http://columbus.craigslist.org/art/2510744359.html

What model Singer is this machine? Is $60 a good price for it? Does anyone have an old Singer like this? How do you like it?

id grab it

$60 is a very good price and if it runs good that's even better
go for it.

That's a blackside Singer 128. It is a 3/4 size machine, but not a light machine. Mine weighs in at 29 pounds. I paid $35 late last year, but I didn't get a book or attachments. That is a good price for a complete machine. The blacksides are apparently desirable, which I did not know when I purchased it. I like the lines on my little cutie and, yes, she sews a nice seam. Mine also is from 1952.

I wouldn't pay that much for it. But that's me. These are listed ALL the time on CL. Someone said that old sewing machines are like buses. You don't know when they'll come around again, but they will.

It looks like old wiring to me. I personally would not pay $60 for that type of machine, in part because they are so heavy. More like $30-35 at a thrift shop where I am (midwest urban area).

It looks like it needs a good cleaning because the machine should shine. The electric cord looks 'modern'. The old electric machine that I have has a black cord, not a grey one.

You could email the seller and ask more questions or ask the seller to send you close up photos and make a decision from that.

$60 for an antique machine is not that much and I consider it to be a reasonable price. There's an antique Singer at a thrift shop near me that's priced at $125.

Looks great to me, I would grab it before someone else does.

It doesn't shine because it is a "blackside", meaning made during the war when they used different metal & no chrome. It has a rough finish and the faceplate, bobbin plate, etc. are black. The cord looks original, so you should have it checked, maybe even replaced. The blacksides are not as common & therefore to find one for $60 is a good deal. Right now there are only 3 or 4 on EBay & selling for $100 or more.

Should there be a bobbin case in the machine that I should ask about, if it is there or not? I know with my 301a there is a bobbin case that is very expensive to replace if it is lost.

Thanks!

I have a blackside (I love the finish on this! That's what makes it so unique to me. Ours is a 1940 #128 (I call her Pretty!) She has a knee bar and no pedal. The cord is for the light. Sews very well. Is louder than "Baby" with the cord so I usually use "Baby" she has the slick finish and is a 57 model 99K. I love this one! ;) She sews like a dream! I haven't used my Brother machines since I got these 2. ;) I hope me posting a picture will help you to see a similar model up close.

Actually, this machine has the "Godzilla" matte/crinkle finish that was done during WWII and for a while afterward. 1952 had a combination of shiny & matte finishes. Also the attachments for them usually came in "black", not shiny, metal. $60 is probably a reasonable price if the machine is in very good condition with no wiring issues and all mechanicals of the machine working properly. If anything is not working, offer $40. Parts are available at numerous places online, and it's easy to do parts exchanges yourself on these vintage machines. No electronics to deal with!! :-) Screwdriver and a small wrench (maybe) all that is required.