different types of 401 machines?
 

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...ng-machine.pdf

This shows a 401 with the bobbin winder on top vs. the wheel on the side. Is this a later version of the machine? When I google images, I don't see this one.

What's up with that

Yes there is different versions of the 401. I "think" the one on the manual you've found is a 401G. If you look close it looks like it might be treadleable. From what I've read here those were mostly foreign versions. I wouldn't mind having one someday.

If I'm wrong somebody will correct me.


Joe

If you look through the manual, you'll notice the "English" spelling of several words (not the American spelling).

I think after the war, Singer started having a lot more variations between factories - probably to compete better in local markets with all the Japanese machines.

In 1960s Europe there was still a high demand for treadle machines. The 401G and 401M (Monza, Italy) are treadleable. The bobbin winder of the 401A would have been in the way of the treadle belt. Check out Miriam's thread where you can see the 401G set up as a treadle:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t211311.html

Thanks everyone. Mystery inside my head is now solved.

I have a 403 Special Slant-O-Matic and love it.