So, this past weekend was another education. I was told about “the old sewing machine we had when I was growing up”. Over the course of a day of phone calls I learned it was not the “Singer Featherweight” but rather a “Singer 301” - to be even more in the weeds, it was a “tan 301 long bed”. It was a workhorse of a machine and if I had one today, I’d be 100% satisfied. So here is where “supply and demand” comes in.

The Singer Featherweight is now a coveted machine. Actually it’s called the 221 and Singer never called it “Featherweight”. Both machines were old school American made, built for 3 lifetimes, but the featherweight weighed 11 lbs whereas the 301 was at least 16lbs - with their cases and accessories they were closer to 18lbs and 25lbs. The featherweight went through very few changes over the 30+ year run - mostly the only thing that changed was the color. It started out black in a black case. It ended up white in a white & foam green case (think June Cleaver). The 301 went from black, to tan, to two-tone tan. The 301 was a big improvement, mechanically, over the featherweight. The motor hung off the back of the 221 and was integral in the 301. Also the 301 was gear driven whereas the 221 had a belt drive. But, the 301, like me and most Americans, put on weight compared to the 221.

The featherweight has become a sought after machine for people who have to luck their sewing machines around. Personally, I would not think that would be a very big crowd - a quick sampling puts total production over 1 million units. So, if supply = 1,000,000 and demand = ‘niche’ it would seem easy to find a feather weight.

The reality of “supply and demand” is in the 5lb difference between the 221 and the 301. It is the difference in commanding $200-$500 per featherweight vs $75-$100 for a 301. The expectation is 301 will grow in popularity and price as the 221 prices climb out of reach.There is only just so much people will pay for that 5lb savings !

It really is interesting in what things depreciate to ‘zero’ over time and which ones rebound to ‘premium’ status.

It was pretty clear the clock was “workable” but was gunked up from too much oil and dust. I went to the local automotive short and bought a can of brake cleaner and a small bottle of 3-in-1. I wetted the entire train with the brake cleaner and then started blasting it clean. It took about half the can but I ended with the train being free of all oil, grease, dust, and dirt. Of course, now it was also void of any lubrication. I preceded to add a drop of 3-in-1 to each friction point. I started the clock and after about three rounds of it stopping for imbalance, friction, or just being a PITA, it started running in earnest.

I reassembled the clock and balanced it for the mantle.  It is now running nicely. The last step is to adjust it for accurate time but turning the knurl at the bottom of the pendulum.

Next time I am across the bay, I will return it to it’s rightful home. In the mean time, it is keeping company with the rest of the mechanical time pieces at my Eastern Shore residence.

I like the simplicity of this clock but the “bell” strike is a bit harsh for my taste. I prefer the coil chime of my maternal grandmother’s clock. I thin my next project will be a true ship’s clock - one that strikes “4 bells”.

I don’t know too much about this clock other than it was manufactured by E. Ingraham & Company in Bristol Connecticut. It is not a fancy clock nor an expensive or elaborate movement. From the little research I have, I’m guessing it is from the 1920’s or 1930’s and might be in the $200 range. Of course, it has family value beyond the price but it’s always interesting to consider what a “family heirloom” is valued at by the family vs the open market.

As for the condition, well, the first thing I’ve had to do is unwind the thing. It’s been wound (over wound) for quite some time. Now that that is finished, I need to degrease it and add a bit of clean oil. It appears the only issue is that it has a bit of excess friction. My hope is the cleaning and oil will be all that is needed before reassembly. I’m not keen on disassembling this clock !