Singer Featherweight 221 Sewing Machine, AL196*** – Original Provenance!!! The Singer Featherweight Shop

We are very excited to add an incredible one of a kind 221 to the site.  This machine is unlike any that we have ever had in the shop!  The original owner was named Donald Schamberger, and it appears that he used this Featherweight as part of a garment alteration business. He was fastidious in keeping records: noting every detail about the machine, what he sewed, who he sewed it for, etc.  The machine still has the original newspaper clipping where Mr. Schamberger  first saw the Featherweight advertised. Note the Zigzagger Attachment that Singer included for free with his purchase!

The fact that all of these things were documented, kept with the machine all these years and are still included with the machine today, are what make this Featherweight unique.  We’ve had old advertisements before, old records, but nothing this detailed.  Truly a rarity to have one this complete and with all the original provenance… you can practically retrace the actual sewing life of the machine, knowing what it made with peculiar specificity.  It is also worth noting the patriotic connection.  While the machine was not used in military service specifically, it certainly played a part in our nation’s freedom by assisting these young serviceman as they earned their designations.

Included with this Featherweight:  the original guarantee from Singer, the Newspaper ad where Mr. Schamberger first saw the Featherweight, his receipt book with entries for various fatigues and stripes, and the free ZigZagger that Singer included!  Looking through all the original ephemera is like stepping back into 1952!  This machine is truly a one-of-a-kind; a distinguishing addition to any collection.

Completely serviced, cleaned, polished, electrically inspected, timed, tuned and sampled – rest assured, this Featherweight 221 will be ready to sew right out of the case.  This machine is fitted with an original 110 volt motor that has been rewound to work at optimum speed and torque, so you can plug it in and begin sewing with effortless power.

AL196*** indicates an original production commission date of December 12th, 1952 and is given a Grade 8-.  Be sure to click on any image above to view the reflective beauty of this Singer Featherweight machine.  Machine is truly in gorgeous condition with a small amount of wear from use. 

Included with Machine:

1. Original Case (lovely condition)
    
2. Basic Attachments:
   (Ruffler, Narrow Hemmer, Adjustable Hemmer, Shirrer, Binder, and Edge Stitcher)

3. Original ZigZagger
4. Original Singer Guarantee and records from the original owner
    
5. Original Instruction Manual
     
6. Oil Bottle
7. Motor Lubricant
   
   
8. Spool Pin Spring & Red Felt
   
   
9. Five (5) Extra Bobbins
   
   
10. Large & Small Screwdrivers
    
    
11. Stitch Sample from your machine assuring you of a quality stitch
    
    
12. Small Spool of Presencia Thread

13. Pack of Five Schmetz Microtex Needles

Are you a Quilter?  Additional Quilting Attachments can be purchased, and if you need any Fashion Aids for apparel or ornamental sewing (i.e. Buttonholer, Blind Stitcher, etc…), we will prepare samples for those as well should you decide to purchase them separately.

You can also rest knowing that the Original Bobbin Case is most definitely included, assuring you of an original quality stitch all these years later.  It is a delightful thought to think about some of the possible things that were lovingly sewn on this machine in its lifetime.  What will you add to its sewing repertoire – quilts? Apparel?  Whatever you sew, I’m sure your new Featherweight machine will be well loved for many, many more years of sewing life.

Machine has been serviced and calibrated for quilter’s cottons, so you won’t have to worry about tension when you receive your machine, but having a numbered tension dial will make it easier to set it back should you need to adjust it for any reason.

You will notice that this machine is fitted with a striated faceplate and the original case includes the tray for holding the box of attachments, manual, etc..

Free Shipping in the USA through UPS Ground.  Your machine will be thoroughly and carefully packed ~ guaranteed to arrive to you safe and sound.