miriam

Where do you get one for less than $50?

path49

I got mine (1956) on Craigslist for $20....in a cabinet. It was listed for a couple weeks at $30 & didn't sell so, she dropped the price to $20. When it was $30, I kept telling myself "I don't need another machine, I DON'T need another machine, I REALLY DON'T need another machine". But when the price dropped to $20, all reason flew out the window!

I still have to refinish the cabinet....waiting for warmer weather so I can strip it outside. I just love the machine...It sews beautifully & it's just so darn cute!

miriam

There are lots of machines for sale in Indianapolis but nothing seems to go for cheap.

deedum

I paid $50 for mine, in wonderful condition.So I think it is too much.

miriam

I sell them in wonderful condition for $50 - finding them cheaper in wonderful condition is rare - usually something wrong with them...

barri1

I have two. I paid $30 at a thrift store, and $25 at a tag sale. The$25 was missing the plate to the bobbin. I paid about $10 for a new one. The $30 comes with a wood dome, and the other a square one. The latch pieces missing, and I don't have a clue how to fix it..

jlm5419

Here in California I got a 99 for $15.00. I actually bought it for parts, but it turned out to run much better than the one I already had. At the time, I wasn't really looking for one, just happened upon a garage sale. I think $145 is way too much for a 99.

ruby2shoes

Have still not seen any 99's on ebay or Gumtree here....plenty of other machines in varying states of repair and cost; some of them even to my untrained eyes a bit of a giggle. I guess I will just go by what I've seen there and my gut feeling. It seems that machines are more expensive over here than where you lot are.

Annaquilts

That seems a lot but I think many machines are not as readily avialable. Without seeing it and based on your description it sounds like I would pay $35-$60 US. Does it have all the parts? Are there extra feet and bobbins? Does it have a reverse? the older ones don't. That said I really like the 99 and would like to have one with reverse.Only you can really determine the real value. If you have to have it and you have the money, maybe go for it and don't look back.

manicmike

Ruby, they are more expensive here, but $150 is waaaaay too much to pay for a 1957 machine, unless it's like new. I go to my local tip shop (yes, really) and pick up working Singers for $8 (that's the most I've ever paid). Most machines have cost $2-$5 there. The last Singer I bought was a 1957 green 327K for $3.
My most expensive machine was $45. A 1956 319K in working condition on Gumtree. If you want a nice 1950s portable machine, I can help you if you're in Melbourne. Last weekend, I bought a really beautiful, fully restored 1950s Singer 201P (made in Sydney) for $25 AT AN ANTIQUE SHOP! I only had to lubricate it and it's like new. Came with original wooden case, too.
I'd tell 'im 'e's dreamin' :-)
Mike
P.S. If you *are* in Melb, same antique shop (about 1KM from Tyabb Packing House) has a super-shiny black 201K for $45.