cloverbud

A friend called and asked, are you still looking for an old machine? I said if I stumble across one I would be interested. She had just left a yard sale and saw one that looked nice to her. They were asking $150. The sale was not far from my home so I went. It was a well-taken care of but definitely used machine. From researching and reading this forum I think it is a 1946 Singer, 201-2. It has a pot belly motor, a light on the front with a side light switch. Serial number AG684655. The treadle cabinet is beautiful with the exception of a few veneer flaws. As I was standing there looking at it (totally willing to pay the $150 asking price) the lady said if you will haul it off you can have it for $75. SOLD - - I could not back my car around fast enough. Apparently none of these people knew the value. All the machine needed was oiled, dusted, new light bulb and thread removed from under the bobbin case. Once I took care of all that, it sews beautifully.

Any information you can give me would be appreciated. I do have two questions - can this machine be converted to be used as a treadle? Any suggestions on making this beauty even better, I would appreciate your wisdom. I have never posted anything, just been following for about a year. I am so proud I just had to share. I am glad I decided to check out the yard sale.

barri1

She is awesome.. Enjoy her..

Monroe

That's a fantastic find! If there's a way to treadle it someone here will help you.

redmadder

A friend gifted me with one just a little newer, like 1956. Bought a cord online, cleaned, oiled, and plugged her in. Such beautiful stitches. I'm over the moon.

danimal

I love the relief on that cabinet. Nice score!

Ccorazone

Don't you just love the wood. That's my favorite part of old machines.

JenniePenny

It is very pretty! Great find.

LynnVT

Awesome, indeed!! Congratulations!

Charlee

Very nice machine and gorgeous cabinet!!

To answer your questions:

No, you're not going to be able to treadle this one, but you don't want to. The 201-2 machines are super nice machines!
To make her prettier, clean her up (use sewing machine oil on cotton balls, and toss the cotton when it gets dirty) wipe the oil off with a soft, dry rag, and then polish her up with car wax! Just about any car wax will do, but stay away from the gritty "clean and wax" type.

You got a GREAT deal btw....and if you keep your eyes open, you'll find a machine that will fit in that cabinet that you can treadle...then you can just swap them out when you want to use one or the other!

harrishs

that is a gorgeous machine and cabinet! i love sewing with a 201 that is set up all the time.