Both those machines had been in a rental storeroom for ages. The storeroom was owned by a sewing machine dealer. My guess is that he passed and no one paid the rent as the contents were auctioned by the storeroom company. There were 100 to 150 sewing machines in that storeroom, including any brand you could think of. Some were obviously parts machines. I would think they were trade-ins. Of the 10 or so I bought, I parted out 5, gave away 2 and still have 3. One of those 3 is a parts machine as well. I learned a lot on that exchange. Like don't buy a sewing machine you have not actually seen.
I ended up with a really neat turquoise Montgomery Wards sewing machine that is in great shape. I also have the 15-125, which I hope is in good shape.
Education is never cheap.
bkay