I’ve been asked various questions about the 400 series Slants. Comparisons, prices & such. So I thought it would be useful/good to express my opinions here. A sort of basic Buyers Guide for these fine machines.
First thing is to understand that the Slant-O-matics were Singers top of the range machines in the early/mid 1960s. All alloy body, all steel gears (Except one Textolite cog directly driven by the motor) & a multitude of ‘fancy’ stitches, including Chainstitch on the 411G & 431G machines. This was Singer at the peak of its powers with domestic machines. They were expensive to produce & their prices reflected that. Later models, like the 600 series, were a downgrade in quality, with Singer trying to reduce production costs to compete with the Japanese (& others) who were making good machines at lower prices.
My experience is with the 401G, 404G, 411G/411M & the 431G.
G=Germany & M=Italy. Examples of all these on site here.
(403A etc=American made, in Anderson, South Carolina. Odd machines do turn up in Europe, but you won’t see many. 301/301A, 401A/403A and 500A/503A are the main US model Slants)
The 401G is the basic model & most common. The 411G has a chainstitch capability in addition, the 431G is virtually the same as the 411G, with the addition of the freearm. The 411Gs are not so common as the 401Gs, & the 431G is the scarcest, being made for around two years. 1963 & 1964 I believe. No 431s were made in USA & there is a demand from there now, which affects prices of them here. Generally the better condition machines because transatlantic shipping adds £130/£150 to the cost, plus safe packing adds more!
Prices are impossible to predict/quantify. Depends on multiple factors. Age, condition, cosmetic & mechanical, geography, (If you live on the Isle of Sky, for example, collection/shipping will be way different than if you live in London, say: ) 55 year old machines can have hidden faults the owner may not be aware of. On the other hand the owner may be aware of faults, but not disclose that to you… Be wary is the watchword, especially on Ebay!! Ideally you should be able to try before you buy, but you also need to know what to look for, even then. What original tools, accessories, cams, feet, throat plates, manuals, cases come with it? I’d say that for first time buyer it would be best to buy from someone you trust/know: ) That won’t be often though.
I’ve only ever sold two 400 series Slants. One an original treadled machine, (Head & tools only) which was just too bulky for my little flat (This one) & the other a super rare Electric/switchable treadle, which was a Special Order from new. Both are now in Red Bluff, Northern California in the best hands. (How you doing Christine?)
All my machines have a little Diary which helps keep track of its use in my hands. Despite what I say above about Ebay I’ve had some bargains too. Take a chance & it works out sometimes. I once bid £10.69 on a certain Slant machine & won it for £6. On pick up in Wolverhampton the good lady also gave me a little Singer Starlet which had a small internal problem, but soon fixed. Gave it to a favourite great neice who loved it: ) Good, positive things do happen in the VSM hobby area.