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International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society

The purpose of the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society is to foster the collecting of, and research into, sewing machines.

Class 503
"Rocketeer"

  • Singer Model 503A Rocketeer Sewing Machine

     The Singer Model 503A Sewing Machine features a slant shank and rotary hook. It uses Class 66 bobbins and 15x1 needles.

  • Singer 500 Series Model Descriptions
  • Singer's 500 series "Rocketeer" machines epitomize space-age styling with their distinctive oval arm shape and futuristic aesthetic from the early 1960s. This guide details the technical specifications and differences between the Model 500 (with built-in stitches) and the Model 503 (which requires cams for all zigzag functions).
  • A Card Table for the 500 Series
  • The 503 Manual (9.1 MB)
Singer 503A, back view

The Back of the 503 with the carrying case in the background.

Singer 503 with case, manual and accessories

The 503 with case, manual and accessories box.

(Above Pictures Courtesy of Hector Hernandez)

Following Compliments of Sharon Reese:
Singer 503 Sewing Machine

The first time I saw a drawing of a 503 Rocketeer (nickname given by collectors - not Singer), I knew I had to have one. Our house is decorated in art deco/50's futuristic styles, so I thought that this would be the perfect sewing machine for me. They were made between 1960 and 1962. I used this machine for machine quilting until I bought a 500a.

Sewing Machine Case for the Singer Model 503 Rocketeer

My 500a didn't have a case when I bought it. I bought this case with a 500 that was missing parts from a collector for the value of the case. Neither one of us wanted to take out the time to find the missing parts for the machine. I knew another collector who really wanted a 500, so I sold it to him for shipping costs, and he found the parts it needed. All three of us were happy with the way things worked out, which shows that it can be useful to let other collectors know what you're trying to find. : )


ISMACS is an organization totally independent of all sewing-machine manufacturers, past or present and is not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in these pages.  Please Note: Do not contact any ISMACS official in an attempt to solicit a valuation - it is not possible other than by hands-on assessment and your request will be ignored.

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