I don't think of sewing machines as something you get rid of. I've had my Singer for 40 years now. I have an occasional issue with it, and I want to learn how to tune it up.
But the mention of the US Navy pea coat reminded me of my Dad's pea cost from WW II. It's 70 years old now, and still in great shape. I wore it in high school and college, and patched the lining once or twice. I think my SIL has replaced the lining 3 times now. My brother is still wearing it. Coats today don't last anywhere near as long as that one has.