I am searching for a portable Singer Sewing Machine from the 1950 era for my daughter. The machine sews only a straight stitch and she likes to sew on it because it does not have all of the complicated buttons, etc. The 221 came in a little black box and was portable. I would love to have one of these, but if I cannot find a 221, a 301 is the next bigger model and it comes in a brown slanted suitcase most of the time. Sometimes they were in a cabinet. Either of these machines could have a wooden card table that the machine sits into. I am willing to pay you for your machine. Please e-mail me if you have such a machine or know of anybody who might have one. Thanks.
From the early 1850's up until the early 1970's SINGER produced several different models. Although they are still making sewing machines, they are nothing like the older heavy duty cast iron ones. Why so many different models, I don't know but probably the most popular models were the 221 Featherweight, 201 and the 15-91. The last two didn't have belts, they were direct gear drive. As with all SINGER machines they could sew anything from your most delicate fabrics to leather. I have a very nice Model 15-91 in a cabinet that I got at an estate sale. The machine has been gone over and is in excellent working condition. $150.