Checklist for Buying Vintage Sewing Machines
02-23-2011, 06:44 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: In Hiding
Posts: 1,210
Mary M, I have a Pfaff 230 with all the accessories and just love this tank of a machine. I have a dating chart but it does not work like the Singer charts in that Singer goes from #xxxxx to #xxxxx for a year and the number of machines made plus the model number. There is a great vintage Pfaff group on Yahoo you might want to consider joining them for information. For Pfaffies such as myself, price would depend on condition and how much one wanted the particular machine. I have seen people pay a considerable amount of money for one in great condition simply because they wanted it regardless of the price.
02-23-2011, 07:01 AM
#13
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
Originally Posted by Lostn51
Pfaff is a great machine and is the Ferrari of the sewing machine world! You can never go wrong with a vintage Pfaff!!
Billy
Billy
I stopped by and nearly fainted...it was the home of OK's first Singer repair/shop man!
The stuff that was there was a dream come true!
On the last day everything was 1/2 price and I found a cabinet that was long and lean and wonderful..and only $12.00!
I got my hubby to help me move it and it was heavy...got it home and found out that there is a vintage Pfaff in there..with all of her books & attachments! I have never cleaned it up, let alone used it!
I have my Elna sitting on top of the cabinet!
the cabinet now! it also has an extension on the right hand side, but I did not have room to open it because of the closet that is on the left of this pix out of sight!
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02-23-2011, 08:21 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Montana
Posts: 913
Thank you very much for the inf. I will check into that.
Originally Posted by quiltmaker
Mary M, I have a Pfaff 230 with all the accessories and just love this tank of a machine. I have a dating chart but it does not work like the Singer charts in that Singer goes from #xxxxx to #xxxxx for a year and the number of machines made plus the model number. There is a great vintage Pfaff group on Yahoo you might want to consider joining them for information. For Pfaffies such as myself, price would depend on condition and how much one wanted the particular machine. I have seen people pay a considerable amount of money for one in great condition simply because they wanted it regardless of the price.
12-26-2011, 02:52 AM
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
1. Don't spend too much.
Many sellers believe that Grandma's sewing machine must be worth over $100 since it is an antique. Maybe it is worth that much, but the majority of machines found in yard sales and thrift stores are not worth more than $20. Learn the names and model numbers of the few that are worth big bucks by checking prices on ebay, then assume that all others are not worth a high price. Currently, the Singer Featherweight 221 fetches the most money on ebay with an average selling price of about $300. Most other machines are worth less than $50 with the majority valued at around $20.
2. Check the condition of the machine.
Carefully inspect the underside, the wiring, bed, and bobbin case of the machine. If you see rust, frayed or exposed wiring, or notice there are pieces missing, then think twice before making the purchase. Often the cost of repairs or replacement parts can be as much as the machine itself. It may be better to wait until the next one comes along and hope that one is in great shape.
Many sellers believe that Grandma's sewing machine must be worth over $100 since it is an antique. Maybe it is worth that much, but the majority of machines found in yard sales and thrift stores are not worth more than $20. Learn the names and model numbers of the few that are worth big bucks by checking prices on ebay, then assume that all others are not worth a high price. Currently, the Singer Featherweight 221 fetches the most money on ebay with an average selling price of about $300. Most other machines are worth less than $50 with the majority valued at around $20.
2. Check the condition of the machine.
Carefully inspect the underside, the wiring, bed, and bobbin case of the machine. If you see rust, frayed or exposed wiring, or notice there are pieces missing, then think twice before making the purchase. Often the cost of repairs or replacement parts can be as much as the machine itself. It may be better to wait until the next one comes along and hope that one is in great shape.
Then remember for that same money you can not buy a good new machine. Even if you buy an inexpensive old machine and have it repaired it could run for years and be a fantastic serviceable machine for you and your heirs. Please do a bit of research on line before you go buying one.
There are galleries like http://sewingmachinesteve.com/gallery1.aspx you can find ideas of what fantastic older machines are out there. There are pics of good vintage machines on this Board as well.
Last edited by miriam; 12-26-2011 at 03:11 AM.
12-26-2011, 05:05 AM
#16
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SWFL
Posts: 99
Wow! Thanks Miriam & MI Late Nice information.
There are galleries like http://sewingmachinesteve.com/gallery1.aspx you can find ideas of what fantastic older machines are out there. There are pics of good vintage machines on this Board as well.
12-26-2011, 09:56 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I don't agree with the expecting to pay $20....that's not true. Once in a while you can find a treasure or someone just wants the machine gone. Yes, you can find machines for that, but the best ones usually cost more. Especially with all the attachments and working properly. I usually plan on spending much more than $20 for a quality, vintage machine. I'd also add the 319 to the list of expect to pay more for. 301's are also really gaining value now. The 70's made Singers can be had for cheap, because they don't have an especially good rep. and are made of plastic parts.
Plan on spending a lot of money on vintage Berninas, Pfaffs, and Elnas.
Plan on spending a lot of money on vintage Berninas, Pfaffs, and Elnas.
12-26-2011, 10:39 AM
#18
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SWFL
Posts: 99
Hi Candace, totally agree with your assessment regarding prices and expectations of cost/. I do think some sellers are dreaming when they price their vintage machines, but it's up to the buyer to be educated in what the 'going' rate is.. that is the hard part and it comes from doing a lot of shopping prices, reading, looking and working the vintage market. This thread and the board comes in so handy with wonderful links and is such an education in and of itself..
Hope everyone had a Nice Holiday..and lets' bring on the new Vintage Year!!!
Hope everyone had a Nice Holiday..and lets' bring on the new Vintage Year!!!
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