WoW! I like the "white" one. I have one like it, and it is actually called "celery." It is a very light green that looks almost white. I think they are more rare. The black one seems to have lots of attachments, but I would still choose the 1st one.

I received one of the white ones for my highschool graduation in 1967. My mother paid $100. To me the white one is newer and just a white one and more money than it is worth. It is my understanding the black one is a better catch for quality, dependability, cost and more of an antique. Go for the black for all those reasons.

Mine is actually celery too. For the green (white) one, there should be an attachment case that comes with it. YIKES the price!!!!

Gosh I can't believe how much the price of these have gone up since I got mine on eBay!

I like the black centennial one but I understand the white ones are more rare. Even so I'd go with the black one.

Why is the selection limited to just those two? Have you been looking for an antique Singer? Who picked them out, you or your brother? If your brother, is he savvy about sewing machines? Is there anywhere you could actually try out a similar make and model? You'll be sewing on it a long time. Perhaps you'd like to road test it first.

Or are you just looking for a Featherweight? What qualities in a sewing machine are the most important to you? I assume you want to sew with it and not just use it for decoration. Think hard on this one. Write down everything you want in a machine, and I mean everything. It's OK if being an antique is one of those things. Then go out and take a look at the new Featherweights. Compare the features you will get in a new, or nearly new one, to the antique model. Consider whether a newer one might be easier to have serviced, or whether parts would be easier to come by. That's important. If I lived in my home town where I grew up, I'd have no qualms about getting an antique machine because they have more than one antique sewing machine shop, and carry the supplies. Where I live now, I scoured the place and the quilt shops have told me there is no where to get an antique serviced, and I'd have to get parts (needles, bobbins, pressing feet) on line. That makes a huge difference to me. Road test various machines. This is an important purchase. You want to get it right.

If you find a machine you fall in love with, that you've researched and road tested, and know where you can get it serviced and where you can get necessary accessories, then it's time for a chat with your brother. He certainly sounds generous
and I'm sure he would want you to have the machine you're most comfortable operating.

Just please, don't get "star struck" by these very beautiful antique machines. Just like any other machine, they can be great, or they can be a lemon. Please, try out other potential machines before you just "too quick" make an emotional decision between these two. It's just too important a decision.

Whatever you get, I hope you love it, and it's perfect!

Warmest Regards,

I think I would go with the black one. Does you brother need another sister?

lol, no think the two he has is enough

I agree with your info on the black, it was my first pick

when's your birthday? I'll see if he's busy :D :D

I've been watching for sometime now. The one's from goodwill never seem to come this complete, or they have been so far away, shipping such an item really scares me. Not to sure they would pack it all that great

wow, I only got one. Not to hard to choose my favorite. lol

I did, the black

this info helped tip the scales a bit, thanks a bunch

go for it, win, & we'll meet & do the happy dance together, I am so excited

we were talking about the different machines, one I had, ones on my wish list. Told him one day I'd like to have an embroidery machine (drooling over some of the blocks seen on this board) and he was for that. No way am I ready for that, I don't even want to know the cost of one of them

so paint one :-) :thumbup:

sorry, it's gone
:-)

Sorry not looking for a new machine, not my thing. My newest/youngest machine I own bought 10 yrs ago, new Kenmore. Don't know why, hadn't sewn in years and never used it until a couple of years ago. My love is a 3/4 Singer with a bent wood case picked up over 20 yrs ago. Picked up another throttle this past weekend, a Minnesota with a shuttle, but it was the cabinet that drew me, it is gorgeous. Reattach the belt and it's ready to go. :D

I know, thanks :) :)

that makes two of us :shock: It was the reason I showed it, not that I expected to get one; then he said he'd get it for me if that was what I wanted......so the torment began :?

nice to know. thanks

Final wrap up, first thanks to all of you for helping me make up my mind.

Going to pick up the black one tomorrow, unless she is named, her new name is Black Betty. The white one, if gotten, was to be Betty White. (I know, I know)
Just between the machines: I like the decals, the white one has none. Thought about buying some to put on but that idea doesn't sound quite right to me, but it would work, if going for looks. Other than, being rare, it still looks plain. Pretty, but plain. If given the chance, maybe I'll get one in the future.

This board is wonderful and it's people like you that make it so grand. Thank you all, those that express your thoughts and insights. By sharing you have brought up info and ideas that, not only did I not know or thought of, but made me feel more confident in my original decission. Hugs and kisses to all.

And to my brother, my dear and darling brother...I will let him read this post next time he's in town. He thinks it's nothing, what he did this weekend. With your backing, perhaps this will be one small way to show him how special he really is.
Kiss kiss Tom

Thanks again everyone