mckwilter

llweezie, One question first -- is this FW being sold by an individual or by a store? If the seller is an individual, ask them if they know the history of the machine. (With many machines, it was their mother's, aunt's, grandmother's and has been sitting in a closet, the basement, the attic, etc.) If it is a store, ask how they acquired the machine. Also, ask if they know when it was last serviced. I have a tan FW, and in the case is a receipt for the last service dated 1985. Ask them if it sews. Clean is cosmetic, and you need to know if it will operate. If they are in your area, ask if you can try the machine out. If they aren't close to you, ask them if there is a money-back guarantee if the machine doesn't work. Also, ask if the bobbin case is included, as that is an additional $50 expense if it isn't there. If you can see the machine, the better the condition of the finish and the decals, the higher the price.

I have 6 FWs, -- 4 black, 1 white and one tan. I purchased them all on eBay, and I didn't pay over $225 for one of them (and that included the shipping costs). I found that a machine is worth what you are willing to pay for it.

Maniac, white FWs are no more "rare and valuable" than the black ones. They are newer, being made in the early 60's instead of in the 1930s - 1950s, but they are as wonderful as the blacks. IMHO, the tans are harder to find, mainly because I think people don't want to let go of them.