Kelsie

I have just been to an estate sale. I have been reading a lot of the old archival threads but don't have much knowledge yet. I bought all the bobbin cases, perhaps 12 in 4 styles, most of the bobbins 2 dozen in about 5 styles. I bought a couple bags of mixed feet - I am quilting and saw what looked like a foot I bought for FMQ. I grabbed (we were the only people there) 2 face plates both fancy 1 from a 15, 5 - 6 throat plates. The seller knows less than I do. Now my questions!!! There are bags of tension parts, bolts, screws, bits, some things that look sort of like big heavy feet. There is a green round White motor. There is a motor and light of heavy funny beige plastic (older). There are lots of foot pedals, a couple other motors and at least one more light. I thought it would be an idea to have at least one spare foot pedal but don't know which to buy. I want a 301 and a treadle but since I don't have them yet it is difficult. I also bought the complete box with manual for a 401 thinking that the feet would work on a 301? It would not surprise me if most of the stuff is still there and I asked my husband to come home at early as he can so we can go back. Do any of you experienced people have any suggestions or pictures of things that would be a treasure to not pass up. Wish I could take you with me. Cheers, Kelsie

Steelsewing

The 401 feet will fit the 301... even the zigzag ones although the 301 doesn't. The other bits, motors, plates and etc would be something I'd consider at the right price. If I didn't need it, I'd use it as trading stock, but I have many machines. Giving away a throat plate to someone that's been looking for that very specific one - can begin a great vintage sewing machine friendship - and those are very nice to have. If you have the space, and the interest, offer the person what you think might be a reasonable price for the lot - since they don't seem to know what they have. Sometimes, at estates sales, it's not about the profit line, it's about never having to fool with that stuff ever again - they may just want it gone. You help them make it go away, and they may help you with a price.

cathyvv

Wish I could help, but this is an area where I am truly clueless.

bkay

It depends on the price. I bought a whole bunch of accessories for a wheeler and wilson for $1.00. I gave them to Leon. I bought a bunch of unknown bobbins; they were brass, so I knew they had to match something old. I think I paid $1.00 for those as well. I gave those to Skipper. I had a bunch of other strange stuff I didn't need that I sent to Joe for postage. Maybe I'm selfish, but now if I get in trouble with a machine, I can ask Leon, Skipper or Joe. As Steelsewing says, it makes friends when you can share.

The problem I see is identifying what you have. If it didn't come in/with a machine I bought, I don't have a clue what it might fit. I don't have that much experience.

I'll give you an example from another field: I bought a big box of beads at a Goodwill auction. I think I paid $27.00 for them. It's likely there are several hundred dollars worth of beads there. Or, maybe not. They are all some type of stone. I have no clue what kind of stone they are. I thought of selling them on ebay, but what do you say? I have some pretty beads? I looked at online sources to ID them, but couldn't distinguish one pink stone from the other. I've thought about donating them to the local elementary school, but still have all of them, in boxes, in the garage.

I would be that way about sewing machine parts. Now, you can ask here and on Victoriansweatshop.com, and you will likely get an answer or at least some direction. It's a lot of work, but you just might have the perfect part someone really needs. On the other hand, unless you plan on restoring old machines, or have lots of time to research, I'd think twice.

bkay

Kelsie

Sorry, I responded last night but it wouldn't load.

I spent the afternoon researching and found that the foot pedal for the 301 and the FW are the same so I went back to the sale and went through 3 boxes of pedals but none had the right connection. I had missed a couple of little boxes but didn't buy much more. I did get the White green motor - don't ask me why, I just couldn't leave it. They have moved everything into a tent on Main Street and the prices were not like yours Bkay or perhaps I would not have been able to resist. Steelsewing I did find about 4 more throat plates but didn't buy them. We used to be in the antique business but have just bought a wee house and already don't know where everything will fit. I couldn't resist a golden opportunity like the fancy face plates but don't want to get back in the biz. I am telling myself that once I buy a 301 and a treadle then that will be the end of my machine collection. We are old enough and I have enough other hobbies that I think I can resist.
Bkay we are leaving soon to go home to Vancouver Island. We could help you with your rock beads identification if we are going past your doorstep. I don't know quite how it works but do you want to PM me?
Thank you both for your help.

Mousie

I confess I don't have this kind of knowledge but it was an interesting read.
Somebody that knows stones and makes jewelry is going to snatch those
up. Maybe say you "don't know much" but get more than you gave?
win-win

Kelsie

Steelsewing I made a mistake - the box is not 401 accessories but 403. Still O.K.?

bkay

401 and 403 are both slant shank machines. They will both zigzag, but the 301 won't. The feet and buttonholers from the 400 machines will work. Items like a zigzag foot will work, but not too well. The 400 machines have a wider space between the feed dogs than the 301, so a zigzag foot will fit on the machine. However, the feed dogs will not line up with the foot. It will kind of work, but not well. Other than that, I think most everything will work. Also, the 403 accessory box may have cams. They won't work on the 301, either.

I happen to have 2 401's, so you hit on something I know about.

By the way, I'm in Texas. It's not on the way to Vancouver. Thanks for the offer, though.

bkay

Kelsie

Thanks for the info Bkay. Have you thought about contacting a local rock hounding club. They would probably be happy to help you identify what you have - it would be fun for them.

bkay

Thanks, Kelsie. I had not thought of that.

bkay