The 400s are not stylistically impressive and do have a balanced, no-nonsence, and therefore a more enduring appeal.
July 28, 2011
Singer 401a (1972)
A gift from Aunt Doris, these things really were / are engineering marvels. Built in 1972 it has the two tone tan earth tones from the 70's.
It clearly shows its heritage from the 301s and the like. These are prized machines, at 22 lbs. you have all the stiffness of the older 40's machines at half the weight. Known as a "Slant needle" Singer thought it would be better to have the closer to the operator; not a bad idea but maybe not worth the effort.
The 400s are not stylistically impressive and do have a balanced, no-nonsence, and therefore a more enduring appeal.
The 400s are not stylistically impressive and do have a balanced, no-nonsence, and therefore a more enduring appeal.
Hello Tom, it's a very sophisticated and unusual machine. Completely metall (well, not saying about one textolite gear - it's firm and strong), with in-built fashion stitch discs and more than 30 external ones). I've got such a gem a couple of weeks ago and I'm still impressed by its engineering and design genius. But it's not from the 70s of course. It's much older. Have a look at this page http://www.singer301.com/dating/default.html It was produced in 1957-1961.
ReplyDeleteSinger even built a new factory to produce these machines. And they proudly wrote in ads: 100% American built.
Well, I've got it. With merely the full set of parts, feet, disks and bells and whistles. Think it's not a problem in the US or UK, but I've bouhgt it IN RUSSIA! Now it's a wonderful addition to my Singer 216G and a dozen of less rare Singers like 15-31 or 66.