My Singer Serial Number information sheet says it is a 1948.

Yes, my sewing machine mechanic said 1941 and the site said 1940.

The serial number on the bottom of your 301 is correct...and they only made those from 1950 through 1953.

Here is a website you can go to to identify your Singer by it's features. You start at the beginning and choose which features your machine has, and you end up at what your model is. It works every time, even on the models that have several different sub-types.

http://www.sandman-collectibles.com/...r-machines.htm

One thing to keep in mind is that they are quoting dates that the serial numbers were issued, not the specific manufacture date of your machine. If a lot of 35,000 serial numbers was issued in mid-1948, for example, they might not have used them all until early 1950. So, it's really only a ballpark date any of us are getting. They didn't keep exact manufacturing date records.

You can kind of "guesstimate" by your serial number where in the timeframe it was made. You would look at the next date serial numbers for that same model were issued, and kind of figure out how many months between, and then how many were probably made each month...you could do a little homework and maybe get closer.

I have a 1913 singer that i don't use...it's kept on a shelf, covered to protect it from dust while I work out of the laundry room. It's been checked out and is in full working order but I haven't used Singer machines before. I have a few machines but one of these days, I'm gonna take her for a test drive. Maybe for her 100th birthday next year!! =)

I've got to tell you - I had never used a Singer before, and certainly not a vintage Singer. I recently acquired a 15-91 (from 1948 - so a little bit newer than yours). So easy to use. Just got it back from having it serviced, and while I thought it sewed wonderfully before - it is absolutely fantastic now! As I sat down to try out my FMQing on her first - I literally could only say WOW! So incredibly smooth, the stitches were so pretty! Yes, I know - only a straight stitch - but comparing the stitch from this machine to that produced by my Janome 4800 - I have to say the 15-91 blows the Janome out of the water. And my Janome is more finicky about tension as well for FMQ. Also - I love the sound my 15-91 makes. This will be my machine of choice, easily.

I hope you give yours a spin soon!! :)