but they turn up now and then. I have seen lots of refurbished old machine done in crinkle finish, compared to Singer models who started out as crinkle finish. Refurbished finshes isn't quite the same. I think tall the novelty Featherweights fetch a bit extra, both money and attention. Some seek out a special feature and are willing to pay for it; white, cellery, crinkle, centennial badge,... I have to admit, if I found a 201 with the early type chromed plates I would love it, even if my 1950 201 with pin stripe plates are rather stylish too ;- )

I think, then, I'll just enjoy the 128 crinkle finish I got for what it is - a really pretty machine that does a nice straight stitch. I paid about $100 and then found out the motor sucks. Bought a knee controller and my husband will rebuild the motor, but also bought a vintage motor/light/foot pedal set (working) because I didn't see the knee controllers at first. LOL. Eh, I figure I can always re-sell it, even if I take a bit of a loss. I learned something through the experience.

In very nice working condition they will probably fetch $100. Rewired, cleaned and sorted out they tend to cost a bit more. A bit unfortunate with the motor Linda, but with a DIY effort it will be fine again. It's not always easy to sell these cast iron machine. I think I payed about the equivalent of $80 dollar for my 201 and it needed a few replacement parts and a bit of work to run again too. It's still my favorite machine.

I don't mind keeping it or giving it to my sister, who does sew. My husband wants to rebuild the motor

I use my 128s as hand cranks.

That could be a fun option. I bought a motor combo with foot pedal from someone who said it works - it does but you have to essentially floor the pedal. Sigh.

Like the first one, I would expect the second foot pedal and motor to clean and tune up nicely. If there is sluggishness in the machine it will hault the speed too. When you give the hand wheel a good spin (with out the motor belt, and presser foot up) the machine should turn several stitches befor it stops.

There is a crinkle finish 128 in the KC area this week. cabinets and some nice accessories. $100.

I expect clean and lubed straight stitches to spin at least 3 revolutions when spun by the hand crank.

The Sew Easy VS I just brought back to life will spin 5 revolutions.. Not bad for not turning more that 90 degrees a few hours earlier.

Zig Zag machines don't spin nearly so well.

I definitely overpaid. Sigh. I best simply enjoy this machine :)

Didn't mean the cords weren't deadly. Enjoy it.