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.

That is really cool looking. If you could clean it up, you'd have a great display piece.

It sounds like a great deal to me. Even if she never sews she will be a wonderful conversation piece.

If I had the opportunity to get that machine for $25.00 I would grab it and not look back. It would be wonderful to work and clean up that jewel. I would guess it is a diamond in the rough! Go for it.

i would try just for fun

Ooooo, looks beautiful even in the rough shape. If she could talk, there would be some stories, I'm sure.

Yes, by all means get it. you will kick yourself if you don't. I know I would. Clean it up as best you can and enjoy it.

What are you waiting for???? :-) :-)

Very pretty machine!

My only question would be: Is it rusted shut so that the needle doesn't move... if it can move, then I, too, would grab it. Enjoy!

Oh, my gosh! You don't have it yet???!!! I'd pay more for it, just to have it on a shelf! It's gorgeous, working or not!

keep us posted and to when she will be in her new home !!!!

I'm getting her and the required cleaning supplies today. I'm wondering how my (neat as a pin) husband will like a kerosene mess in the kitchen.....It's currently -15 degrees with a windchill of -25, so performing her overhaul in the great outdoors, or even in the garage, isn't an option. I suppose the basement is an option.

Here is one all cleaned up
http://cgi.ebay.com/130483729849
Nope not mine but from what I understand these are pretty desirable. 25 is a great price.
See if he has the shuttles laying around too.

No question, it would be at home already. Love those old singers and featherweights.

That's a "Fiddle base" Singer. I think they are rather rare. Go for it!

RUN!!! - Don't walk there and BUY IT!!!!
Even though it's in sad shape and you may not be able to sew with it - it's a priceless antique that will look great on a shelf in your quilting room (and a bargain at $25.00.)

If you want to try and get the missing parts for it, EBay is a great place for finding old Singer parts and there are also a lot of other online Singer parts sites that carry hard to find pieces.

Either way, good luck and hope you but it. :P :P :P :P :P :P

I would buy it!! I bought a hand crank at a yard sale last year for $40.00. Shuttle and everything there, knob on hand crank is white porcelan. May not ever use it but have it displayed. I love it.

Chilly 9 degrees here in NC this morning. I am formally from Hudson, WI so I know what you are going through. BURR. Good luck on the machine. Sounds nice even in the shape it's in.

Yes! Go to the basement and set up a fan exhausting through a window. I'm so glad you got it. Take LOTS of digital pics from every angle imaginable. And, the longer the parts soak, the easier stuff cleans up. A closed coffee can works really well. Keep us posted!!!

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.[/quote]

If nothing else it will make a Beautiful door stop!

Isn't that the truth! Sigh!

Get her and restore her - she is worth it, even if you just put her on a shelf to look at.

Take her home!!! She is worth it!!!

It would be mine.

I have one like that! Does this one have the box that slides over the machine? Mine does have a broken part on the front that holds the handle in to make it sew, but I won't be using it anyway. It does still rotate. My husband bought it from his brother who is an antique dealer in Houston several years ago, so it had been cleaned up and looks nice. I have mine proudly desplayed in my dining room. :-D

Just be careful in the basement, make sure you are well ventilated and no pilot lights nearby. Have fun! Will be anxious to see her after her "spa" visit

I wouldn't hesitate to buy that 1865 machine! What a wonderful opportunity no matter whether it works or not for $25!

I would pay that even if it's not workable. Clean it up and use as decoration. I've seen them decorated with greenery or made into lamps.

I would have had it at $25, no questions asked ! use Gojo--WITHOUT ABRASIVES-- to clean it,a little at a time.
looks like a hand crank to me. love it.

you don't have to use kerosene. regular sewing machine oil, used liberally, with some patience will work also.