Got a new old Singer . . . featherweight?
 

We bought this at an auction. The serial number says it is a 221-1 made in 1952 in New Jersey. I don't know a lot about these old machines, but I do have a 1935 featherweight, and it is not like this one.

For one thing, the bobbin is horizontal, and I am not sure whether there is anything missing -- the bobbin just drops in? I thought this only came in with zig-zag.

Some of the decals are in fine shape, other things, like the settings on the stitch length/reverse, are completely missing. The belt is "internal"

It does run and my husband is cleaning it up, but I am still puzzled that it would fall within the "featherweight" category of user manuals when it is so different.

You do have a fine machine, but you are correct. It is not a featherweight. Is has a a "potted" motor that drive gears instead of a belt. It is a 201 which has a bunch of fans. It take special greasing, so be sure to have yours hubs check that out before you get carried away sewing with it.

Looks intact from what I can see.

It's a 201-2. Some people say it's Singers best machine, and I have to agree. I absolutely love the 201!

The serial number should show up in the ISMACS.net database as a 201. It's a great machine. You can download the manual at ISMACS. The stitch length numbers are worn off or faded. (I've seen that area repainted on a youtube video, but lost the address when my computer died.) It has a drop in bobbin, as you described. It loads differently than later drop in bobbins, so check the manual.

It doesn't have a belt, it is direct drive. It's a straight stitch machine only. It's the quietest, smoothest machine Singer ever made. It's often referred to as the Rolls Royce of Singers. It also looks like the cabinet is in good condition.

It has nothing to do with a featherweight. The featherweight is a 221 or 222. This is neither. The model number is 201-2. The -2 indicates it has the direct drive (or potted) motor. The 201 did come as a belt driven machine, but you don't see it very often.

I have seen other Singer machines listed as 221's on auction that weren't. Are you sure the serial number says it's a 221? Check here for the number on ISMACS.

Thank you for your inputs -- I obviously didn't study the serial number listing adequately, but I am happy to know what I have now, and I would alter the title of this thread if I knew how.

it is easy to read a number wrong or to slip a line while you are reading a chart. YOur title is still good.We often don't konw what exactly we have.

I still chuckle over the "featherweight" part -- my little 221 is almost too heavy to take to sit 'n sews! My newer Brothers weigh much less -- but then, this is comparing apples and not-apples!

I grabbed a Model 28 3/4 sized machine this weekend. It was in a bentwood case. I chuckled internally when the lady said. "Be careful, it is heavy" Not compared to a full size machine in a cabinet. No pics yet.