Vintage Singer 404

Here she is: Elizabeth, a Singer model 404! I bought her online back in December, from Goodwill. The photos looked good and the price was right at $50. She was manufactured around May 1960 at the Elizabethport, New Jersey factory.

When she arrived, we were amazed. She has a couple of chips on the handwheel, but no scratches on the rest of the paint to speak of, and not a spot of rust. Even the bobbin tire and brown spool felts were in good shape and look original. She was a cabinet model, still had hinges attached and there was no drip pan or foot controller. We don't believe she was used much.

Jerold gave her a good clean and oil, replaced the top motor bearing, and ordered new spool pins (bent), a foot controller/cord, and some rubber feet. We polished and waxed her to a gleaming shine before I started sewing. No paint job needed for this two-tone cream and beige girl.

She stitches like a dream and is pretty quiet. I've already pieced a quilt with her. Elizabeth is a nice straight stitch machine to add to our collection. I'm on the lookout for a drip pan, or maybe I can get my resident handyman to build a wooden base.

More updates later on our ongoing vintage sewing machine addiction. I love sharing a hobby with my guy and thoroughly enjoy working with him to restore these machines.