Singer Sewing Machine Questions
 

I found two Singer sewing machines and I need some help with identification and appraisal. I'm hoping someone here can help me. The first one is a feather weight Centennial model. The serial number is AK421688. It is complete and in good working condition, but has no attachments. They want $410 for it. The second one is another Singer and it looks like it needs a good cleaning. It didn't have an identifier on it so I don't know what model it is. The serial number is AE922770. There is a table with this one that is in rough shape. It has a light and a motor. Was that standard? This was only $35. I'm just getting interested in the older machines and need some assistance so I don't get something that I can't do anything with.

I got 2 from Shopgoodwill.com for under $200 and one on e-bay for $300.00 in 2012 - one did need a plug which was around $50.00 - but I end up with 3 machines. And all three featherweights had attachments and cases. It really is up to you and what you want to spend.

if you visit the singer site you can enter the serial numbers & find out the year it was made, pertinent information & down load a manual for them- and find out how many of them were made that year ect.

Hi Kara. The FW, as you probably know, was made in 1951 and as for the price, well, I think they always ask too much for those things just because they're cute. The attachments shouldn't be hard to find.

The second one is a model 15 with a vertical bobbin which makes it wonderful to do FMQ, especially since it is in a cabinet. Yes, the light and the motor were standard, and the potted motor of the model 15 is one of Singer's best. It drives the motor directly without a belt.

If you have the space, I would go for the 15 in a cabinet because they are woooonderful to sew on. OTOH, if you want to go to classes and need a portable one, the 221 is great for that. Me, personally, I'd hold out for a lower price though. But that's just me.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

I paid $200 for my model 66 treadle which was in great condition. I got it off eBay. Craig list has great deals at least here on long island. I would try that if for no other reason than to compare prices.

Featherweights that are not Centennial seem to start around $250 on eBay. You pay extra for the Centennial. Ask over in the vintage area on QB you'll get the best information there.

Thank you all for your input. I'll do some more research and get back down to the store to take another look.

Having a Centennial medallion on a machine doesn't necessarily mean it's actually a centennial machine. Dealers used to remove the medallion from beat-up machines and put them on cleaner machines to add value. Much of the value in vintage Singers is related to condition (the more pristine, the higher the price). A beat-up Centennial could sell for less than the same model in pristine condition.

Featherweight prices depend a lot on where you live. They tend to be less expensive on the East Coast because of the density of population. In the Midwest, where I live, the top price even for a Centennial would be around $350 now. They could be more expensive in Wyoming simply because there aren't as many in that area of the country. For me, $410 is way too expensive for a machine without attachments and without a case in good condition (you didn't mention a carrying case for it).

The featherweight did have a case. I looked into them a little more too and came to the same conclusion that I could get one with all the attachments for less. So I think I'll keep looking. My DH is trying to convince me to get the other machine, but I want to see if someone around here can do some maintenance for me and get it running. Thanks so much!