BackgroundThe story
The 500 arrived in 1961, at the height of the space race. Spoolofthought calls it the culmination of the 300 and 400 series. Pungolivinghome says it is mechanically identical to the 401A underneath. The changes were in the body: an oval top cover, pop-up spool pins, a relocated bobbin winder and a numbered pressure dial.
Inside, a low-amperage gear-driven motor runs it at about 1,000 stitches per minute (Ashley and the Noisemakers). Its seven built-in primary patterns include a blind stitch and a multi-step zigzag, and the Fashion Discs add many more.
Singer sold it as the Slant-O-Matic 500. “Rocketeer” is a collectors’ nickname, not a Singer name (pungolivinghome). Its cheaper sister, the 503A “Slant-O-Matic Special”, has no built-in patterns and came with nine Fashion Discs, including the Zigzag disc.
Production ended in 1963. Spoolofthought calls the 500 the last of the great all-metal Singers; silverbobbin gives that title to the 401A. Either way, it was the end of the cast-aluminium, gear-driven slant-needle line.
ReferenceSpecification
Specification plate
- Years made
- 1961–1963, with five prototypes in 1960 (quiltingroomwithmel); ISMACS gives 1960–63.
- Factory
- Assembled at Anderson, South Carolina from Elizabethport parts (one source).
- Production
- About 400,000 500As and about 300,000 503As.
- Hook and bobbin
- Horizontal rotary hook, Class 66 drop-in bobbin.
- Needle
- 15x1, slant shank.
- Drive
- Gear-driven internal motor.
- Stitches
- Zigzag with built-in stitches plus top-hat cams. The 503A needs cams for all zigzag patterns.
IdentificationHow to recognise a 500A Rocketeer
A distinctive oval arm, space-age styling in tan and cream, and a stitch-selector knob on the arm (ISMACS). Check the cam stack moves freely before you buy.
The rounded lid lifts to reach the bobbin winder and cam chamber. Its underside carries the stitch chart on a 500A.
Hinged nylon spool pins spring up when you open the lid. On a 503A, ISMACS notes you’ll find spool pins but no built-in stitch chart.
The streamlined face plate swings open to show a threading diagram and a numbered presser-foot pressure dial.
A knob on the arm picks the stitch, with separate levers for width and length. The length regulator has double pointers.
The manual lists a thread cutter built into the presser bar, so you can cut threads without scissors.
A lever raises the needle plate: middle position for darning, fully left to remove it. The feed dogs themselves don’t drop.
VersionsVersions and sub-models
| Version | What sets it apart |
|---|---|
| 500 / 500A | Built-in primary patterns plus Fashion Discs; about 400,000 made. |
| 503 / 503A | Slant-O-Matic Special with no built-in patterns, needing discs for all zigzag; about 300,000 made. |
Parts and accessoriesBobbins, attachments and the parts it takes
Spoolofthought says Singer made 23 interchangeable discs; oldsewingear counts 24 for the Slant-o-Matic and 600 families. Discs from the 401, 403 and 600 series fit.
The 500 uses Class 66 drop-in bobbins. The manual describes “peephole” bobbins that show the thread left.
The 503 manual specifies 15x1 needles in sizes 9 to 18. The clamp takes one or two needles for twin-needle work.
A storage case holds the slant-shank feet, the straight-stitch needle plate, spare bobbins and cams (Ashley and the Noisemakers).
The plastic carrying case needs the machine mounted in a base, and a plug extension to fit (Ashley and the Noisemakers).
MaintenanceLooking after it
The service manual says to remove the arm top cover and apply Singer gear lubricant to the gears, then do the same underneath.
Open the face plate and oil the marked points there, plus those on the end and underside.
The service manual notes the motor needs no lubrication.
The 500A shares the 401A’s cam followers and selector pillars. Drip a solvent-bearing oil down the pillars and work the knob gently, never forcing it (archaicarcane).
The clamshell top can flip open when you tilt the machine and isn’t the sturdiest part. Support it when you move the machine.
General advice from the sources listed below. If in doubt, follow your machine’s Singer manual.
Before you buyWhat to check on a used 500A Rocketeer
In-person checks
QuestionsFrequently asked questions
Does the Singer 500A have drop feed dogs?
No. The manual describes a lever-operated elevator throat plate that rises for darning. One source (quiltingroomwithmel) says the feed dogs drop, but Singer’s own description doesn’t support that.
What is the difference between the 500A and 503A?
The 500A has seven built-in primary patterns plus discs. The 503A has none and needs a disc for every zigzag stitch.
Is the 500A the same as a 401A inside?
Pungolivinghome calls it mechanically identical to the 401A. The differences are the body, spool pins, bobbin winder position and pressure dial.
Why is it called the Rocketeer?
Collectors gave it the name for its space-age styling and spool pins that pop up like rockets. Singer sold it as the Slant-O-Matic 500.
How fast does a Singer 500A sew?
About 1,000 stitches per minute, according to one detailed owner review.
ReferencesSources
Where sources disagree we show each figure rather than choosing one. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer-500-rocketeer-sewing-machine.html
- quiltingroomwithmel.com/singer-500a-rocketeer
- www.spoolofthought.com/500-slantomatic-rocketeer
- pungolivinghome.com/home-2/our-collection-2/the-singers/model-500a-rocketeer
- www.ashleyandthenoisemakers.com/blog/2015/3/20/singer-500a-the-rocketeer-review
- brwbmm.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/singer-500a-owners-manual.pdf
- www.manualslib.com/manual/1104004/Singer-500.html
- www.manualslib.com/manual/1051335/Singer-Slant-O-Matic-Special-503.html
- www.oldsewingear.com/blog/do-i-need-special-discs-for-my-401
- silverbobbin.com/singer-401a-sewing-machine-history-value-review
- archaicarcane.com/stuck-in-the-middle-frozen-slant-o-matics
Last reviewed October 2026