Help me shop for a featherweight ):
 

Hello quilters

So i have been admiring those cute little machines called featherweights and i never had one but would love to buy one and i am having a hard time knowing the different number after the model number. For example when i went to ebay the machine is described as a 221 or 222 then there is a serial number or something after that, so how important is that number and does it have anything to do with the price?
I know the condition of the machine, cosmetics, and attachments....etc play a big role but what other factors decide the price?
I also looked at some on craigslist and the price range is big, like there are some for $200 + and some are $600, what is a reasonable price for one of these cuties?

Thanks

P.S forgot to ask how much do they normally weigh?

They weigh about 12 lbs (without the case). The 222 is a ***highly*** desirable and rare model of the featherweight. Not many were made. The 221 has a hinged table that folds up for storage; the 222 has a removable table that turns the featherweight into a freearm. The serial number provides a way to date the machine; usually does not affect value.

Prices tend to be lower on the East Coast because the population was so much more dense there during the period when featherweights were being sold new. I'm not sure what it's like in CA. In the upper midwest where I am, a good deal on a featherweight would be about $300 for one in good cosmetic condition with case and accessories.

People can ask whatever they want for a featherweight; it doesn't mean they get that price!

Thanks Prism99 for the feedback. It sounds like the prices are close to what you said in general but i posted the question because one of the machines i found on CL was priced at $600 obo which i thought was ridiculous.

I agree with Prism99 I would say no more then up to $300. for a 221 with a case, accessories amd a manual all in good shape. It should be serviced before being sold by a sewing machine person whom works with old machines and in ready to sew those perfect stitches when you bring it home. Do not buy one that need parts and serviceing for $300. as by the time your are done getting it ready to work right it could cost you $500.

I believe I paid $235 for mine and shipping cost $25 about 14 years ago. But this was by a dealer whom deals in Featherwieghts. It was shipped and packed great where as no damage would be done while being sent. Everything came with it accessories, case and manual. This machine has never caused me any problems and the only thing I have had to replace just in July of 2012 was the belt (cost $10). It still sews perfect and I just keep it oiled and greased and clean.

Now the I know 222 are higher priced.

Oops I forgot to say most dealers around our area sell 221 for $300 with case, accessories and manual in good to great cosmetic shape. They have been serviced too.

Here is a site with a lot of Featherweight info for your reading pleasure!

http://singer-featherweight.com/

What is the advantage of having a featherweight?

You will find alot of featherweights on Ebay also. Condition of the machine plays a large part. I have quite a few of these little cuties. I have never paid more than 300.00 except for my 222. I paid the most for my red s and the least for my centenial so go figure? It is true you can ask what ever you want it just depends on what you are able to get. They are very light weight sew beautifully and they are just so darn cute!!!! Oh and I forgot to say the white ones I purchased were a little moore pricey.

I live in the Sacramento area, I paid $350.00 for my 1952 Featherweight. It is in excellent condition, not a scratch on it. Decals are intact and in excellent condition also. The case is in excellent condition, no scuffs, no musty smell. It came with all the attachments and the original oil can. The lady who sold it to me said it belonged to her grandma, she inherited it and she doesn't sew. The price was reasonable because it is in such excellent shape, plus 1952 is my birth year so I had to have it.

Grammy of six: what are advantages of FW? I love mine! It's handy to take to classes,I can fix it myself as it has no electronics and you don 't worry about a surge protector, it sews the best stitch I have ever seen,consistently,it's a work horse- with the proper needle,it'll sew leather or satin, the grandkids can sew on it very easily,I can haul it around and it's sturdy. Best of all! It's the machine I have used since I was 5and made doll clothes!

Featherweight (Singer 221) prices are somewhat less than they used to be. There were millions made from 1933 until about 1967 and they are not rare, but some sellers have very unrealistic ideas about what theirs is worth. I have 2, both I found on craigslist. The first one was a black 1950 model I paid $150 for. It was inherited from the seller's relative and was stored in the attic for 8 years. It was complete and just needed a good cleaning and oiling (did it myself). The second was a 1948 that had been repainted purple (my avatar). It was complete, had been recently serviced, and I paid $140.

Certain models, because of rarity, are worth more that the average. the 222 free-arm model, for one. The oldest models from the 30s (Serial numbers starting AD or AE). Machines that have the 1951 Singer Centennial medallion on the front (not that rare). The tan ones made in the late 50's-early 60s (I covet one of those to match my birth year 1960). Some people really like the white ones but they are fairly common.

You should be able to find a good to excellent condition model with foot control, case, attachments and manual for no more than $300. They are easy to service, fun to look at and sew on, and will keep on going long after my computerized model. Get one and enjoy!

I found mine on E-bay $220.00 machine was in wonderful condition, case smelled but frebreeze soaked rag left in case for several days and some sitting out in the sun took care of that within a week, have it oiled and greased ready to use, just haven't got to it, its so cute, her name is Raven, as in my Raven beauty. lol

Wow ladies...thank you so much for the feedback. I really want one so bad because they do look so darn cute.

I am watching few on ebay but the ones on craigslist around my area are too pricey, and i am sure i can't talk someone asking for $600 to go down to $300 or less ):

Anyhow we'll see how that goes in a week of hunting. I think i should also try to find dealers who sells them which is not going to be easy one as i have no clue which dealers to look for..