My newest finds are members a that class of Singers that I've come to like most: A 404, a 401A and a 503A, each with its own attributes and personality.
I tackled the 404 first and must say, this is a truly beautiful machine. It's had little use, and its condition is about as nice as I've seen. It's a simple machine, so, easy to reduce it to that point where I'll then begin building it back up to about as nice as it's likely to ever be again. It came with a nice case too. I hadn't seen one of these before and was surprised that the machine served as the bottom of the case. Very nicely designed. This keeps the machine light enough for it to be considered truly portable. In fact, this machine would have been the worthy successor to the 301A – itself heir apparent to the remarkable 221, the Featherweight.
Then a 401A. My favorite. All the bells and whistles in a no-nonsense, but still very attractive machine. This one, after giving it the treatment I give all my machines, looks great and should sew beautifully after an adjustment or two.
Finally a Vigorelli. Italian made. Very industrial looking. And green.
Pictured above you'll find a 503A stripped to the point where I begin its "treatment": hours of cleaning, some few minutes of oiling, and a final hand-rubbed polish.
Hi
ReplyDeleteI am a sewing machine enthusiast and while I have seen Singer 206, 306, 319 and 320 machines I have never sen a 316 in the flesh.
I have a couple of questions about these machines and was hoping that as you have a 316 in your collection you could answer them.
Do they use an oscillating or rotary hook?
Is the motor mount boss cast into the machine directly below the centre of the balance wheel or slightly offset? In the 206, 306, 319 1nd 320 it is slightly offset meaning that a standard Singer handcrank can not be mounted onto any of these machines as the centre of rotation of the hand crank does not align with the centre of rotation of the balance wheel.
I would be most grateful if you could satisfy my curiosity.
Regards