Introduction
The Singer 500A, popularly known as the "Rocketeer," is a vintage sewing machine renowned for its futuristic Space Age aesthetic and robust mechanical design. Produced in the early 1960s during the height of the Space Race, it is often cited as the last of Singer's "all-metal" domestic machines, representing the peak of the company's mechanical engineering before the introduction of nylon gears and plastic components. As part of the Singer 500 series Slant-O-Matic line, the Rocketeer combines iconic styling with exceptional durability and functionality.
Origin and Historical Context
Production Era
The Singer 500A "Rocketeer" was produced briefly from 1961 to 1963, with limited early units dating back to late 1960. Approximately 400,000 units of the 500A model were manufactured during this short production run, making it collectible but not exceptionally rare.
Manufacturing
These machines were primarily assembled at Singer's factory in Anderson, South Carolina, with parts often sourced from their Elizabethport facility in New Jersey.
Space Age Design Influence
The Rocketeer's design was heavily inspired by the era's obsession with rocketry and NASA's space program. Features like its pop-up spool pins were intentionally designed to mimic rockets on a launch pad, while its tan, cream, and gold color scheme combined with sleek, aerodynamic lines made it a centerpiece for vintage technology enthusiasts. The "Rocketeer" nickname wasn't an official Singer model name—it was given by collectors because of its futuristic, rocket-inspired design.
The 500 Series Family
The 500 class included several models, with the two most common being:
Singer 500A vs 503A
| Feature | Singer 500A | Singer 503A |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in decorative stitches | ✔ Yes (~7 primary patterns) | ❌ No |
| Internal cam stack | ✔ Yes | ❌ No |
| External cam (Fashion Disc) support | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Cost/complexity | Higher & more complex | Simpler, fewer parts |
The 500A combines built-in stitches with external cam expansion—offering a larger range of patterns without needing every disc. The 503A must rely entirely on inserted Fashion Discs for all but straight stitching, whereas the 500A includes an internal cam stack to provide patterns without discs.
Technical Specifications
Needle System
The Singer 500A uses standard Singer 15×1 needles, the same as many Singer domestic machines. We carry Schmetz sharp point needles compatible with the 500A and most vintage Singer models.
Bobbins
The 500A uses Class 66 drop-in bobbins with no separate bobbin case. We stock Class 66 metal bobbins in 10-packs that fit the 500A perfectly.
Presser Feet
The machine requires slant-shank presser feet, the same style as the Singer 301/401 series. Low-shank feet will not fit. Browse our complete selection of Singer slant needle presser feet and attachments.
Stitch Control
- Stitch length: Adjustable via a lever on the front
- Stitch width: Adjustable for zigzag width and decorative stitch variation
- Built-in patterns: The 500A has approximately 7 primary built-in patterns, including blind stitch and basic multi-step zigzag
- Needle positioning: Adjustable left/center/right
- External cams: Accepts Type B "Top Hat" style Fashion Discs under the flip-up top lid
Mechanical Drive & Motor
The 500A features a direct gear drive motor rather than a belt drive, providing positive traction and significant piercing power for heavy materials like denim and leather. The motor speed is approximately 1,000 stitches per minute—geared slower than the 401 for steady, controlled sewing rather than high-speed production work.
Unique Features
- Slant-O-Matic geometry: The needle and mechanism are slanted forward, giving better visibility and smoother stitch action with more ergonomic sewing
- Rotary hook system: Provides smooth, reliable stitching
- Reverse stitching: Available for backstitching
- Dual-needle capable: Can accommodate two separate needles side-by-side (not just a twin-needle assembly) for multi-color or decorative stitching
- Adjustable presser foot pressure dial: Helpful for different fabric weights
- Elevating throat plate: Instead of dropping the feed dogs for darning or free-motion work, the Rocketeer uses a lever to raise the needle plate above them
- Built-in light and threading diagrams: Under the flip-up lid
Why the Singer 500A Is Significant
"The Last of the Greats"
Collectors value the Singer 500A as the final high-quality, all-metal geared machine from Singer before cost-cutting measures and plastic internal components became standard in the mid-1960s. It represents the pinnacle of Singer's domestic machine engineering.
Iconic Space Age Styling
Its tan, cream, and gold color scheme combined with sleek, aerodynamic lines and rocket-inspired details makes it a centerpiece for vintage technology enthusiasts and mid-century modern collectors.
"Buy It For Life" Durability
Due to its all-metal construction and rotary hook system, the 500A is considered a "Buy It For Life" item that remains highly functional and easy to service today. Owners often pass these machines down through generations.
Learning Curve
While beloved, the 500A is noted for a relatively high learning curve due to its complex dual-knob system for selecting primary and combination stitch patterns. However, once mastered, it offers exceptional versatility.
Common Uses Today (2026)
The Singer 500A remains a respected and functional tool in 2026, prized for its mechanical simplicity and historical appeal:
Home Sewing Projects
Frequently used for garments, quilts, bags, and basic tailoring by sewists who appreciate vintage machinery and all-metal construction.
Decorative Stitching
With Fashion Discs, hobbyists enjoy creating vintage decorative stitches that aren't available on modern machines.
Medium to Heavy Fabrics
The gear-driven motor provides excellent piercing power for denim, canvas, upholstery fabric, vinyl, and heavier textiles when set up with appropriate needles. Performance depends on proper lubrication and machine condition.
Why Sewers Choose the 500A
- Solid all-metal build: Durability and mechanical feel esteemed by vintage machine enthusiasts
- Unique vintage styling: Historical interest and mid-century aesthetic appeal
- Customizable stitches: External cams offer pattern options beyond what many modern user interfaces provide
- Wide fabric range: Handles lightweight to medium-heavy fabrics with correct settings
Comparison: Singer 500A vs Singer 401 Slant-O-Matic
| Feature | Singer 401A | Singer 500A Rocketeer |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in zigzag & decorative stitches | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes (often more built-in) |
| External cam support | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Styling | Classic functional | Futuristic "Space Age" |
| Special features | Standard slant features | Quick-change plate, pop-up spool pins |
| Motor speed | Generally slightly faster | ≈1,000 spm (slower, steadier) |
| Collectibility | Very loved by vintage fans | Highly collectible for style and rarity |
Advantages of the 500A
- More visual appeal to many collectors due to Space Age styling
- Additional built-in pattern capabilities
- Modern conveniences like the elevating throat plate
Disadvantages
- Slightly more complex internals, including the cam stack (can freeze and need maintenance)
- Higher learning curve with dual-knob stitch selection
- More decorative complexity doesn't necessarily translate to higher speed or heavy-duty performance vs simpler models
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining the all-metal Singer 500A involves regular care to prevent the common issue of old lubricant solidifying into a glue-like substance:
Regular Oiling
Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to any place where metal rubs against metal. This includes:
- All linkages and gears visible under the top cover
- The bottom drip pan area
- The hook race
- The needle bar area
Cam Stack Cleaning
Dried lubricant in the internal cam stack and adjacent parts is a very common issue, often causing the stitch selector knobs to become stiff or seize up:
- Use a solvent like kerosene or alcohol with Q-tips to gently clean off the old, dried brown or orange-colored oil/grease
- Do not use lithium grease—it is known to solidify like cement and makes the problem worse
- Ensure the central post in the cam stack area can move freely up and down
General Cleaning
Regularly remove the needle plate to clean lint buildup from the feed dogs and the bobbin case area.
Common Repairs
- Stiff handwheel/motor: Often caused by hardened grease behind the handwheel assembly or dried motor bearings. Cleaning the clamp washer and applying light oil can resolve this.
- Skipping stitches/jamming: Verify the needle is inserted correctly and not bent. A specific "delint pin" on the position finger is a known culprit for skipping/jamming on some 500A and 503A models and can be removed (a semi-skilled modification).
- Bobbin winder: The rubber tire on the bobbin winder must have friction against the motor shaft to work. Clean the tire and shaft with alcohol, or replace the tire if it's old and slipping.
Serial Number Information (Dating Your 500A)
To date a Singer 500A, locate its unique serial number, which typically has a two-letter prefix (like "NA" or "NB") followed by several digits. This number is usually stamped on the machine's frame, often on the top or underside.
How to Decode Your Serial Number
- Locate the serial number on your specific machine (stamped on frame, top or underside)
- Use the ISMACS (International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society) database online to look up the serial number
- The database will provide the exact date and location of manufacture for that specific serial number block
Important Note: Don't confuse patent dates on separate plates with the actual manufacturing date of your specific machine, which is determined only by the unique serial number.
Original Accessories
The original Singer 500A came in a hard plastic carrying case, often with a two-tier accessory box that fit into a niche in the machine's extension arm. The accessory set typically included:
Presser Feet
- General purpose foot (often attached)
- Zipper foot
- Button sewing foot
- Buttonhole foot
Needle Plates & Accessories
- General purpose plate
- Straight stitch plate
- Darning plate (clip-on to cover feed dogs)
Cams & Tools
- Several "Fashion Discs" (Type B "Top Hat" cams) for additional decorative stitches
- L-shaped screwdriver
- Small cleaning brush
- Spool pin felts
- Extra bobbins
- Seam guide
Value and Collectibility
The Singer 500A "Rocketeer" is highly valued by collectors and sewing enthusiasts as a reliable, heavy-duty vintage machine.
Functionality Over Rarity
The value is driven more by its reputation as a durable, all-metal, gear-driven workhorse than by extreme rarity. It is widely considered one of the best domestic machines ever made.
Current Market (2026)
Working models in good cosmetic condition typically sell for a range of prices, but they are not as expensive as true antiques like the Singer Featherweight 221. The value can vary depending on whether it comes with the original case, all accessories and cams, and its overall condition.
"Buy It For Life" Appeal
Owners often refer to these machines as "Buy It For Life" items due to their robust construction and ease of maintenance, which contributes to sustained demand in the used market.
Parts & Accessories
At Central Michigan Sewing Supplies, we stock a comprehensive selection of Singer Model 500A parts and accessories, including:
- Schmetz 15x1 needles for all fabric types
- Slant-shank presser feet and attachments
- Class 66 metal bobbins (10-pack)
- Top Hat Fashion Discs (Type B cams)
- Replacement parts for the 500A and 503A models
Conclusion
The Singer 500A "Rocketeer" truly deserves its reputation as one of the last great all-metal Singer domestic sewing machines. Its combination of Space Age styling, robust gear-driven construction, and versatile stitch capabilities make it as relevant and functional today as it was in the early 1960s. Whether you're a collector drawn to its iconic mid-century design, a sewing enthusiast who appreciates mechanical precision, or someone looking for a reliable "Buy It For Life" machine, the Singer 500A represents the pinnacle of American sewing machine engineering.
Looking for parts or accessories for your Singer 500A Rocketeer? Browse our complete selection of Singer Model 500A parts to keep your legendary machine running for decades to come.