Vintage sewing machines are only worth what someone is willing to pay. Most can be purchased for less than $100 (if you look and wait) unless they are extremely rare, in perfect shape or have a very unusual collectible cabinet. I also think that there isn't a huge demand for vintage machines. If you don't sew and don't want them for decorative purposes, they hold little appeal. I love vintage machines and was able to get my Singer 201 free and paid $30 for each of my Featherweights. Now I am hunting for a Singer 301 in a cabinet and will probably be able to find one at less than $100. As for those people asking huge sums on Craig's List or Kijiji, I doubt that they actually sell them. Your machine sounds interesting but I don't believe that it will fund your retirement. Just my opinion.