Machine Identification
 

While thoroughly browsing Craigslist for the elusive (to me) Singer 503, I came across a listing with this:

http://i.imgur.com/pdwBR1tl.jpg

I can't quite make out the brand name on the picture. It reminds me a bit of Aldens but I don't think that's what the brand name says. Pretty cool looking...I think I have a problem ;)

I know I saw a thread recently with a very similar machine. Sorry I don't remember which one.
If you have a problem you're not alone.
Are you getting it?
Rodney

Well I spend a half hour on my photo program and couldn't clean up the badge enough to read it. But I did notice the slide plate is missing. So if you go for it you can expect that little expense right off.

Joe

Very cool indeed. Frudemoo has one very much like it and the one Rodney's referring to was a few months back. Those slide plates are quite common with Japanese machines (I have several) so don't let that stop you. This machine looks to be a long shank and will likely take industrial feet.

I'm sure tempted by it, but at $100 it's a bit out of my range for a machine I don't know anything about. I think I'll mail the seller and see if I can get some more info. Thanks for your effort Joe!

Here is a link about the Japanese Machines with fancy stitches: http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t207880.html
Maybe there will be something there that can help you.

Apparently it is American Beauty. It sure is nice looking but in the current condition I wouldn't pay anywhere near asking price. These clone machines sure are gorgeous.

Very nice looking machine...American Beauty. I agree, too much money for it. Try offering half...depends on how much they want to get rid of it.

Apparently the cord is split on one side, I don't know how easy that would be to repair or even if I would be able to. The top of the table also got some damage from a tarp when there was rain (though when opened up, the table looks fine and the machine doesn't look like it got wet). I can always refinish the top.

Also found this link, talks a bit about the brand and has a picture of what looks like nearly the same machine: http://www.doubleveil.net/zssmp/ambeauty.htm

The cool thing about that machine at the top of the page is that each place you set the cam stack has 3 settings - right left and center - that makes 3 different stitches. BUT the one I have similar has a left setting for the needle on straight stitch.

Does anyone who has worked with these Japanese clone machines have an idea of how difficult it would be to fix/find parts/accessories? Do you think it would be possible to find feet for them (I'm having trouble getting an idea of what kind they take, hopefully your generic slant/non-slant etc. would work). I've never fixed up a machine before, so that's why I'm really unsure what I'm getting into. I've also found a Brother Select-o-Matic that's pretty nice looking, though doesn't have the "it" factor that the American Beauty I posted does. Something about that machine just draws me to it. My concern stems from that I can even find any American Beauty Machines on eBay to learn more about them. Or if I should scoop it up now (if I can get a much better price) and hold onto it until I can figure things out.

They likely take low shank attachments. If not try high shank. The extra high shank and the slant shank won't be what you need. Yes both low and high are readily available.

Thanks Miriam!

I'm hopefully going to go and take a look at in person soon. I've joined the vintage Japanese badged machine Yahoo group (though don't seem to be approved yet) and have been through all the Deluxe Zig Zag manuals on sewusa. I also emailed Zorba because he has what looks to me to be the same machine. I'm hoping the cord isn't too badly damaged and that I can get a reasonable price...

Sew-classic has cords and foot pedals, accessories, bobbins, new bobbin tires, and what ever else you want

Thanks Miriam, I've bookmarked that site!

No go on that machine - couldn't get to a price I was comfortable with considering I don't know whether it'd ever get working.

I do seem to be in a desert for Japanese machines and Rocketeers! I did find a two Stradivaros , one a couple hours away that I like, just waiting to get some more details.

Yeah, looks EXACTLY the same as mine... I haven't played with mine yet so I couldn't tell you how good they are, only I'm very glad I bought mine as I think it looks amazing (mine was $50). I probably have the same weakness as you ;) Here is the pic of my machine, badged "Myer Deluxe" in Australia for one of our major department stores http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...ml#post6656526