Information please
 

I am looking at purchasing this machine. I am looking for information about it, I believe it is a model 201. Were they reliable machines? This one is the Centennial model, made in 1951.

It's exceptionally smooth running, hardly any model is more reliable and durable than this one. Among the old cast irion Singers it's my favorite. It might need a bit of cleaning and oiling, but yours looks very clean and shiny to begin with. There are some very good blog posts and tutorials on how to get an old 201-2 running fine again. Your's has the direct drive motor, you are quite lucky in your find :- )

If the price is any sort of decent at all, Grab it. Don't ask me what a decent price is, BC prices can be far different than here even though we share a border.
Singer 201s were Singer's top domestic model and were also used in commercial and light industrial settings. They're very well made and are great machines. They use a gear driven full rotary hook. It's a very strong design. That one appears to be in great shape. The bentwood case makes it even better IMO.
The model 15 behind it should be a good machine too and may have a slight edge on the 201 for FMQ.
Rodney

Thank you!

Thanks for the information. I'm going to buy both of them. The price is $200 for both of them which I thought was a steal! Now that I have your opinions, I'm more confident in purchasing them.

Yes, $200 for BOTH machines is a steal. Enjoy them.

That would be $150 US. Our dollar is in the toilet!

Very nice looking, congratulations on your finds, now run and get them fast!

Wonderful. I have a 201-3 named Helen after my grandmother who bought it new when I was 5. I had it after my mother used it for years and it is a great machine. Helen bought her 201-3 in Sherbrooke, Que, Canada. Let us know how it goes.

That is a decent price. On Ebay, for a 201 with potted motor, the usual asking price is $200. Both are excellent machines. The 201 is allegedly the best machine Singer ever made. It will last the rest of your life and one or two additional, if it is cared for correctly. DH says a good 201 can outlast 4 ladies. We'll see.

I think it's probably so, if those corkscrew mesh gears get lubricated and everything is oiled and tuned I doubt it should wear out with regular daily use. When they will eventually wear out, and I wonder which parts takes the hardest strain. The motor? The belted machines can have new motors fitted. If a 201 ran continously 24-7 how many years would it last? I have seen the most beat up poorly 201s hardly turning, when cleaned up and oiled they keep on stitching.

I have a twin. Excellent machine, called the Rolls Royce of sewing machines. Good for you!

Wonderful machine. I have my mom's old one which was made in the 20's or 30's and it still sews as well as my $1100 Bernina. Grab it. You'll love it.

Looks gorgeous!!

That looks just like my 1951 201 and I love it! Works great, had to bargain later on for the cover for it but in total I have 70.00. I found it on Craigs list although there are not many like that in our area for sale. All I did was clean it a little, oil it and have been sewing ever since.

Thank you everyone for your comments. I have purchased them, but pick them up next week. Can't wait to try them out!