So I stumbled across a 1957 99k in a thrift shop today on my way to work. It seems very clean, has the paperclip decal on its' base and comes with its manual and attachments. The head is very plain but doesn't look too scratched...just tired. The wooden base looks okay but the weird faux woven type thingy case top is pretty grimey and ick to look at. The motor has a "safe to use" inspection sticker on it and the wheel and needle arm seem to move quite freely but I have no idea if it actually still works. The chrome stuff is all nice and shiney and it looks like someone has just found it in their Mum's back room and decided to piff it. Now the thrift shop wants $145.00 AUS for it: no bargaining considered...what da ya reckon?
I'd like to rescue it...am sure Gertie the treadle would look favourably on the little guy but I don't want to be a nong about it. All advice gratefully ruminated over.