Ebay Alert! Huge Lot Singer Hand Crank Treadle Sewing Machines 70+ near Canton
#21
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 508

I've seriously considered a bid because we will be going through there in a couple of weeks, but yes, the seller has no idea what she has, and there aren't any featherweights. I sent her a message but no reply. She's set herself up for having ro refund the purchase price and potentially lose those machines because the buyer can easily open a SNAD case against her and get a full refund.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Highland, CA
Posts: 1,407

Is this it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/HUGE-LOT-SIN...item4171d51da2
Not far from me, but what would I do with all that!
Not far from me, but what would I do with all that!
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091

I've seriously considered a bid because we will be going through there in a couple of weeks, but yes, the seller has no idea what she has, and there aren't any featherweights. I sent her a message but no reply. She's set herself up for having ro refund the purchase price and potentially lose those machines because the buyer can easily open a SNAD case against her and get a full refund.
We have not sold or bought in our names for several years on eBay and this is something I/we know nothing about.
Elaine
#27
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: New York City
Posts: 138

Miriam, I'd be tempted to split them up with you; but after carefully going over the photos, I just don't see a lot of value. The machines are in pretty poor condition, it seems they have spent years in an unprotected environment, and many of the machines exhibit the beginning signs of rust on the outside. Which means rust on the inside, and that's a problem for smooth thread travel over the bobbin.
What's interesting is that the woman's late husband appears to have had a method to his madness--many of the Singers are model 99s and La Vencedoras. However, most of them are models from the 1920s (note the large spoked handwheels), meaning each and every one would need to be rewired, as wiring insulation typically doesn't last for 90 years.
I also see at least one natural-born model 15 treadle, which is a good machine, but the finish appears to be in terrible condition, like it was stored outside. If you look closely you'll also spot things like a 66 missing the slide plate.
Bottom line, $499 seems like an attractive price for that many machines, but rust, missing parts and damaged finishes can often be more trouble than they're worth. The bentwood cases caught my eye for their potential value, but again, they do not appear to be in great condition.
If any of you do end up bidding on the machines, please keep the rest of us posted on if you found any gems in the collection!
What's interesting is that the woman's late husband appears to have had a method to his madness--many of the Singers are model 99s and La Vencedoras. However, most of them are models from the 1920s (note the large spoked handwheels), meaning each and every one would need to be rewired, as wiring insulation typically doesn't last for 90 years.
I also see at least one natural-born model 15 treadle, which is a good machine, but the finish appears to be in terrible condition, like it was stored outside. If you look closely you'll also spot things like a 66 missing the slide plate.
Bottom line, $499 seems like an attractive price for that many machines, but rust, missing parts and damaged finishes can often be more trouble than they're worth. The bentwood cases caught my eye for their potential value, but again, they do not appear to be in great condition.
If any of you do end up bidding on the machines, please keep the rest of us posted on if you found any gems in the collection!
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Millville, NJ
Posts: 1,835

I hope someone with good intentions gets them so they don't get recycled for scrap value. A Singer hand crank and a full sized bentwood case fetch quite a bit on the net, assuming there in average condition. Don't think you can go wrong for $500 though finding a home for the unwanted cabinetry and machines could prove challenging (maybe not on the West Coast).
Jon
Jon
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