Hi Annie, Thank you for your information. It was really interesting and I truly enjoy learning more about my little godzilla. "Godzilla" is the perfect name for the finish! What it lacks in beauty - it makes up for it in sturdiness. The M.W. logo is also cast iron - screwed on the front - I can probably take it off and scan it for you - but I don't know where to send it or where to post it - if there is somewhere I can download it for you let me know. I'll take some pictures, but I'll have to do it the old fashioned way -take the film in and get it developed, so that will take a little longer. There's something else I didn't mention. The serial number I gave you is under the front shuttle slide, but on the back motor there is a plaque that says Model E and it also has some numbers. I just presume it has something to do with Montgomery Ward's.

My mom has two newer Vikings and an old type 51 all metal Viking, and I have several old Singers, newest ones being 401A, one of which I built an adapter for to have a zigzag treadle machine. Mom's old Viking, 52 10, bought new in the 60's worked good for years, but then the plastic deteriorated and broke, then the drive belt broke and is unobtainable, so we found a used 6570 Viking, and it has the typical problem of reverse locked up, a common Viking issue.... Trying to resolve it right now. I have oiled the daylights out of it and it still refuses to work. My advice would be to go find a good 401A Singer. It is a pleasure to use, easy to maintain, and really not too expensive. They are all metal and will probably last you the rest of your life. That is what I was told by a school teacher before I bought both of mine, and I think he is right. There is no way on earth I would buy one of these new PLASTIC pieces of garbage. I have seen my mom's Vikings with plastic parts get ozone damage and it breaks real easily once that happens. I have old Singers, all metal, over 100 years old, and they still work great, no zigzag, but still working great. My Singer 401A's are all metal. My mom's old... ALL METAL.... Viking also is still a great working machine. Just stay away from that plastic garbage. You will only get about ten years of use out of it before the plastic decays. As the comment above says, sometimes the oldies are far better than the new stuff. The newest I would get is another 401A Singer. Wayne Bachmann 12march1819@gmail.com

I bought my Bernina over 10 years ago for $1000. it was half price because Bernina was coming out with a new line and the shop owner wanted to make room in her shop for the new line. I have seen Bernina half price when they just want to get rid of older models. Call around. I drove an extra hour but saved half of the price and my machine is still wonderful. They also sometimes have machines that others have traded in. I don't reccomend buying a used machine from ebay. You can get something good from a reputable dealer for 1000.

On one of my Brother machines, there is a button underneath the sewing bed that releases the 'down' feed dogs. Have you cleaned that area, can you oil it? If you are not afraid, can you loosen screw(s) holding in place, and clean around/under for lint or thread bits? I hope you figure it out without needing repairman.