I just realized that my MIL's pristine, unused FW... does not have a brass model number plate on it. In fact, I can't find a SN on it anywhere. ???? How can that be? It's in original condition. ??? It's not a Centennial and it's not a 222.

What's up with that? Anyone know?

The serial number can be found on the bottom of the machine. Sometime they are a little hard to find if it is discolored any. Are you talking about the 221 model number that is found under the badge? if so some of the ones I have had did not have one on them.

Okay.... can you be a tad more specific on were the model number is underneath (if that's where you mean bottom). Underside right, left, etc. ??? And thanks. I did flip it over and look underneath. I found only one number , but it didn't corresspond (had no two letter prefix). Odd.

I have 3 FW, only one has a little 221 badge under the larger Singer badge, on the right front of the pillar. All three have the serial # on the underside, to the left rear corner as you'd sit at the machine. That is, if I was sitting at the machine and tipped it backwards to look at the bottom, the number is in the lower left corner. Btw, my Centennial serial # starts w/ EG, but it looks like E6. HTH

None of my featherweights have 221 on them and I don't think any of the older models did. My featherwieghts were all made between 1947 and 1955. At first I wondered why my machines were all about the same age and then I realized that their original owners who probably purchased them soon after getting married (both my mom and MIL did) are now deceased (estate sales) or down sizing and entering long term care and having auction or garage sales to clear out possessions. I'd like to find a 222 model (open arm) or a tan one.