SteveH

The "re-purposers" are getting more open about it...
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/wan/4602961929.html

Here is the reply I sent them...

I AM a collector and would like to ask that if folks direct OLD treadles/machines/cabinets to you, PLEASE shoot me an email with a couple of pics before you do any cutting or modifying of potentially rare machines and or parts.

I would pay you a good price for parts and or machines that are significant.

I have already seen "re-purposed" components that were part of a very rare 1865 machine that are now virtually worthless as an original, and only worth market value as art.

Rodney

Let's all just hope this trend of cutting up old machines ends soon. Only rarely is the "repurposed" item as nice as it was originally.
Rodney

oldsewnsew

http://m.ebay.com/itm/161386084811?nav=SEARCH

yep they're hard at it!!

SteveH

that's just gross

miriam

Not much imagination...

manicmike

Actually Rodney I was Hmmm...'ing because I'm interested even though I've nowhere to put it then there's the lack of $150. It's cheap and I know I could get it to work and look beautiful (sigh).

manicmike

Now you have me thinking, Steve. So... it's a 29k leather patcher. What else can it do? I inquired about what's actually wrong with it (importantly, are there any parts missing) but it has to be useful to be considered, otherwise I can just fix it up and sell on (which is always fun too).

SteveH

It looks like one of the bigger 29's (like a 29k71 or so)

Imagine a machine that can sew the tops of two cowboy boots together without straining at the thickness...
Imagine that you can leave the material in place and still stitch your name into it by rotating the foot feed mechanism

The ONLY reason I sold my 1906 29-4 is that I got the 1868 Politype Patcher...

amcatanzaro

Of course, 1868.
http://dayton.craigslist.org/atq/4605696515.html

manicmike

It sounds really good. Also had a look on youtube at an English guy demonstrating his. The seller got back to me: He said "It hasnt been used has sat outside as a display". I'm going near his place in a week. Maybe I'll organise an inspection if it's still there and check out whether it's salvageable. If it is then yes I think I want it. A vintage industrial Singer walking foot for $150 is too good to pass.