Singer 301 sewing machine, can't find serial number
 

Hi! Total newb here, I love to sew and came a cross an old sewing machine at a thrift store today. It is a centennial Singer 301. I've googled it and have come at a stopping point because I cannot find the serial number to verify when this one was produced. I've been told to look on the bottom but there is nothing there. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!!

The serial number on a Singer 301 is on the bottom directly under the bobbin case.

Are you sure it's a Centennial Singer 301?

CD in Oklahoma

A Centennial Singer 301 would have been produced in 1951 because Singer started producing machines in 1851, I think.

as far as I've read during my search only singers produced for the centennial have the badge on them. I'll try to figure out how to post a picture.
I guess I want the serial number for final 100% proof that it's the machine I think it is.

Most of the 301 serial numbers were issued in 1951, but those numbers were used from 1951 through 1954, with largest production runs in 1953 and 1954...and they didn't keep good records of dates when the serial numbers were actually put on machines. So, although yours may come up 1951, chances are it was made 2 or 3 years later. Only the true centennial machines have a special Blue Badge that specifically says Centennial 1851-1951 on it. AND, if it's a 301a, it was made at a different factory, and then it for sure is later than 1951.

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Ok, so here is my new machine. And I've just realized I had an extreme blonde moment. I was flipping the thing up to look at the bottom and was actually looking at the bottom of the shelf it sits on. So as soon as I figure out how to get it out maybe I'll have a serial number. Excitement will wipe a brain clear of all common sense.

Serial number NA027528

OK, so yours is a 301, not a 301a, so probably 1951 or 1952. Plus it's a relatively low serial number, so maybe in the 2nd or 3rd production run.....this is only my guess.

I see the wooden top on the left of your machine is sagging down a fair amount.......

Check on the left vertical side of your cabinet - there should be a metal arm there that is supposed to pop out when the lid is lifted. If it's not 'out' just give it a helping hand and it should come out easily. It should come out at approximately 45 degrees to the front. Once it's out lay your top lid on it. Might want to give a spritz of oil on the arm hinge...

Nice machine! You will love it!

Shari

I'll bet you're gonna really like this machine when you get it ready to sew.

I have the same one!! Don't you love it!!

@Mom3, thanks so much! It was still in the back of the truck so not spread out as much as it should be. I can't wait to get it cleaned and oiled and take it for a test drive!

@az Jane, I hope I love mine as much as you love yours! I may have to message you with all my questions!:)

Shari,

That’s a “Trappy” cabinet, and it won’t have the metal arm support. The left front leg of the Singer Spinet Model 74 Trapezoid Cabinet pivots out to the left to support the lid.

CD in Oklahoma

That is exactly what it does!! I love it. It's so cute.

My 301A is a 1956, but looks just like yours. I hope it is used as much as mine - AnnieRose was made to quilt. I like the trapezoid cabinets, but don't think I will ever find one up here.

She's a beauty! Congratulations!

I just checked the Machine Serial number list and it said NA027528 was born in 1951. that was an excellent year!! LOL I was born then too!!! I've been looking at the serical numbers on some machine lately and have found that the blue badge was put on some machines as early as 1950 through about 1952 or '53. They were actually made earlier but wasn't released until later years.

You will love it. I have one in the "Trappy" cabinet and love to sew with it in the cabinet but you can take them out and they can go with you as a portable too. Enjoy.

I inherited my mother's Singer 301A and, I too, was having trouble finding a serial number on it. The I accidentally discovered that there is a removable bottom support that allows it to attach the cabinet that was hiding the serial number plate. It's a wonderful machine complete with its original sewing table cabinet, manuals and attachments (one for button holes and one for zigzag).

That has me laughing. Been there done that!

I have the same problem! I live in Iowa, I have 8 301's (I just love this machine!) and I have been searching for years for the trapezoid cabinet. That is top priority on my bucket list but I never see them in this area. Bummer!

Nice machine! I'm still looking for my 301. I had a chance to buy one, at a reasonable price, but flubbed it.

As I understand it, the centennial machines were not necessarily made in 1n 1951. Some were made earlier. Not every machine made in 1951 (the year the serial numbers were allocated) is considered a Centennial machine. They have to have the Centennial badge. It was a marketing campaign for Singer in 1951. They did a similarly badged machine for the Texas centennial in 1936 (red badge). I've heard that they sold the machines at the state fair.

I've seen photos of 15-90s, 15-91s and FWs with the badge. I just did a search and found a photo of a 301 Centennial badge. It's shown below. It looks like the other ones I've seen.

bkay

I bought one off of eBay just a few weeks ago. If you look there, one will come up. The seller took the legs off and marked them for me and packed it really well. It's a nice cabinet.

I have a Centennial FW and mine has the same badge.

Hi Crafty: Both my 301's have the serial number in two places. Turn upside down, remove bottom, and its on the motor on the right, also if you stay right there and look to the left side, where you clean out bobbin threads etc, it is etched into the metal body of the machine.