The Rocketeer

This is the only 503 that I have ever come into. Here in BC they are rare and expensive so I was very happy when this one came my y for a reasonable price and a promise that it would go to someone who would use it and love it.

I love the styling of the machine.Much as I like the classic black and gold Singers,they do tend to be a bit stodgy and dull. Singer's 1950's and 60's styling is a lot more exuberant and cheerful. Perhaps they learned something from Japanese designers.

Interestingly, Singer never called the 503 a "Rocketeer". That name was bestowed on it by users, just like they gave names to all the decal patterns that Singer only referred to by number. I think that the styling of the 503 caught the eye and engaged the imagination of the users. It's the jet age sewing machine!
I also wonder if any modern sewing machine will ever have enough to style to make the users give it a name like the 503 did?