$200 for Featherweight? Good price or Not?
 

My Guild had a Jumble sale last night and a fellow quilter was selling two featherweights. Both sew and have been well loved. One was duller with fading decals one was shinier with brighter decals. I missed the model numbers. There were cases with both though they were also well loved. Is that a good price or too much? Sorry I didn't get photos, that would tell alot. If so, which would you buy, she still has them. She also has a zig zag attachment that works on both, for $35.

My opinion...the price on any vintage (or new for that matter) machine is what you are willing to pay for it. I don't pay alot for vintage machines. My FW I paid $45; my electrified Redeye 66 I paid $50. That one is a little rough but well worth the $50. I have a 15 that I paid $35. While I think the FW is a great machine, I would not be willing to pay that much...but that's me. If it fits your budget; you like it; that's the going rate in your area...go for it!

Look at it this way: If you get a good machine with all parts intact and working order, it will outlast you. There's a wealth of information on this site on do it yourself service, repairs, and sources for replacement parts and attachments. I have never bought a vintage machine at those rock bottom prices that I've often read about. I have been had honest people I've purchased from & felt the craftsmanship of every old machine I've bought was well worth the $ spent. Is the guild sale a benefit for the group, or are the individuals the sellers. What I mean to ask is, "Is this a fundraiser for the group?" That also plays into what people are expected to pay.

If it is in excellent condition, recently (or continuously) serviced and well cared for, I don't think that is an unreasonable price, if you are willing to pay it.

I paid more for mine, which had been refurbished and is serving me well as my primary machine.

However if it were going to require servicing and possible refurbish, that would be way more than I would want to pay.

Thanks for the quick replies. Y'all echoed what I was thinking inside. The machines though work, do show wear and chips of at one time having a hard life. I would want to get them refurbished. So it is too much for me. I would pay that price if they looked newer.

The going rate seems to be $200 or more for them. At $200 I would find one in better condition with a good case and decals and maybe a few accessories thrown in. $35 is more than I would pay for the zigzag attachment. As far as I know any low shank attachments will fit those machines and zigzaggers can be had for much less.
Rodney

Here that would be a good price.

Down here that would be a good price even for a non-working missing parts ugly condition machine. I still wouldn't buy it because so many will not let you test it to see if it would at least turn on or run. I carry a Ziploc with swatch of material to test. One antique/rummage (more rummage than antique) dealer had a machine (electric) for sale for $400.00. Didn't have the cord, manual and no attachments. Smelled like moth balls. Also no bobbin case. He had chains attached so no one would walk away with it. Mind you this was not even in a cabinet!

I paid $325.00 for mine but, I had been looking for one a long time so I was motivated when I saw this one. Mine has all of the original decals in place, all of the attachments and the original box. It does have one scratch on it that is noticeable and I wanted the scroll rather than the geometric design on the end. So I was being very picky.

featherweight
 

Just make sure it's a "real" vintage machine...Not a "want -a-be"...They look alike, so check the serial number before giving a big price for it....

She can probably get $200 for it, but sounds like you are holding out for better condition. I don't blame you. I am willing to pay $200 (a good price, not great, in this Baltimore market) for one's that's been serviced and ready to sew, with nice decals and a really sleek. But for a machine that doesn't do a whole lot other than run well and look good, it better look REALLY good because my other machines will do much more.

I was at an antique show this past weekend and saw 2 featherweights. One was $285, had a case but was worn. The other had great decals and some attachments with the case. The price on that one was $425.

I paid $280 for my first one, $225 for the second. The third was free with the FW cabinet and the fourth was $50. I'll buy more if I come across one in good condition for a good price. I still think they are money in the bank. And, I use mine.... and love them.

I bought my FW 9 yrs. ago, and paid $500.00 for it. At the time, there were very few available in our area. It was in very good shape, and had had very little sewing done on it. I know I paid a lot for it. Since that time, I have been told that a lot have come on the market. I love it, and it has not given me one minute of trouble Enjoy! Mariah.

I have three FWs which I paid a range of 'free' up to $200. I wouldn't worry too much about price. Do what makes you happy. Value is relative. Get it only if you really want it. Good luck!

I wouldn't pay $200 for a dull well used FW. You live in Florida, there are tons there. Tell everyone you know you're looking to buy one.....place a want ad on CL, carry a picture of one with you. ALWAYS check to see if the bobbin holder is there before you buy. Good Luck!

I was at the sale but didn't look at the machines...But I picked one up for under $100 at an estate sale in Rockledge with the attachments, manual, etc. If you really want one now- go for it. If you just want one to have, you can shop the estate sales and get a better price. Either way you will love your little treasure!!!

Featherweight prices are all over the place.. It is what you are willing to pay... When I was in search of the elusive FW I was told that there were very hard to find... BULL! They are everywhere and there is no shortage of them.. I think telling folks they are hard to find is a ploy to drive up the prices.. I do love my featherweight, it sews like a little thrashing machine, but however I do think they are overpriced... If you feel comfortable paying $200 and it is in good shape that is up to you. There are reproduction FW's out there so if you are going to buy one do some research and make sure you are getting an authentic FW.

If you lived in northern Michigan that would be a good price for a decent FW that needs a little maintenance. 2011 I bought one off ebay for 200 and put about 75 in it to be refurbished- it's great; has a case and attachments. Late that year I bought one from a quilt store that sells them and paid $350 had a scroll face which was looking for to replace my grandma's I lost in our house fire. Currently the FW here are going over $400 depending on condition after refurbishing and many are a good $500. So to me $200 is good price. I do love mine. Just bought a table in decent shape for $100!

You keep saying " featherweight " BUT, are they 221's, 222's or 301's? 221's with a blue circle on the badge will be a centennial and be worth about $50.00 more than one that has a regular badge no matter what shape it's in. 222's on the other hand are well worth about $75.00 to $100.00 more. 301's are slant needle and it depends on your preference.
Serial numbers would do a world of good in these cases.