Sunday I was to an auction. There were several old sewing machines there, but one really caught my attention. It was a Singer machine in a wooden case shaped like a mailbox. I couldn't stay for the auction but really wanted it, so had someone bid on it for me. Guess What??? I got it for 40.00.
I need to pick it up on Tues. or Wednesday. I will post pictures when I get it. But, I am wondering if anyone knows anything about these machines? How old etc? Is it an antique or did I get skunked? Any thoughts let me know.

Good for you. I have a friend who says "Even if I don't use it, it's worth having." :lol:

One thing you can do is look online for the date it was made. All you need is the seriel number.

My Mother had a machine like that. The machine was heavy metal and black, the case looked looked wood and domed like a mail box. Hers was from the 1930's or possiable early 1940's. It is long gone but I wish I had it. It was a real work horse. Look forward to a photo. My BIL repairs machines , he might know the age.

How exciting for you :mrgreen: Can't wait to see pics

Purists will tell you that an item has to be 100 years old to be considered an antique. HOWEVER, no matter how old, the machine, as long as it's not a repro, is collectible, and you got a bargin, providing all the parts are there and it works! :)

Congrats! Can't wait to see the pictures, and Gail is right, get the serial number and go to the Singer website to find out the age and model of the machine. :)

What a great deal!!! :D:D:D

Singer made several machines that had the Bentwood case. (The wooden dome case.) I don't remember when they moved from that case to the more modern cases. I own one machine that has it on it.) Usually the old singers in those cases are straight stitch. Some have reverse and some don't have reverse.
Here is a link to a site that might be of help in figuring out what model your machine is... http://www.sandman-collectibles.com/...r-machines.htm

The machines are made of all medal parts and if kept lubed and oiled, they will last for years and years.
There is a Singer Vintage group on yahoo that is great about helping to find out about your machine and telling you where to find parts. Make sure to use their search function first so that you're not asking questions that have been asked and answered a thousand times already. If you have a chance, just go back and read many of the informative posts. Here is the link... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagesingers/

There is also another web page with directions on how to restore old sewing machines.... http://www.treadleon.net/
just scroll down to the restoring link.

Have fun! and depending on the machine itself, $40 is a good price.

What a great thing to drape a small quilt over!

I just read what I wrote, it is too late to edit it but I meant to say metal instead of medal. (lol...the machines aren't made of medals)
;-)

This is what I wrote: "The machines are made of all medal parts and if kept lubed and oiled, they will last for years and years. "

Just a note that might be of interest for owners of the Featherweight 221. I was just on a website where you could buy the service manuals that are reproductions . The cost was $21. If any of you would like a copy to print out, PM me and I will gladly scan my manual and let you download for free. My manual is the original. Save that cost and use it for more fabric!