EH Series 221 Machines, 1951-1953 - Stepping Into the Vault
Take a step into the Featherweight vault as we analyze the differences between six special Featherweights - one from each serial number series within the EH prefix.
Detailed first are some features that are standard for Featherweights with an EH serial number. After that, the distinctives of each of the six machines will be detailed. These machines are all special in some way; a selection of them have an uncommon/rare element, and the others are in uncommonly good condition.
We hope this meticulous blog series will expand the interest in and knowledge of the intricacies of Featherweight history!
EH Serial Number Features:
Striated Faceplate:
Each of these six machines is fitted with a striated faceplate, yet we have seen a few other EH machines with scrolled faceplates. That would seem to indicate that the striated faceplates were beginning to be phased out around the time of the first EH serial numbered Featherweights (late 1951).
Plain Needle Throat Plate:
Each of these six EH serial number machines as well as every other one that we have sold have a plain needle throat plate with no measurement markings.
Upper Light Switch:
The upper light switch was standard issue for EH machines. The exception to this, of course, was for 221K machines sent to Canada - most of which had the lower light switch through approximately 1956. Click here to read more about the history of the light switches on the Featherweight.
The distinctives of each of these six machines:
#1 EH0*****:
This machine is from the first batch of 221K Featherweights with an EH prefix. It was commissioned along with 9,999 other Featherweights on December 18th, 1951.
This particular machine was sold in Sweden and features the hallmark Swedish distinctions. It is in fabulous condition!
From this view, the original case is seen - a type IV - UK #2 Variant. Click here to read more about the Featherweight case variations.
These angles depict the chrome stitch length indicator, common all gold-color badge, and the riveted electrical specification plaque seen on Featherweight 221K machines exclusively in Sweden in the early 1950s.
Right behind the upper light switch, a decal specifies the wattage of the light bulb. This, as well, is typical of 221K Featherweights sold in Sweden in the early 1950s.
The motor on this machine is one of the rarest Featherweight motors. It is specific to Sweden as can be seen on the band; however, it wasn't the only motor issued with Featherweights in Sweden. This motor is most often seen in 220v, but this one is additionally unique being wound at 120-130 volts. The band is Bakelite similar to a few other variations of the Featherweight motor.
These two photos highlight the marvelous condition of this machine!
#2 EH1*****:
This machine is from the second batch of 221K Featherweights with an EH prefix. It was commissioned along with 9,999 other Featherweights on February 29th, 1952.
The condition of this machine is its best feature; it is pristine!
From this view, the original case is seen - a type IV - UK #2 Variant. Click here to read more about the Featherweight case variations.
These images show the chrome stitch length indicator - the same as the first EH machine and the black-bordered gold-colored badge. This batch seems to be the start of the consistent use of this badge style; every Featherweight we have sold with an EH1***** serial number has this badge.
#3 EH2*****:
This machine is from the third batch of 221K Featherweights with an EH prefix. It was commissioned along with 9,999 other Featherweights on April 28th, 1952.
Not only is this Featherweight in excellent condition, but it also has its original purchase receipt!
From this view, the original case is seen - a type IV - UK #2 Variant. Click here to read more about the Featherweight case variations.
This machine was purchased and paid in full on June 27th, 1953 - 14 months after the machine was commissioned.
We were able to determine that the machine was purchased by a Mary Smith of 59 Hagley Rd West Harborne, UK. 51GBP in 1953 is the equivalent of approximately $2,300 in August 2024.
The machine doesn't have any further unique elements compared to the EH1***** Featherweight.
#4 EH3*****:
This machine is from the fourth batch of 221K Featherweights with an EH prefix. It was commissioned along with 9,999 other Featherweights on July 22nd, 1952.
This Featherweight also has its original receipt! Additionally, it was purchased in Italy where far fewer Featherweights were sold compared to countries like France and the UK.
From this view, the original case is seen - a type V - UK, and its increased width can be observed when compared to the cases from the previous three machines. Click here to read more about the Featherweight case variations.
Interestingly, this machine wasn't purchased until the 10th of July 1956 - almost four years after it was first commissioned. It was purchased by Mario Brischi for 93,000 Lira which would have been about $148USD at the time. It also has its original free service coupon and Italian 221K manual.
These angles reveal the black stitch length indicator which seems to have entered circulation with this EH3***** batch of machines.
The voltage of this motor is a bit unique. With a designation of 150/165, it falls between the standard voltages of 110/220.
Still in very good condition, this machine was not used heavily.
#5 EH6*****:
This machine is from the fifth batch of 221K Featherweights with an EH prefix. It was commissioned along with 9,999 other Featherweights on October 8th, 1952.
The original receipt is included with this machine as well as a service tag. Additionally, this is earliest Featherweight we have ever observed with paperclip decals.
From this view, the original case is seen - a type V - UK. Click here to read more about the Featherweight case variations.
The original receipt indicates that the machine was sold quite a while after its commission date to a Mrs. Newham. We were able to determine that the original owner's first name was Nellie. Interestingly, the store clerk put the wrong letter (J) down on both the receipt and service tag, likely because most machine serial numbers he/she would have been seeing by 1954/1955 had an EJ prefix instead of the EH prefix.
Today, there is a quaint jewelry store where the Singer shop was at 53 Stodman St.
The early use of these paperclip style decals would imply that this machine received its serial number long before being finished in production.
The little 221K badge is also a unique feature on this machine compared to the previous EH3***** batch of machines and the next batch (EH8******).
#6 EH8*****
This machine is from the sixth batch of 221K Featherweights with an EH prefix. It was commissioned along with 9,999 other Featherweights on March 4th, 1953.
The celtic knot decals are seen on this machine and seem to be standard for this batch of machines. Originally, this machine was owned by the daughter of Sir Frederick Blackmore. Sir Frederick was a British civil servant to India. The brilliantly crafted canvas carrying tote was made to protect the machine's case when Sir Frederick's daughter traveled with him to India.
From this view, the original case is seen - a type V - UK. Click here to read more about the Featherweight case variations.
The shipping labels affixed to the case cause us to wonder about the fascinating journey this machine would have taken. A case tote like this is an excellent accompaniment to a machine, and it is similar to our new canvas case totes available for the Featherweight.
For being so well-traveled, this machine is in excellent condition; the owner was certainly attentive to its care.
Stay tuned for the next series of machines. As the collection of historically significant Featherweights kept here at the shop grows, so will the knowledge of the history of these machines for the whole community of Featherweight enthusiasts.