Singer Model 500A "Rocketeer" sewing machine
Estimated Value
$75-$250 as shown; $150-$400 if fully serviced and confirmed working, with cabinet included
A Singer electric sewing machine mounted in a wooden cabinet/table, identified by the prominent SINGER badge and the model plate reading 'Model 500A.' The machine has the distinctive streamlined, futuristic 'Rocketeer' styling associated with Singer's mid-century designs, including a rounded top cover, integrated control panel, and tan/brown color scheme. Visible controls include stitch and pattern selectors, a handwheel on the right, and a front-mounted needle/presser-foot assembly. The cabinet appears to be a standard domestic sewing cabinet with a fold-out work surface and recessed machine bed.
Era
Mid-Century Modern, circa late 1950s to early 1960s
Origin
United States
Material
Painted metal body, plastic knobs/dials, steel mechanical components, wooden cabinet/table
Condition
Good overall condition with visible cosmetic wear, light scuffs, and age-related discoloration; appears complete and intact from the visible side. No obvious major breaks or missing primary controls are visible in the image.
Physical Details
Dimensions
Approximately 18-20 inches wide for the machine head; cabinet/table approximately 30-36 inches wide and 16-20 inches deep, based on typical Singer cabinet proportions
Weight
Heavy
Authentication
Authenticity Score
High — the Singer branding, Model 500A marking, and characteristic Rocketeer design are consistent with an authentic mid-century Singer machine
Provenance
Likely manufactured by Singer in the United States and sold through domestic sewing machine retail channels; exact original purchase history is unknown.
Historical Significance
The Singer 500A is a well-known mid-century sewing machine admired for its futuristic styling and engineering. It represents the postwar era of domestic appliance design, when manufacturers emphasized modern aesthetics alongside practical household use.
Restoration Notes
- •No clear evidence of restoration visible in the image
- •Possible cosmetic cleaning or repainting cannot be ruled out from the photo alone
Related Identifications
Browse all →Brass table lamp base with urn/ball-form body
Decorative ceramic table lamp with pierced floral body and fabric shade
Decorative silver-plated serving tray with classical medallion portraits
Silver-plated or nickel-silver decorative serving dish / footed bowl (possibly a trophy or presentation piece)
Decorative silverplate footed bowl or centerpiece dish
Bursley Ware ceramic dish or ashtray