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Featherweight - How much is it worth?

There is a featherweight I'm interested in that has very little scratches but looks great - It's an "AF247170 (1938-1941)." How much would you pay or how much is worth?

1939 - that's all I can tell you about it.

check ebay and see what the going rate is.

They seem to sell for anywhere from about $240.00 to $500.00 The condition and accessories really raise the price.

This individual is an expert in FWs: http://www.singer-featherweight.com/sales-pages/Standard_main.html. His site #1 has a really good reference section and includes a chart that grades FWs as to their value and condition. You can get a pretty good idea of what the machines are worth by looking at what he has for sale. I bought one on eBay in November for $200; it cost me another $150 to get it tuned up and had a few parts replaced. If you are going to sell it without having it tuned up first, you will get less. If you have it tuned up and then sell it, put a copy of your bill of services for the tune-up on the ad. You will get more for it this way if the buyer knows that they don't have to put out for this once they receive the machine.

Also, some eBay sellers really gouge people on the shipping costs. I've seen anywhere from $30-$175 to ship. I think I paid approx. $40 for shipping which was reasonable to Canada.

There's also a dedicated forum for Vintage Machine Enthusiasts on this site that has a section for FWs. You may want to read there for more pricing info.

Thx so much for the info!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada Kate (Post 4833986)

I think the price of a FW is determined by the part of the country that you live in and where you purchase the machine. If you are lucky enough to find one at a garage or estate sale or one being sold by an individual, you will pay less for it than what you will pay at a sewing machine center or an antique store. I bought a 1953 FW at an estate sale this past June for $250.00. The machine is in excellent condition with only a couple of small scratches. It came with all attachments, the original instruction book, the original carrying case and the key to lock the case. My quilting buddy bought a 1952 FW at a sewing machine center and paid $450.00. The condition of her machine is equal to mine, has the same attachment, the book and the carrying case. I would check the on-line sites, the local newspaper and Craig's list to find what the average price is in today's market. I have also noticed a couple of FWs for sale here on the board at a fair price. You really should check here in the For Sale section and post an add in In Search of Section. I hope you find your FW really soon.

I'm going to go a little out of the box here with my comments. Not meant to offend, just my opinion. Any item, including FW's, are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them. And that's when you sell them. If you're looking for an insurance rider then you will have to have an independent appraisal done just as in for jewelry. If you're looking to purchase, than the 'value' should be predicated on your budget. I don't believe in paying an exhorbitant amount for anything just for the purpose of owning it. Granted, I was very fortunate to get my FW, in excellent condition, for $25. And even though I'd wanted one for quite a while for a host of reasons was not willing to pay a great deal of money for one.