How much is a a 401 worth?

Old 12-13-2011, 11:47 AM
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Default How much is a a 401 worth?

Found this ad on Craig's List:

1958 Singer Sewing Machine, Model 401. Good condition. Has instruction booklet, foot pedal, accessories, in original carry case.

There is a picture and it looks to be in good shape.

They are asking $50. Good price? ... or too much? .... or run and grab it now before it gets away?



Who has a 401? Do you like it? I have a 301A that I just love, and really don't NEED another old sewing machine, but........
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Old 12-13-2011, 12:43 PM
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I have the 401 A. Love it. Bought mind new in 1958, it has never missed a stitch. 401's go for $150 here in Denver. I say Go For It
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Old 12-13-2011, 01:28 PM
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I have a 401 and love it...$50 is a great price!
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Old 12-13-2011, 01:42 PM
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I have the 401A I bought it new in 1958 also. It is the best sewing of any machine I have ever used. It has been all over the world with me. It still runs like new. I have bought others but still turn to my old friend to do most of my sewing. I was offered 200.00 by a guy who gave it a cleaning for me. I will never sell it.
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Old 12-13-2011, 02:49 PM
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You will likely not find anything cheaper than that. Grab it. I like my 401 a lot. It's not great with FMQ because of the drop in bobbin, but is a great piecer and stitches very nicely.
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Old 12-13-2011, 06:19 PM
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If it's in nice condition...Buy It! The local sewing machine repair shop sells them starting at @ $200 as a portable.
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Old 12-14-2011, 03:14 AM
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While it may be a good price, it may have things wrong. Check very carefully all functions of the machine. Does the stitch selector work right? Does the needle sew? check the tension, bobbin winder, etc. feed dogs go up and down? look for dried up 3 in 1 oil and or rust - Actually it is priced low enough you could have it serviced and still be in good shape.
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Old 12-14-2011, 07:14 AM
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I have a 401A and love it. Even if you have to have it serviced, that is a good price.
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Old 12-14-2011, 07:20 AM
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I have to agree with Rumbols. I got one for free from a friend who couldn't keep it anymore. I had it serviced and got a new power cord. It was all worth the $114.00 it cost to get it sewing. Love my 401A. I also have a 301 that I bought from an ebay seller. That cost me $207.00 including shipping (had loads of attachments) and then I had to have it serviced ($85.00) because the cords were kind of iffy in spots and I wanted to get them checked. I think $50.00 plus the cost of having it serviced if you need to, is a great price for a 401.
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Old 12-15-2011, 05:13 AM
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Run and grab it.
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