VSSM Collector – 1951 Centennial Featherweight (221)

Not a quilting post, but related. I’ve always loved history, so antiques interest me. But not just any old antiques. Old items that have a special meaning to me.

Now you may be wondering exactly what a VSSM is. It stands for Vintage Singer Sewing Machine. Now the definitions of Vintage and Antique can be different when talking about different objects. As I understand it Vintage can refer to any sewing machine between 50 & 99 years old. While Antique refers to a machine 100 years old or older. You may get differing opinions, but that is what I will be using as my definition.

I’m not exactly what some may call a serious collector. I consider myself a casual collector. I have a few machines and several of them have special meaning to me, while others may just intrigue me. And it all began with this machine – a 1951 Centennial Featherweight (Model 221) that belonged to my mother-in-law.

1951 Singer Centennial Featherweight originally owned by my Mother in law.

Isn’t she cute! She’s called a Centennial because she was made/sold in 1951. See that oval tag on the Lower right side of the front column? It identifies her as a 1851-1951 Centennial edition. “A Century of Sewing Service 1851-1951.”

1851-1951 Centennial Badge on Singer Featherweight

According to the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society’s (ISMACS) website this machine’s serial number was allocated on May 10, 1951. On that date a block of 50,000 serial numbers was released to be used on Model 221 machines made in Elizabethtown, NJ. While we don’t know exactly when this machine was made, we are fairly sure that my Father-in-Law bought this for my Mother-in-Law for her birthday in October of 1951.

1951 Singer Centennial Featherweight Serial #AK423297

See the little motor on the back of the machine?

Motor on 1951 Singer Centennial Featherweight

Her Finish & Decals are in very nice condition. With lots of research on the Internet, we’ve learned about restoration, care & maintenance. I did have my sewing machine tech check it out when we first got her. He had to run her over 30 minutes to burn off excess & old oil & lubricant. But now we’re taking care of her ourselves.

Finish & Decals in good condition on 1951 Singer Centennial Featherweight

The Featherweight was designed to be a portable machine. Even in it’s case, you are looking at only 11-15 pounds. A lot lighter than my newer Bernina. The case has some rough, worn spots. I haven’t decided what I want to do with it – repair it, replace it, or strip it all off & finish the wood. I may just make a quilted cover.

1951 Centennial Featherweight 221 Case

1951 Centennial Featherweight 221 Case – Open

1951 Centennial Featherweight 221 Case – Bottom needs work.

This past Spring I took her to SW Virginia to Camelia’s Quilting Retreat. She is great for piecing and any other straight-stitch sewing.

2017 Camelia’s Quilt Retreat, 1951 Singer Centennial Featherweight

You may notice that I’ve been referring to this machine as “her.” Many VSSM owners will name their machines. So in continuation of this tradition I’ve named her “Beth” in honor/memory of my Mother-in-Law and the many hours she spent sewing & quilting for her family & friends.

My Mother-in-Law on her Birthday in 2009 with Hubby, his sister and our daughter.
Happy Stitching!
Quilt Mouse