question on Bernina Model 801
 

I have a chance to buy a Bernina Model 801 and the woman has had it for about 10 years. It was her mom's and she hasn't used it since. I wondered if anyone has any idea when this was made, and how much to pay for this machine hoping it will be running well. The machine has a number on it which might be the serial number 22010971 if that is of use to anyone to help me.
I am going to try it out but would appreciate any suggestions.

Vintage Bernina's like this are almost always gems. To get an idea of price, try searching eBay for "Bernina 801" and then click on "completed items" to see what they have actually sold for. Try searching on 803 also; I think it is a very similar model.

I love Bernina's. I have the 440QE, 830 record, 730 record, and a 1630. My understanding is that the 801 is the 830 model but with fewer stitches and no knee lift. (The 803 that Prism99 mentions is yet another model number in the 800 series.)

Based on what I heard, the serial number indicates it was made in 1982. (I heard that if you add 60 to the first two digits of the serial number, that will tell you the date of the machine.)

There is an 801 Sport model as well which is a portable machine and has a handle. Please confirm that you are looking at the full sized 801 machine rather than the Sport. The information I gave on the 801 does not translate to the 801 Sport.

I use Google to search for "Bernina 801 sewing machine" and there is a lot of information out there; including the prices other folks have paid. I tend to be very patient in obtaining my machines since I don't NEED any more machines. (But I would be happy to add this 801 to my collection at the right price!!!) Personally, I would buy this at $50 for myself. However, if my daughter or friend wanted a machine I think I would be very happy to pay $150 to $200 for this machine if it is in good condition and has the feet, case, extension table, etc. included with it. I assume it is in good working condition based on your comments but its wear and tear would need to be checked out. This is just MHO.

Let us know how this turns out! I hope you are soon the happy owner of a vintage Bernina machine!!!!!

Thank you so much for the information. I am getting the machine Sunday to try out so I'll know more then but your information is most helpful and I'll up date you once I know how it runs. Thanks

Just bought a 801
 

I would say buy it. I just bought one and I really didn't need another machine, but I bought a Bernina 801 sport at a garage sale for fifty dollars. It is almost brand new. I was told it had only been used no more than four hours and it looks like it, as it is very clean inside. I took it apart and oiled it. The 801 came with a cover that I washed, which came out like new. The machine sews all stitches wonderfully and I can use my 830 feet on it.. I have a 830 that I have had for about 39 years, which still sews great.. Oiling tip: It is important to know where to oil these machines and you have to keep the bobbin hook mechanism free of lint and oiled. You take the hook out by releasing the little lever to the left and brush out the lint and put a small drop of oil on the outside of the hook. Then reinsert it. Make sure the needle is up.

I would like to know if an additional extension platform came with the 801's.