You vintage singer loving people have created a monster! Every day I check craigslist for new treasures! Today I found a 1865 Singer that appears to be in pretty rough shape. The simple fact that it is soooooo old and still around makes it desireable to me. It looks like a spool "peg" is missing from the top of the machine, but other than that I think the exterior is intact. Rusty, chipped, and sad looking, but still proudly surviving generations of sewers. I can get the machine for $25.
What do you all suggest for this antique addict? Is this as rare as I believe it to be, or are they pretty common? Does it look to be in a condition that is unsalvageagle? Of course there are no accessories. What you see is what you get.

Do you know how to clean it up? Have you seen the tutorials on this site? Would you be willing to sacrifice $25.00 to try it?

I would - just to have it. And then do the cleanup and find a shelf for it to live on :-)

She'd have already been home with me. ;)

I usually offer less than what they're asking. Meet with the seller and offer $15. You may get it for that or maybe have to go to $20 or $25 but you haven't lost anything. Even if it can't be fixed it could be cleaned up and be a beautiful conversation piece. You also might try contacting Lostn51. Billy is the resident vintage machine expert.

I've never done a full overhaul/clean up on a machine before, but I'm willing to try. Yes, I did see the tutorial and it's inspiring. Billy is a sewing machine make-over magician!

I would get it just for antique value, as a display piece. It would be a bonus if you could get it to work.

It would be in my covey of machines.

I would have it home and cleaned by now for that price. LOL

I offered him $15 and he said the lowest he could go would be $20. I'm planning to go look at it (and more than likely buy it) either tonight or tomorrow. I probably won't ever transform her into a working machine again, but I'll do my best trying and, at least, make her as pretty as possible. I wonder how much the old lady weighs! I"ll post photos soon.