Danny123

Hello to all,new to forum and sorry, not much of a quilter, but I have a question that you friendly folks might be able to help me with. The other day, I bought a 1957 Singer 401A machine from goodwill for $20.00. It is in immaculate shape (see pictures) I would like to resell it.. but in my research, the prices are all over the board. My questions are,

1. It didn't have a power cord or foot controller, so I ordered and receive one. Have not ordered foot controller yet.
2. I'm not sure if the machine actually works, but I'm confident that it will. If I plug in the power cord, will I be able to tell if it works without having the foot controller? Will not having foot controller affect my asking price
[ATTACH=CONFIG]582455[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]582453[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]582456[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]582454[/ATTACH] what would a reasonable asking price be?

Mickey2

You need the controller to test sew, it will not run with out it. The three pin plug is usually attached to both controller and mains plug.

If the machine is clean, oiled, everything shift and turns and you can provide stitch samples on two layers of cotton fabric it's easier to find a buyer. A complete machine with pedal and accessories will be more attractive. Prices vary a lot, there's not that much money in sewing machines anyway. This is one of the most sought after models and in nice condition and that's a pluss. Here they go for anything from the equivalent of $60 to $180. Selling price around $70 usually goes within a week or two. It can be a lot of work to clean up and get a 401a to zigzag and shift stitch patterns smoothly again, if you take on the job someone might be willing to pay for it. It original came with a brown or beige bakelite "button type" controller.

bkay

The controller and the power cord are separate on my machine. The plug where the electrical cord fits only has 2 prongs on it. Then the controller plugs into the base. Mine is a cabinet model, however. Your's is a portable.

It's hard to tell if your plug has three prongs. It kind of looks like it, but I can't tell exactly. If so, then you buy the whole electrical set up in one - the plug to the machine, the plug to he wall and then the controller. That's the way some of the older machines were wired.

I photographed the plugs and controller for my 401. This might help you determine what you need.

bkay
[ATTACH=CONFIG]582490[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]582493[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]582495[/ATTACH]

Mickey2

I should have looked it up before I wrote that, I should have remembered. It's luckily easy to detect when you have the machine in front of you. It certainly looks like it has separate outlet for the pedal.

Cari-in-Oly

The machine might run with either cord set. I've done it with a few 301s and 401s.

Cari

lindaschipper

It always amazes me why people donate machines to places like Goodwill or Salvation Army without the power cords. Either that or back room employees that mark the items for resale don't put the cords with the machines! Insanity!!

Battle Axe

I bought out a retiring sewing machine repair business. I have tubs and tubs of foot controllers, some of which I have not even unpacked. I want to start putting them on Ebay. Let me look.

Marcia

carolynjo

I love, love, love my 410A. It is my go-to machine always. They are not cheap here; average price is $250 up.

Danny123

Thanks Mickey2

nwm50

After hurricane Irma passed thru here, there were throw out curbs stuff and I happen to notice a white cabinet so I stop to check it out and it had the 401A in it and of course I load d it up! It works but the white knob behind the tan knob won't turn where it says Special on machine. It doesn't have the cams but I'm sure I may found some online?
Yours is beautiful and got a good deal on it . That case is immaculate!