Featherweight General Questions
#1
Featherweight General Questions
Hi All,
I have a couple of general questions regarding FW machines.
1) Are certain years "better" than others? (I have a 1939 and a Centennial.) I see prices all over the map on the machines and was just wondering on the years. I know the Centennial is worth a bit more than the 1939, but what about other years?
2) Is the scroll face plate machine worth more than a striated face plate one?
3) What is the difference in model numbers? 221-1, 221-K. Haven't found the answer to this one anywhere else.
Thanks! Looking forward to the answers.
I have a couple of general questions regarding FW machines.
1) Are certain years "better" than others? (I have a 1939 and a Centennial.) I see prices all over the map on the machines and was just wondering on the years. I know the Centennial is worth a bit more than the 1939, but what about other years?
2) Is the scroll face plate machine worth more than a striated face plate one?
3) What is the difference in model numbers? 221-1, 221-K. Haven't found the answer to this one anywhere else.
Thanks! Looking forward to the answers.
#2
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
1. I've read where some people think that the oldest ones sew the best. I can't attest to that as I've only ever sewn on mine which is a 1950s machine. The centennial isn't necessarily worth any more than the '39, that's a judgement call. A '39 FW is pretty darn old in the scheme of things. And there are FWs worth a whole lot more than either of these. The rare badged state fair models, for example. Prices on FWs really are all over the map. I think they're over rated and mostly over priced, myself. I watched and waited for a couple years and found mine for $50. Not bragging, just stating that I was willing to wait rather than pay hundreds for a machine I can't take seriously.
2. Depends. The scrolled machines are older than the striated face machines, so that comes into play.
3. I don't know all the differences or the after dash designations. The K simply means it was built in the UK not the US or Canada. The 221 only had one major internal change as far as I know. After the first couple of years they made some sort of change to the bobbin case base but it's not something you or I would be able to notice at a glance. Oh, and the white ones are belt driven instead of gear driven, so I guess that's two changes.
Cari
2. Depends. The scrolled machines are older than the striated face machines, so that comes into play.
3. I don't know all the differences or the after dash designations. The K simply means it was built in the UK not the US or Canada. The 221 only had one major internal change as far as I know. After the first couple of years they made some sort of change to the bobbin case base but it's not something you or I would be able to notice at a glance. Oh, and the white ones are belt driven instead of gear driven, so I guess that's two changes.
Cari
Last edited by Cari-in-Oly; 03-18-2018 at 05:47 PM.
#3
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Rolla MO
Posts: 99
I have a 1937 FW and it does not have a numbered disc on the thread tension dial so that on newer models that is a change. "Nettie" and I are going to a quilt retreat this week-end. She originally belonged to my DIL's grandmother Jeanette.
#4
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
Cari
#5
I have several Featherweights- one from the 30's, 50's and a white one from the 60's. I don't see any difference in any of them.
As for value, I only think the 222's are valuable since they have the arm that comes off.
As for value, I only think the 222's are valuable since they have the arm that comes off.
Last edited by SusieQOH; 03-19-2018 at 08:22 AM.
#6
Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 90
There is a great book you can still get called " Featherweight 221 The Perfect Portable". It has all the history
about every model of Featherweight that was made. Everyone should have this book.
The value of most Featherweights usually depends on how good the decals and clearcoat still are.
If the finish is good the older machines are worth more.
As far as sewing the newest machines are best. They have a better clearcoat finish, a graduated needle plate,
and a stronger type motor.
The white machine with the belt drive is a cheaper made machine but they still fetch a lot because people
like to collect them.
about every model of Featherweight that was made. Everyone should have this book.
The value of most Featherweights usually depends on how good the decals and clearcoat still are.
If the finish is good the older machines are worth more.
As far as sewing the newest machines are best. They have a better clearcoat finish, a graduated needle plate,
and a stronger type motor.
The white machine with the belt drive is a cheaper made machine but they still fetch a lot because people
like to collect them.
#7
Link for information on Featherweights
Hi All,
I have a couple of general questions regarding FW machines.
1) Are certain years "better" than others? (I have a 1939 and a Centennial.) I see prices all over the map on the machines and was just wondering on the years. I know the Centennial is worth a bit more than the 1939, but what about other years?
2) Is the scroll face plate machine worth more than a striated face plate one?
3) What is the difference in model numbers? 221-1, 221-K. Haven't found the answer to this one anywhere else.
Thanks! Looking forward to the answers.
I have a couple of general questions regarding FW machines.
1) Are certain years "better" than others? (I have a 1939 and a Centennial.) I see prices all over the map on the machines and was just wondering on the years. I know the Centennial is worth a bit more than the 1939, but what about other years?
2) Is the scroll face plate machine worth more than a striated face plate one?
3) What is the difference in model numbers? 221-1, 221-K. Haven't found the answer to this one anywhere else.
Thanks! Looking forward to the answers.
#8
Link for information on Featherweights
Hi All,
I have a couple of general questions regarding FW machines.
1) Are certain years "better" than others? (I have a 1939 and a Centennial.) I see prices all over the map on the machines and was just wondering on the years. I know the Centennial is worth a bit more than the 1939, but what about other years?
2) Is the scroll face plate machine worth more than a striated face plate one?
3) What is the difference in model numbers? 221-1, 221-K. Haven't found the answer to this one anywhere else.
Thanks! Looking forward to the answers.
I have a couple of general questions regarding FW machines.
1) Are certain years "better" than others? (I have a 1939 and a Centennial.) I see prices all over the map on the machines and was just wondering on the years. I know the Centennial is worth a bit more than the 1939, but what about other years?
2) Is the scroll face plate machine worth more than a striated face plate one?
3) What is the difference in model numbers? 221-1, 221-K. Haven't found the answer to this one anywhere else.
Thanks! Looking forward to the answers.
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