Couldn't pass up this Singer 15-91
Craigslist ad said - 1940's Singer in Case
Photos looked very nice - bit of backing and forthing via text - she sent me the serial number from which I deduced that it was a 1953 15-91.
When we met my wife had a 15-91 which she sold ages ago. She recently said she thought it was one of the nicest machines she'd ever owned. Well - armed with that DeFacto permission I went for it.
Obviously it's not a portable but a cabinet/bench model. Had a lot of accessories - feet - book - original lubricant...nothing exotic though.
Cabinet is quite nice - machine appears to have seen little use. Seller said her aunt bought it new and later gave it to her. It sat in her bedroom for the past 25 years unused.
It's stiff - this was out in a cold garage - didn't want to push it but did plug in to see if the motor responded at all. She responded pretty much the way I do first thing in the morning. All in all, though, I thought it was worth the $50.
Side note: The end result of the backing and forthing was that I told her I'd take it and that I would get it tomorrow afternoon. She agreed.
Things changed and I was able to go tonight.
When I arrived there was a guy checking out a snow blower in the driveway - the machine was in the open garage. She's running a moving sale this weekend and put things on CL in advance.
Her daughter or niece - not sure - was helping me check out the Singer.
The seller finished with the snow blower deal and came over to where I was. We exchanged pleasantries - I asked the obligatory question - "Do you have any room in the price". She said "Oh no...there's a fellow who said he'd take it for $50 and said he'd be here afternoon."
Needless to say - that fellow is me.
Not that I begrudge the price in any way - but she was all set to sell it out from under me - to me.
As the advice to J.J. Gittes went..."Forget it Jake...it's Craigslist"
:-)
About the machine though - any advice other than the usual clean it - oil it - ease it back into working trim?