This is my workhorse sewing machine. I supplement her with my embroidery machine and my serger, but if I could only keep one machine, this is the one I’m keeping.
She’s a over 50 years old and I inherited her from my mom, who purchased her for $50 (cabinet included) at a garage sale.
In fact, I like her so much I have a backup model (not in a cabinet) that I got at a garage sale for $25.
She is a Singer 503 Slant-O-Matic, sometimes also referred to as a Rocketeer or a 503a.
So, why do I think you should hunt for and buy one of these old machines instead of a new one? Mostly because she can do pretty much everything a brand new machine twice (or more) her price can do and then some.
With the exception of electric motors and computerization, the mechanics of a sewing machine haven’t changed all that much since they were invented almost two hundred years ago. Now granted, she has attachments to achieve what newer machines use their computers to achieve, but I kind of prefer the mechanical attachments. They don’t give you error messages.
First, she’s all metal. Take a look at the inside:
There’s no plastic here, which means her parts don’t wear or break as easily.
See the thread path illustration on the left in the picture above? It’s more complicated than most of the new machines, and as a result I have very few tension issues. See, the more back and forth of the thread, the more loopers to put it through, the more opportunities to regulate the tension before it gets to the needle.
She comes with a variety of stitches, just like a new machine
The difference is that her stitches are tied to discs, not a computer. The disks look like this:
and they snap in and out here
The pattern of bumps around the edge of the disc translates to what the needle does, kind of like playing a record. Pretty cool, I think. These discs are the only plastic part in the machine.
Included in the cabinet when my mom bought her was the original manual and an assortment of feet and attachments.
My Rocketeer can do automatic buttonholes when I attach this piece
It goes on where the foot attaches. You take off the foot and attach this piece, press the pedal and the buttonhole sews out for you. It has metal disks in different sizes that you switch out to make different size buttonholes.
I was in college sewing on a new Brother machine before I learned how to make 4-step machine buttonholes because this attachment spoiled me.
She also came with two ruffler attachments. They’re both the same, one was just a spare I guess.
It doesn’t look too different from a modern day ruffler, does it? It works the same way; you attach it instead of the regular foot and she’ll ruffle away.
So, she straight stitches and zig-zags and does multiple other stitches with perfect tension, she can do automatic buttonholes and ruffle just by pressing the pedal. Why would I even think of replacing her?
Seriously, between my mom and I we own 5 of these older Singer machines (the 300 and 400 series machines were also great, these were made in the 1940s and 1950s). We can’t help but compulsively buy them when we see them, saying they’re for “spare parts”. But who needs spares when the originals don’t wear out? (OK, but don’t tell my dad or Hubby that. We need them to believe the spare parts argument in order to feed our vintage machine addiction).
If you ever see one in working condition, BUY IT. Unless I see it first, then back off.
Mommarock
Tears! This was my momma’s machine that I learned to sew on!! This is IT!! Sweetness.. oh I wish I had this machine… (deep breath). It was such a wonderful and powerful machine..
Rose Marie Gersema
I have one just like this. Was moms and is in a cabinet. A sweetheart to sew on.
Tracy Suzanne
Hey Melissa. I had to come over as soon as I saw this picture on Friday Flair. This was the same machine I grew up with. And it was by far the best machine I ever used. Being young when my parents died (26 and 27) I foolishly thought that a newer machine would be so much better. Wrong! Your right, those machines never wore out. Other than having the occasional tension adjustment made, they were perfect. Oh’ how I wish I had mine. And they now say the new singers are junk, made not to last. Oh’ how I long for the days when appliances lasted for 25 + years.
I’m your newest follower. Hope you have a great weekend.
Hugs…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute
Quilted Cupcake
What a cool machine. I too collect old machines. They really don’t make them that way anymore! This one’s a beauty. Love the super cool space rocket design. Don’t see many of them! I’m a new follower, too!
I’d love for you to add it to my Thrifty Thursday link party – it would be perfect!
http://quiltedcupcake.blogspot.com/2011/11/thrifty-thursday-6.html
grammy deed
Ok girls I am going to date myself but I started on a treadle machine at age 11. My Mom then got one of these machines with the cams while I was in high school. That is when I learned to use a ruffler on the machine. Then right before I graduated high school I got a new Kenmore machine that I used forever. Then went on to buy a New Home then Janome and now an Elna. I guess I need to start trying to find an older machine cause you are right-much better and all metal parts. Proud to be an accomplished seamstress.
orbofzapping
“Grammy” you’re only dating yourself if the treadle was bought new. 🙂
I ended up getting a 503 throught Ebay. Mom had one for as long as I could remember (probably bought between 61-62) before trading it in for a Bernina 830, which is the machine I am now using. With my wife’s sewing studio, we’ve got a section of display of older/vintage machines, the oldest is a Singer 66 crank circa 1906.
Any time we’ve had our sewing setup at a craft show (promoting the sewing school/studio) we get a lot of reaction if I’m working on a project there, so many are intrigued at a “Man sewing”.
kat kirst
I just inherited one! I’m so glad to see this post! I can’t wait to get it tomorrow!!!
kat kirst
I just inherited one! I’m so glad to see this post! I can’t wait to get it tomorrow!!!
tonksfam
I got mine from my grandmother years ago. I learned to sew on it (I didn’t have the opportunity to learn growing up), and I still love it for every project I do today. My mother (who is a professional herself), doesn’t seem to see what I see in it. I just figure she has never been able to work on it herself. I love, love, love it, and you can’t beat it’s beautiful retro style. I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever want to own a “modern” sewing machine.
Bill Cantrell
Found one in the original cabinet for $20 and it looks brand new – machine AND cabinet. The machine even has masking tape under the front with notes on when it was cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted. Last entry was 1987 but entries before that were every two years. What a find. It is, however, missing the accessories and power cable/foot pedal, but I found one locally in a junk shop that also repairs machines.
Bill Cantrell
Found one in the original cabinet for $20 and it looks brand new – machine AND cabinet. The machine even has masking tape under the front with notes on when it was cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted. Last entry was 1987 but entries before that were every two years. What a find. It is, however, missing the accessories and power cable/foot pedal, but I found one locally in a junk shop that also repairs machines.
Gilly
My mom has one, original owner, I am trying to find a serial number to find when it was made. She was trying to figure it out by how many WEDDING DRESSES it had made and if she made my oldest sisters on it(!), which would mean 1960!
When looking I managed to break one of the plastic spool holders on top of it. I found an online source for it no problem and ordered it. She had me swap the left spool holder to the side that I broke (the right one), easy stuff to work on. WHY are there two of them anyways?
Would the machine have the cover up on top always? Hers is not there, may have been at some point though (meaning the hinged lid on top).
WHERE is the serial number???
Mary
I have a 501A ( same machine). There are two spool posts for when two thread lines are used with a double needle. If you look closely at the tension knob, you will see two separate areas for running your thread. My serial number is on a tag on the back left lower area. This was the style of the machine my grandmother bought. She WORKED for Singer in thier store in Spokane, wa. She NEVER bought another machine, and she could have had ANY machine. I LOVE IT! Looking for one for my son.
Roxanne
I realize it’s been years since the question about the serial number was posted, but just in case anyone else needs to know and has a machine without a sticker on the outside, here’s where to look: Under the machine, to the left of the needle/presser foot/bobbin area. If the machine is in a cabinet, you can tilt it back and see the number stamped into the metal. If the machine is in a carrying case, you’ll have to remove the bottom of the case (easily done, just two screws) to see the actual bottom of the sewing machine. My serial number is two letters followed by six numbers, and I think all 503’s will have the same pattern.
I agree with everyone else, this is a wonderful machine. I was lucky enough to get mine for free. A friend got his mother’s machine after she died, and he said there was a problem with the tension and he was going to donate it to Goodwill. I said the tension could be adjusted, but he wasn’t that interested in having a sewing machine. After I got the machine home and did some testing and adjusting of the tension, I discovered the problem wasn’t the tension at all — the bobbin was in backwards! So I have a beautiful sewing machine, and I think of my friend’s mother whenever I use it.
Gilly
PS this is in the original cabinet as well, I think that lid should be there. I see a stamped number under the hinged wooden lid on the cabinet I think it was 2874?
Sue Ann
So glad I found your site!! A good friend just gave me hers that has been in their barn for a few years. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take it in to be cleaned, but after reading this post I will definatley be keeping “her” 🙂 Thanks for all the great info!!
Torry
Just found this through Google because I wanted to look up the machine that my wonderful repair guy (CJ) found for me when I said I wanted a “work horse.” He called today to say he had a Singer 503, so I was looking up to see what feet I wanted him to get for me. Any suggestions? You sold me on this machine even more that CJ did, which is saying something!
Dorothy
The owner’s manual is the logical starting point. Originals can be bought from eBay. If you do a web search, you may find one that is printable for free. You’ll want to print on both sides of the paper; it’s nearly 100 pages—at least that’s black and white, aside from the cover. You can control the size of the print that way, too. Eventually manuals may be available for e-readers, one would think—but I am a dinosaur and don’t have that yet.
Torry
Okay, I’m throwing myself on your mercy! My new-to-me 503 keeps breaking the upper thread. Any ideas? I’ve changed the thread and the needle and rethreaded several times. This is the first time I’ve used it, so maybe I’m missing something.
A
It depends. To start, are you using thread appropriate for the machine? (you might think that’s silly, but I accidentally used hand quilting thread on my machine. It gave me trouble and took me a week to figure out). There’s a guy on youtube that does 503 machines. Watch how he threads it or check the link to the manual below, just in case this machine is a little different that you are used to. Consider that the tension may be off (for normal cotton fabric weight and thread, my 503 runs on a tension of 3-4); this assumes that the bobbin tension matches. How to set the tension is in the machine manual, pretty easy. (link to a downloadable copy https://sewingdude.wordpress.com/2012/09/07/singer-500-service-manual/ ). There could be a small snag in the needle, invisible to the naked eye. If those tips don’t help at all… There are several great vintage sewing machine blogs. The bloggers/owners are knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge! Good luck!
Sally O'Neil
Just found a 503 on Craigslist for free with cabinet. I can’t wait to start using it.
Dorothy
Score! Congratulations. With a cabinet, etc., it’s probably better cared for than my freebie….but I’d rather have a case than cabinet, as I have reached official ‘sewing machine addiction’ status.
Nancy Gammill
I am a big fan of my mom’s 503 a and I am looking for replacement parts.
How can I find an affordable hook, #172080?
Also, Would a 503 a Rocketeer fit in the cabinet for my 503 a slantomatic?
Nancy
Dorothy
503 is a class of machine; Rocketeer is a nickname. ‘Slant-o’-matic’ refers to slant needle and gear drive. The book for my freebie machine boasts ‘Slant-o-matic 503 special’; the machine itself is labelled 503-a. Confusing, no? Are you pondering the purchase of a second ‘Rocketeer?’ Consider eBay for parts; look for a seller with a high rating. Lucky You to have your mom’s machine.
Dorothy
I got myself a free 503 this past weekend—the kind that’s put out at the curb with other stuff when people move. I have been looking casually for one for several years, and then this thing suddenly drops out of the blue. No cabinet or case—the sliding cover for the bobbin case is missing, the top cover exists but is not attached, and the hinged cover that has the threading pattern on the inside—missing. Sort of looks like it was stored in a garage. Does is run? I haven’t a clue; I’ve yet to drag it into the house and plug it in. My daughter got married this weekend, and she had just phoned to say she was 20 minutes away from arriving at the church with her expensive wedding cake that needed to go in the church refrigerator right away. On the same street as the church, I saw the freebie pile. It’s like “Why TODAY, Lord?!” Heaven help me, I scooped it up and put it in my car, but have not made time to sit down and mess with it. The person giving it away said “it runs, but I got a new machine that I like better.” The foot pedal, etc., is there, and the bobbin case itself, which is rather crucial, and a box of cams n’ such, which I have not looked over for completeness or lack thereof. The foot pedal is the same as 2 or 3 of the machines I already own. At the same place, I also scored a flat screen computer monitor that works. Sometimes life is crazy like this—but if sewing machines start to drop from the sky, duck and cover ‘cuz they are heavy muthas….
Carol
Great story. <3
Dorothy
One week after the daughter’s wedding, I have hauled the sewing machine to a power source, and despite accumulating some dirt from storage, it does hum and produce a lock stitch. Sweet !!! I looked inside the box, and found the manual plus all of the original 8 ‘fashion discs’, plus the zigzag disc. All of the attachments mentioned in the book are there, plus a cleaning brush and the ‘loopy’ screwdriver. The slide plate is missing; that was available on eBay and I ordered it. The hinged cover with the threading pattern inside—a guy in Canada wants 40 bucks, plus shipping, so I’m going to wait on that, and see if one comes up cheaper, later. (If I get the machine good and clean, I can be absolutely sure to place a cover over it between uses). Seems to me the cost of the ‘Rocketeer’ type machine has fallen a bit on eBay; I suspect it climbs approaching Mother’s Day and Christmas. This machine may go to the Church quilt room, joining the rest of my collection of ‘workhorses.’ It’s time I treated them all to some TLC—but I have been avoiding it, as that room can get hot in the summertime (upstairs).
Melissa Mora
Glad it’s working Dorothy! I tried to respond to your comments through email a couple times but they’ve been getting returned to me. I just spent today fixing up 2 more 503s!
Maria del Socorro
Que belleza,cuantu daria por encontrar una asi cuidala es un tesoro,gracias.
Melissa
It’s ironic, but I just bought at Singer 401A w/no manual or attachments yesterday that was completely frozen up. But, since I had heard the reputation of that particular model, I purchased it anyway and brought it to my local sewing machine repair lady who does an excellent job of resurrecting antique machines (She replaced the cam-stack of my Viking Husqvarna 6020) so I’m confident that I will get it back in excellent condition. That’s not the ironic part, after spending hours scouring the internet and ebay for attachments and top hat cams and coming up with no luck, I visited a thrift store this morning, and found a Singer 503 with all of it’s original attachments, manual, accessories, etc. Only the poor 503 is in such poor condition (the top door is off, the side door hangs by only one hinge and it is -F-I-L-T-H-Y-!! Honestly, the only reason I took it home and not just the attachments, (which was what originally caught my eye) is that unlike the 401A, it’s not frozen up and I can turn the handwheel, although it hesitates. I’m hoping I can resurrect it back to decent condition, and what a cool bonus would that be, to have TWO vintage Slant-o-Matic singers!!
Ro
The manual for the 503a is online at http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-slant-shank-503-sewing-machine-manual.pdf. Using it, I was able to do basic maintenance on my machine. It’s very complete, with excellent pictures. I agree that having all metal construction really makes a difference. My dad always said, “a machine is only as good as it’s weakest part”, and if you have a lot of little plastic pieces, you know it’s going to breakdown sooner rather than later. I had a problem with breaking thread that ended up having two causes. First, the tension plates were completely filthy with sticky black film. When I cleaned it out using a folder dollar bill then a stiff brush, the thread started moving nicely. Second, my needle had been bent from repeated snags in the tension plates, which was causing skipped stitches. When I replaced it, the problem was solved. It’s hard to find a decent repair shop that can really fix a machine. My mother still sews on her Singer machine from 1941. It’s the one I learned on. It drives like a Jaguar.
Gail Hoffman
I’ve inherited my mom’s 503. It hadn’t been used for probably 20 years. Got it out recently to do some “for when I retire” projects, and had trouble with the top tension. When I read your post, I realize that dirty tension disks are probably the culprit. I’m curious, though, why you used a dollar bill? Is it possible to take the tension off to clean it? It looks like it’s only held on with one screw. Thanks!
Vicky
I am still sewing on this machine. My Dad bought it for me for my 16th birthday, many years ago.
It’s still working great. I agree with many others who commented that the newer machines just don’t compare.
I need to buy some bobbins–can you tell me what type I need?
Thanks for sharing.
melody boswell
i inherited my 503 from my mom. i actually still have the sales receipt! i went with my dad to buy it for my mom as a christmas present-he was so proud! mom made my wedding dress & all 5 of my bridesmaids dresses on it. it has traveled all over the country & still works like a champ. we are currently repairing awnings & are a little intimidated by the use of reinforces thread & adjusting the tesions-any advice?
Debbie
My mother in law was an accomplished seamstress who sewed a lot for her friends and family. I can see her sitting at this machine sewing for hours! She made our daughters beautiful dresses with the ruffler your talking about. Two weeks ago she suffered a stroke (she’s 89 yrs. old) and seeing this machine brought tears to my eyes. I never realized what a treasure she had although she refused to get a new machine when her husband would offer to get her one. Our daughter has picked up the mantle and is now sewing for her 2 daughters. Thanks for sharing the info with your readers! Today was my first time to find your blog!!!
Melody L
I was just given a 401a that used to belong to my husbands grandmother! It has been working great for me except going through thicker layers- like sewing over a seam for a fleece plush. The machine just doesn’t have enough power to go through the fabric. Sometimes if I turn the hand wheel it will go through, but usually even the hand wheel will just turn without the needle moving. If,you have any suggestions, I would be so grateful! 🙂 From, another Melly
Lauren
I’m dying!! I just bought one of these an hour ago as a backup to my 300 series (straight stitch only) and serger. Just getting it set up. Love. Love. Love! I love your blogpost too. 🙂 I also have a thing for vintage machines–would never buy new. Happy sewing!
Bunty Albert
I have a Singer 503J which has been causing me grief for years with eating thread, uneven tension, dripping oil. In the last few years it’s been fully serviced twice and the pressure foot replaced. It was a gift from my talented mother 40 years ago, but I ‘m not much of a seamstress and don’t need all its bells and whistles (buttonholer, embroidery) If any of you readers are near PEI Canada and want one, name your price (starting at $100) and come and get it.
Nancy White
Just picked up one of these at the flea market for $20. I was insistent on getting an older machine because they’re all metal. I grew up on White and Domestic machines and never used a Singer. But so far I LOVE this one. Only two problems so far: the buttonholer and ruffler are missing (I’ll have to at least find a buttonholer somewhere) and I can’t get the handwheel to unlock to keep the needle from going up and down when I wind a bobbin (winds the bobbin just fine and stitches just fine). Any thoughts on how to go about solving the handwheel problem short of taking it to an expensive sewing machine repair guy? Thanks!
Lisa cundiff
I saw a video in which she holds the gold part with her left hand and twist the outside ring with right hand toward you to unlock it.
lisa annette lee
I am so glad I found your post on the 503. My mom just inherited one; we knew it was special because it was all metal and that is such a rarity. I can’t wait to see her tomorrow and tell her what you said about your machine. Thanks!!
Angela Castro
I just picked one of these up free off the road, with the cabnet. I thought it was a desk and noticed the lip on top. I am giving it to my Mom and I’m so excited to have found it.
Classy
Glad I found this site I saw this machine with attachment today and I’m thinking about going tomorrow and purchasing it I have several vintage machines the last one is a 301a and I love it
Wildwood
Well I have wrestling with my 503a for days and will be taking it for repairs soon. I know this to be a great machine, but years of neglect have taken a toll! Once I get this bad boy going… look out:)
bert
Purchased this machine for $30 thinking just to get the knee lever controller that comes with its cabinet. I was thinking of restoring it then sell it on Craigslist to recover my money. However, my wife loves its rocketeer design and wants to keep it. Hence, this one will be put on the display shelf for ocassional use but lots of nice viewing. In the meantime, I will be playing with our 401A. I just recently scored a 201-2 for $75 in great cosmetic condition and so happy about it. I should stop buying them anymore before I my addiction becomes incurable.
Tanya
Your article made me very reminiscent. I grew up watching my mom sew on a 503 and even though she purchased a couple other machines over the years, she held on to her “old reliable” as she called it. When her newer computerized machines would falter she would pull out “old reliable” and it would always get the job done. A couple years ago I accompanied my daughter-in-law on a sewing machine shopping trip. The shop we visited had a lot of really cool machines with all the bells and whistles, which were very attractive. I told the sales clerk about my moms 503 and she said, “Whatever you do don’t ever sell that machine. They don’t make them like that anymore.” And it was a store that didn’t even sell Singer machines 🙂
When my mom passed I inherited her 503 and a garage full of sewing crafts, fabric, and every other needle type craft you think of. It’s a crafters treasure trove! She pretty much did anything with a needle and thread – sewing and crocheting being her favorite. Mom made everything from clothes to wedding gowns to costumes to blankets to seat covers for my dad’s ’69 Chevelle Malibu on her 503. You name it she sewed it. I now have grandchildren of my own and feeling the itch to create and what better way than to do it on “old reliable.”
AuntRooWho
I have a 503a in the cabinet. My grandmother taught me how to sew on it 50 years ago! I got it when my mom passed. I just set it up again after all this time and plugged it in. It still works!! I am amazed! My grandmother kept it so clean… No lint or fuzz accumulation. I have the manual and all the discs and feet. Can’t wait to start using it again!
doug
I am just about to purchase one. I plan on using it for making web straps and bels. So I hope it is super strong and can power its way through some polyester webbing. I’ll let you know how it goes.
doug
Miz Morrissey
Just ran across your page seeking info on fixing the tensioner on the “Rocketeer”. I may also play around with the lower tension to see what I can learn about that. If I’m gonna pay someone $100+ to fix it, guess it oughta be broken, huh? :^)
I had this baby apart about 2 years ago: totally cleaned, oiled and *greased* the innards. Also replaced the bobbin-loading belt which was very difficult. I was so proud! She has sewed everything from heavy jeans to fine silk (I’ve been dyeing it for 25 years), some free motion embroidery. Even repaired the spinnaker off a friend’s boat!
I inherited her when my mother passed in ’87. Mom wasn’t much of a sewist; she was an amazing fine artist & painter. In the ’40s she’d sketch a dress and my grandma would make it on her old treadle machine.
Somewhere out there is a photo of me (March 1949) standing on the lawn next to the stool. It was square with a leather-covered seat that lifted off for storage. And on it was my birthday cake… with one candle! –“KB”
Susan
My Rocketeer is missing the face plate. That’s the door that opens to show the thread path. I’ve been looking online for a replacement, but I’m finding that this is a common problem. The pins that hold this door on are not very sturdy. Well, she still sews like a pro, but I’d like to get her a new face. She doesn’t complain, but what lady wants to go out in public without her face on?
Susan
Just saw this post now after discovering your blog last month. That is MY machine!!!! Inherited from my grandmother who used to see my baby clothes on it! I LOVE it. It’s like a tank! Always works and doesn’t need babying.
Mandy
Great post! I found your blog through searching for a 400 series case for my Singer 404, that belonged to my grandmother. I love it! My hubby wants to buy me a new one, but I love my old one. 🙂
Barbara
Like many others, I inherited this machine from my mother and love, love, LOVE it! I actually started using it as a teenager and I don’t think she ever did much other than make one little dress for me. It was probably hard for her to fit sewing into the life of raising 5 kids. Over the years I have used it for just about everything from baby things to my entire work wardrobe to dance costumes to curtains to repairing sails for my father’s boats. It is a workhorse with all metal parts (as you noted) and I know my daughter will enjoy it as well… when I finally let her pry it from my hands. All of the attachments (button hole, ruffling, fold-over edge) work so well. It’s nice to see that others have the same experience and that the machine continues to work for so many of us. I also have it in the original cabinet, which is in dire need of refinishing some day….
Susan
Does anyone know what, specifically, is/are the difference(s) between the 503A and the 503J? I just bought 2 503Js.
Patricia
I just found one of these at the local Goodwill for 34.99. Of course, I brought her home, named her Ethel (after my first Home Ec teacher). She needs a good cleaning but I plugged her in and she still makes a beautiful stitch. Definitely a keeper. I love old sewing machines. This is #11. Yes, I believe it is a sickness..
Kathleen
Got one today off craigslist for $85.00. Blond wood 50’s cabinet included. 🙂
JD
I would love to get a 503A. I have a 403A and a 404 and love them both, but I need a Rocketeer!
Shellie Durbin
My daughter and I have both the 503 (my grandmother’s machine that she taught me to sew on) and my husband’s grandmother’s machine, the 503a. I used it a lot when my 2 girls were younger, making cute dresses and Halloween costumes but it has been years since I have even had mine out. I have 2 other machines (6 machines total in our house!) that I use for quick sewing needs. But my daughter and I have opened our cases and popped up these beautiful machines, and we are ready to get busy sewing. By the way, I love the knee press! We don’t plan to ever part with these treasures.
Aliscia Long
I just scored one in a cabinet for $50 at an estate sale today. Can’t wait to get started on it! Loved this article!
LoraA
I love old sewing machines!
Gareth Ellzey
I bought my 503a Slant-o-matic in 1961, and made slip covers, dresses and curtains with it. Just today, i hemmed a sheet that had unraveled on one side. Somewhere at a garage sale, I found one of the Jetson buttonhole makes red, and in trying to find how to use it stumbled onto their sdelightful, informative blog. (Unfortunately, my Jetson is a ‘straight’ and I don’t think it will work on the Slant-o-metic.). I’m. 77 now, and will hang on to this machine for the duration. I have the original box, instructions etc.
Holly HD
I also have my mother’s 503 machine that my father bought for her in 1964 to replace her black, gold-stenciled 1930s Singer. She made many beautiful clothes for me with it, including my wedding gown. I took it in for a “tune-up” & cleaning when I inherited it. It works as well and better than my 1980’s Singer. It is a prized possession.
Paul Douglas
I’ve read this post a couple times over the last few years, and watching some of your youtube videos. Been wanting a Rocketeer for a while. I’ve been finding and fixing up Model 15’s, 201’s, and clones, for selling/giving away. My specialty is rewiring since I’m a former bomber electrician. Finally picked up a 501A today and I’m JAZZED! Found this one on facebook, shot an offer, and the lady came back with an even lower price because everyone else backed out! I had to drive 2 hours, but totally worth it. It’s pristine, as well as the desk. The desk is also stuffed with all kinds of goodies, some to share, some to keep. It doesn’t need anything but oil and grease. This one’s a keeper. Thank you Melly!
Linda P.
I purchased my 503A in 1962 and have
Loved it! I now have my mother’s 401. Acquired
A 404 which also a “keeper”. Oh yes, and
A 221. Always a singer.
Linda
Regina Phillips
Just bought one of these at Goodwill in cabinet for $25
It was in too good of shape to pass up.. no manual but I figure I can find one
Christina
I’m so glad I found your site! I had become frustrated that my newer machine would not sew through thick seams without locking up. I took it to my local repair shop to find out what was wrong with it. They told me there wasn’t anything wrong with it, other than the fact it is a “plastic machine”. . He showed me a Featherweight and a Rocketeer that he was servicing, suggesting they were both metal machines. I found a 503 Rocketeer almost immediately on Craigslist & never looked back! My 503 could sew through my arm if I wanted, it’s a real workhorse. Other posters are correct. “They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!”
Linda Langve
I am a 63 year old who got her 503A back in 1982 as a gift from my mother when I moved out on my own. That machine still sews well, and is still in service.. there is nothing electronic to break down or give an error message, it is all mechanical. I have some of the cams that were ordered with the machine, and I found a box of additional cams and parts at a local Goodwill store for 3.99. I grabbed that. It has seen me through many sewing and craft projects and I have no intention to replace this machine. The sewing machine repair person who last serviced the machine said that the model was made between 1960 and 1962 and was priced at approximately $269.95 when it was new. I guess that was more of a top of the line machine at that price back in the day.
Yvette Willeford
I have my mothers and my grandmother s machines. Was going to sell but now I think I will try to use them after reading these posts
Carol
My mother and dad bought me a 503 slant o magic 60 years ago when I was 15.
It’s the only sewing machine I have ever had and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I can’t imagine trying to figure out a new machine,
.
Stitcher
The 503A is an awesome machine! There is another. Don’t pass up on the more durable, though slightly not as cool to some, 403. And if you find a 404 (without zig zag and cams, it is also a treasure. I wish I had a button holer for mine. I have (2) 403s and would not part with them. If a working 503 still in tact became available I would get it. The 500 and 401s are both great machines, too, but they are too complicated. The simplistic 4O3/503s are the way to go. Other vintage Singers to look for are the Featherweights, 301/301As, and of course the stunning 201-2.
Kristen
My father gifted my mother with a Singer 503 in 1954 on their 1st anniversay.
I use it today and it is work horse. Love it!
L
I just found and bought one of these today! Her cabinet is in rough shape and she’s desperately in need of a cleaning, but I’m so excited to get started on fixing her up and finding out if she’ll still sew. I’m in love with the fact that the cabinet has a knee pedal instead of a foot pedal