Some things to check are the presence of a good shuttle and at least one bobbin - sometimes the long bobbins are of some obscure size that's difficult to find. Or maybe it isn't of the long-bobbin type, in which case you want to make sure that the bobbin system is all present and contains a good bobbin.

If there is a manual present, try to follow it - thread up the machine and sew with it, just turning the wheel with your hand. Most will turn over the top toward you, or counter-clockwise. White brand machines will probably turn away from you, or clockwise. Take some scrap fabric and a spool of thread and a needle with you when you go.

It may require a needle that's no longer manufactured and there may not be an appropriate needle present.

There are equivalent needles made for a lot of the old machines and sometimes, you can use a standard 15x1, but just don't push it quite all the way up into the needle clamp and it will function just fine. You will need to do some research on this, though. If you're lucky, it takes a standard 15x1 domestic machine needle like you'd use on any of your other machines. :)

The first thing to do is find out what model it is and make sure that all the parts are present.

To me, if it's pretty, it could be worth $100 just for looks. If it sews well and runs on standard needles, it would be worth at least twice that to me.

If it's a parlor cabinet or a "Mission" style treadle, all bets are off and I'll be stopping at the ATM on the way to pick it up. :mrgreen:

thanks for the advice. I don't know what style of cabinet it is. I did turn the wheel. It did have a belt and the needle was free to move. She said it used a long style bobbin but she didn't know if it would actually sew.

The Free Sewing Machine Company made machines for many years starting before 1900. The company was eventually bought out, and the name changed. But The Free or Free is found on many antique/vintage machines, and they are good quality machines.

there is no patent number only the date and where it was built. the cabinet opens in front to the left and maybe a door on the side. I called the store to find this info. I couldn't remember details.